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Toys are often the “go-to” gift for kids, but there are so many other options you should consider gifting.
Hopefully our gift guide hierarchy will inspire you to think outside the (toy) box.
EXPERIENCES
The best gift you can give a child is an experience, and the memories that come with it.
Examples:
- Annual Memberships
- Zoo, Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Theme Park, etc.
- Tickets
- Special Event, Play, Festival, Show, Zoo, Museum, etc.
- Outing
- Park, Playground, Ice cream, Putt-putt golf, Bowling, etc.
- Lessons
- Swim, Karate, Dance, Music, Art, Soccer, etc.
PRACTICAL ITEMS
This category of gift ideas includes items that you (or the parents) would have gotten the child regardless.
Examples:
- Clothing items (especially “special items” like bathing suits, gloves, mittens, jackets, raincoats, rain boots)
- Sunglasses
- Swim goggles
- Child-sized furniture
- Feeding utensils (cups, plates, etc.)
- Bath towel
- Bedsheets
- Room decor
- Sleeping bag
- Suitcase
- Items needed for an upcoming activity
- Cleats for soccer lessons
- Ballet shoes for dance class
- Consumables
- Food or snack items, especially special items that the child doesn’t get often
- Soap/body wash
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Bubble bath
- Nail Polish
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Money
- Never too young to save for college!
ART/CRAFT SUPPLIES
Examples:
- Crayons
- Markers
- Scissors
- Coloring Books
- Chalk
- Paint
- Craft Kits
BOOKS
We are HUGE book lovers in this house, but we also frequent the library and encourage others to do the same. When gifting books, consider those books that the library doesn’t have (or types of books that just don’t fair well at the library, like lift/flap books).
Examples:
- For babies:
- For babies and younger children:
- Touch and Feel books
- Lift and Flap books
- For older children:
- Books from their favorite series
- Journal/Write-in type books
Toys
If you do decide to gift a toy, know that all toys are not created equal. The best types of toys are:
- Open ended toys (like these Grimm’s wooden toys)
- Gross motor toys
- Outdoor toys
- Educational toys (like these STEM, Physics and Dinosaur toys)
And please be mindful, do your research and consider whether the toys you buy are:
- Eco-friendly (like the ones in this GIFT GUIDE)
- Non-toxic (like THESE) and
- Ethically made