ChristmasGrade SchoolKindergartnersPreschoolers74 Comments
Non-toy gifts for kids, you say? Is it possible for boys?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve about had it with toys.
Every year before Christmas we seem to start going through toys and I am always dumbfounded by all the toys they have.
Not only that, but all the GREAT toys they have, but yet never get played with.
Or are just forgotten about… because there’s never enough room to have them out all the time.
This year I’ve been thinking outside the box and finding non-toy gifts for my boys and even my nephews. Because even though my kids will always want another Hot Wheel or Front-End Loader. How many do they really need? I mean, really?
I have three boys, so I’m thinking of non-toy gifts for kids, but I do have only boys, so these may be a little biased. And just to put it out there, my boys are 7, 5 and 3 right now. So gift guide of ideas that are not toys are perfect for kids in the 3 to 7 year old age range.
These presents really do make the best, most meaningful gifts for kids.
20+ Non-Toy Gift Guide for Kids, Especially Boys
This list contains affiliate links to help you find non-toy gifts for kids that also help support Hands On As We Grow at the same time.
Practical (and fun!) Gifts for Kids
These gifts are definitely not toys and are more on the useful side. Kids may tend to not think they’re the most fun gift to receive, so when you go this route, so with something special.
Make it their favorite character, or favorite color, or something fun about it that’s not the usual.
These have been exceptional ideas of non-toy gifts for my boys.
- Wallet. My kids hoard their birthday and Christmas money. And they get super excited to take it shopping to pick out the very perfect toy (usually a Lego set). But I hate seeing them flailing their money in their hands as we walk through the store. My oldest got a wallet a couple years ago and he feels very grown up with it (and man, he looks so responsible too!) I personally like the plain wallets the best. But if you like characters, there’s tons of options out there!
- Piggy Bank. If your boys don’t have a piggy bank yet, they need one! Even in addition to the wallet. The sound of the change going in is priceless. My boys have my old piggy bank from when I was a kid (old, sturdy metal), a classic metal piggy bank with their name engraved on it, and a ceramic piggy bank that my sister-in-law painted herself and had fired in a kiln (many art centers can do this for you). You can even find the metal ones in shapes your boy might be interested in, such as a train, dinosaur, or just a pig!
- Book Light. Anything to make reading super fun, right? My kids all have lamps next to their beds, but for some reason, a book light is just so much more fun! And my kids are Lego fans, so why not a Lego Book Light? They come in Lego colors!
- Posters or Signs. I know my kids are super proud to hang something on display in their rooms. It’s their territory, their domain, and their posters and signs show who they are. Get a poster of a favorite movie, such as The Lego Movie, or find something they’re super interested in. Signs are an awesome, more permanent decoration. I love vintage metal (tin) signs for the boys (football player, tractor, train station).
- Sleeping Bag. Even if you’re not a camper, sleeping bags are special thing for kids. Our kids use them in forts all the time. They make it their own special outing. And they’re also great for having a sleepover, even if its in their brother’s room! (Again, you can find character sleeping bags like crazy, we like classic things that they won’t outgrow and opted for these Coleman sleeping bags and have been super happy with them.)
- Fun Socks and Underwear. Okay, okay, what kid wants underwear? But they’re needed! Just make it fun! You can get socks and underwear with characters that they’re interested in (I’m okay with it in this case since they wear out or outgrow them, its just when they’re more permanent items that I don’t like characters). Or find some fun ones they will love to wear, such as these dragon socks, car socks, or just cool-looking sport socks! Same thing with underwear, my boys are actually fans of the boxer brief! Bright colored boxer-briefs, superhero boxer briefs, camoflage boxer briefs.
- Very Cool Nightlight. My middle son has had the most awesome truck nightlight for a couple of years now. And the other boys just have the standard nightlights, with absolutely no character to them whatsoever! Its time to upgrade! More along the same lines, there’s lots the boys will love, a dinosaur night light, robot night light, or even a cute monster night light!
- Flashlight. Every single year. This is a non-toy gift that the boys could never, ever (ever) get enough of! Why are flashlights so much fun anyway? We like the simple, little flashlights best. But, better than those, if you want to really treat them special, get them headlamps!
Inspire Kids Creativity and Discovery without Toys
These are the gifts that keep on creating more and more fun! They’re meaningful and the best to create more memories in the upcoming months.
To add to these presents, tack on a coupon to them with a date to spend time with the kids creating these together!
- Paper Planes Kit. My kids have never gotten into making paper airplanes yet. I found this super awesome paper planes kit that comes with cute paper and directions to make so many different kinds of planes. Over Thanksgiving break, their cousins taught them how to fold a paper plane, and now this will be perfect!
- Puzzles or Games. On my boys’ Christmas lists are puzzles. My 7 year old can do 500 and 1000 piece puzzles (Tractor Puzzle). Where my 5 year old is doing 100 piece puzzles (Robot Puzzle). My 3 year old is doing 24 piece puzzles (Dinosaur Puzzle). I also am looking into classic games for my kids. I found an old-school Simon game for my oldest that I’m super excited about!
- Digital Camera. While phones and tablets are taking the place of simple point and shoot cameras, it won’t hurt them to learn how to use a camera!
- Magazine Subscription. My kids get super excited when they get mail! The Lego Club offers a free subscription to their magazine. Highlights and Ranger Rick are other paid subscriptions.
- Art & Craft Supplies. Yes, oh my gosh, boys love to get creative too! You can simply make your own homemade activity box with our must-have supply list. Or get a subscription activity box, either a one time box or monthly! We love Green Kid Crafts! I just ordered the Volcanoes, Detective Science and Kitchen Science Discover Boxes to have at Grandma’s house over the holidays.
- Real Toolbox and Tools. One of my oldest’s favorite gifts he’s ever gotten is a real toolbox with real tools just like dad. The trick is to get the real deal, just find smaller versions. This is the small toolbox he has. Add a small hammer, tape measure and screwdriver and they’re set to help fix!
Non-Toy Gifts for Kids That Encourage Learning
Of course, more hands-on learning ideas!
- Analog Watch. For kids that are learning to tell time, an analog watch a must! If they’re younger, try a digital one. If you can find a combo of both, that’s the winning ticket, this way they can read the time on the digital and compare it to the analog to learn. Again, I don’t usually choose character products, but there’s lots to choose from (Cars watch, Batman watch, Star Wars watch).
- Fun Calendar. Find a calendar that fits their interests (do they like Star Wars? Dinosaurs? Farming?). Or you can’t go wrong with a super fun calendar like this kids activity calendar that gives kids places to draw and is interactive!
- Telescope, Binoculars or a Magnifying Glass. These are perfect for any kid that has questions. Why not look a little further to find the answer? Instead of buying a ‘toy’ one of these, look for the real deal, but easy to use for kids, such as this telescope, this set of binoculars and this magnifying glass.
- Radio. Talk about old school, right? This is on my oldest’s list. And again, while you could use Spotify or Apple Music through your phone or tablet, my kids don’t have their own yet (they share an iPad). I think we will be opting for a classic old-school radio that only plays local radio stations. But this wi-fi music player looks awesome if money was no object.
Experiences are the Best, Most Meaningful Presents (Presence!) You Can Give!
Giving a gift card to something fun to do with the kids, is a definite winner for a gift that’s not a toy, plus super meaningful! Maybe instead of just sending a gift card, write a letter to your child planning a day together!
- Movie Tickets or DVDs. Movies are a special treat to my kids. It only happens once or twice a year. A couple of movie tickets to the local theater are an awesome idea! Even watching them at home is a big deal! This year I’m excited to check out Inside Out and Minions for the kids.
- Bowling passes. Or children’s museum passes, zoo passes, waterpark passes, mini golf passes, swimming passes. What do you have in your area? I know we have a cool laser tag place that the boys would love to spend a day at!
- Fishing Pole & Gear. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but we have yet to take any of our boys fishing! And we can walk to the river here. It’s a shame really, fishing is a classic memory for most little boys. Here’s a classic fishing pole perfect for little hands. Of course, again, you can get characters too if you like!
What would you add to the list of gifts to get kids, that aren’t even toys?
Did I miss any?
I’d love to collect the best ideas of non-toy gifts for boys and kids in general and keep adding to this gift guide, so if you have any ideas that are not toys to share, please share it in the comments for others to find too.
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kimberly says
A small tent for the yard (or bedroom) has been a hit for 2 years now
A foldable electric piano to start learning, or child size ukelele if a bit older
Their own safety goggles to wear when helping dad do projects with power tools
Tickets to a music show or theater. my 5 year old is oddly obsessed with classical music and is so excited to go to the symphony!
Small trampoline, hopper ball, sit and spin- anything to keep them moving!
kidya says
this is great idea , thanks for sharing
Sleeping Bag and Fun Calendar was best
kidya says
this is great idea , thanks for sharing
moein says
Polishing dolls are one of the best gifts for children. Polishing dolls have a great impact on children. Chichillas doll shop has a variety of animal polishing dolls.
https://chichilas.co/product-category/dolls/
https://chichilas.co/
Connie says
Love all your suggestions! Thank you. I would add a special outing. I’m close enough to the Ark Encounter / Creation Museum to take my grandsons. Boys also like zoos, train rides, hikes, sporting events, etc. A book about the adventure is great to give in anticipation of the actual event. And the gift of time together is priceless!
Hector Queen says
Amazing post! Thanks for sharing this. You can also add children’s bunk beds, handmade bean bags & pouffes, boys retro T-Shirts or kids stylish wool slippers. I think they can also be very interesting for the boy’s gift items.
hannah says
These gifts are great for girls too! For our two toddlers (18m and 3) this year we went with gardening kits: small tools, watering can, and small gloves. It was a hit!
Rachel says
That’s awesome! My girls would love those too!
Lauren says
This is an awesome list! Thanks for the inspiration!
Elizabeth says
I have two girls and every one of these things is something they have asked for or have. They are all gender neural and beloved by both genders. Why not change the title of your list to Non-Toys for 3 – 7 year olds? Instead of for boys??
LIsa says
Here is a list of gifts I am getting my boys that are not toys. My boys are a bit younger so I’m getting them growth charts, a book from lostmyname.com which spells out their name in the story, a keepsake paper from the day they were born from bkeepsake.com, and a photobook of their family members that they don’t get to see very often because of distance.
Angela S says
Thank you! This is a terrific list. I know you posted last year, but I just found it while looking for birthday ideas for a kid who doesn’t enjoy toys.
Brandon says
I don’t know why this list is boy specific, there are no gifts on this list that wouldn’t be equally appropriate for a girl… Stupid.
Jamie Reimer says
Its boy specific because I have three boys. That’s all.
Elaine says
Museum memberships are always awesome! We also like to go with clothes for the kids for Christmas. Or any type of opportunity to create memories like a trip somewhere. Bath products, snacks, and even gift cards.
Emma says
I purchased a set of IOU cards from a shop a few years ago …what I loved was that each and every one wasn’t something and then end of, it was an activity or a journey or quality time spent together..so things like thinking of an arts 6 crafts project & going to buy all the materials and then doing it, or … a journey to the countryside…or pick a map and choose a destination…or make a picnic and eat it in our pyjamas (something my 14 yr old still loves to plan and do!) …..
Miam says
I believe these are good gifts for girls too :)
Cori Laux says
a membership to the local children’s museum or YMCA are always good. I always let grandparents know of things like that when my kids were younger. or to help cover cost of a lesson or sport that the child is interested in or maybe a class of some sort.
Betina Myrick says
Share your “Time”,
a special day with daddy, mommy or grandparents.
Take only one of them to a zoo or go swimming , ice skating or whatever you like.
Just one of them as a special moment.
Merry Christmas from Berlin, Germany
Connie says
Boys never grow out of a terrarium.
Another thing my son has loved since he was two and we pulled it out again to play with today (he’s 7) is our homemade paramedic kit. He just loves treating the hurt and ill.
Jill says
You just have to make sure you start with a big enough terrarium!!!!!!!!!!!
Lauren says
A book on how to do magic tricks. Boys and girls like doing “amazing” tricks that impress adults.
A season pass to something they like (i.e. indoor playground, skiing, etc).
Sarah g says
hooded bath towels
sheets
Music CDs
Slippers
Overnight bag
Books
Jo says
A good list for children of any gender! My girls would love most of these suggestions and will be getting a few of these things in their stocking. Father Christmas always delivers some books, board games, arts and crafts bits, socks, welly boots, bath stuff…
Becca says
Hello. In my country Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus only bring gifts for the nice kids.
karoline says
gardening kit – gloves, small trowel, small rake, kneeling pad , seeds etc
gift certificates for activity time – date with mum or dad, weekend or night at grandmas,
sleepover at aunties,
movie and popcorn night, day at the beach/park including picnic etc
kitchen kit – apron, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, cookie cutters in fave shapes (older children can even have the bowl full of ingredients for their fave sweet treat or savoury one too
movie basket – full of goodies, drinks , popcorn and a dvd
passes to entertainment places- recreation centre, zoo, water park etc
this takes more work but trips within the community – fire station, police station, grocery store, pizza place, etc – all with advance notice allow tours
Bridget says
My 7-yr-old asked for his own digital alarm clock this year. I also like to give books as presents—my son is getting the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid and my daughter will be getting Ramona Q.
Dani says
We’re giving bath products in their stocking.
Dee S. says
I’m not sure if dress-up counts as toys, but my boys are all about pretend so we stocked up on the post Halloween sales and got various masks, hats, capes, tails, etc. My 2 & 4 yr old boys will have a blast being knights, dragons, superheros, transformers, animals, etc.
Erika says
Our boys’ family Christmas list is a membership to Sci-port, a fun science museum in our area. Our 4 yr. old is getting an interactive, robotic dog. Their other gifts are all activities, books, board games, or educational things- no toys this year for us either!
Erika says
oh yeah- we gave them exercise stuff too! They have lots of kids exercise things… yoga mats, water bottles, dvd’s for dancing and yoga and more! They even have children weights!
Liz Scott says
My kids also love Christmas decorations that play music or move, so each year Nana or Great Grandma buys a new Christmas decoration just for them. We are moving soon and th kids are going to have their own lofted playroom. We will be able to decorate this area with the decorations bought specifically for them!
Liz Scott says
Each year we make an ornament with the kids and when they turn 18 and head to college or move out, we are going to collect each of the ornaments and so they have ornaments to start their own tree. While it’s not a true “gift” it will be in the future and it’s a fun holiday tradition.
Amanda N. says
I’m getting a backpack for my 2 year old and a piggy bank for the baby.
Preeti says
Hi Jamie!
Belated happy birthday, God bless you dear…
Today is my birthday…. We both are Sagittarius…..Wowwwwwww
For non toys gift
1. Archery
2. Darts
3. Geometry box
4. Story books
Enjoy….. N thanks
Abbie says
Make a coupon book with fun things: alone time w mom or dad, pass on a chore(s), small amt of money to spend as they choose, stay up until ?, pick family movie for the night, choose family game to play, etc. They give you the coupon in exchange for what they use. I did this with my kids when they were younger and they loved it!
Nikki says
Passes to family friendly places: Children’s Museum, sledding or ski hills, movie passes, sports camps, etc. I love this list as we are moving away from buying toys for our nieces and this will help come up with other ideas.
Renee B says
Humidifier, crayons, coloring books, chapter books series, museum pass
Angela says
Hey, great non toy list! This year we have bought our daughter a globe and an electric toothbrush. Will be adding a reading light and cinema tickets to my list though.
Tugce says
Light-up planeteriums are on my mind. :mrgreen:
Jennifer buster says
I was actually thinking about giving my kids a membership to the local kids museum or zoo. They love both of those places:)
Carissa says
Summer camp, park district classes, sports team signup
Amy says
We are giving our son, not including clothes, who will be a month away from three:
A) a real, but small, drum kit
B) a flashlight, but a fun one
C) a shoulder bag
D) binoculars
E) a globe
F) either a backyard play house or things indicative of activities (sports, dance, gymnastics, music) he may participate in :)
delight says
My kids loved to mess around on the piano. I got them interested by teaching them simple songs first so they could learn to play something, and THEN taught some of the basic piano lessons. You can get a decent electric piano for under $100. Our Christmas tradition is that the kids get gifts of “gold” (something more expensive), frankincense (used by everyone), and myrrh (practical like socks and pajamas). An electric piano could go for either gold or frankincense… My kids really stepped up their skills when I made the rule that they had to play 30 minutes doing something constructive on the piano of their choice before they could do something that turns their brain to mush (T.V. or video games) At first they groaned about the rule, but now all of my kids play the piano for fun without a reward.
delight says
…now that my kids are older, this year our “gold” is a high end guitar. Another year our “gold” was a microscope. If you live in a snowy area, sleds make good gifts too. -It’s technically a toy, but one that gets them moving. I should mention we also live on a hill.
Anitha says
Hi these are great suggesstions.. great as always
you could add on 1) designer scissors – scissors which cut with different patterns, 2) scrap books 3) stickers of different varieties – it always comes handy when we recycle stuff in our art projects and home art 4) colours and crayons (they are always useful and short in supply) 5) stencils of different shapes and sizes.
April says
– A ‘real’ short handled shovel for digging.
– Kid’s wheelbarrow (True Temper makes a great one for kids)
– Cozy throw blanket with a favorite character
– Photo album: Fill with photos taken by the kids or use as a ‘gallery’ of kids drawings made on 3×5 index cards (my son loves to do this!)
– Musical instrument such as a keyboard or harmonica
– Whittling kit would be great for older kids
– Kid-friendly kitchen gear – cutting board, peeler, etc. (Kid Chef nylon knives get lots of use at our house)
p.s. – I’m always finding inspiration for my 4 and 6 year old boys on your site! Thank you!
Rebecca G says
I’ve seen a site for a homemade teepee (tipi?) which I plan to do when my 3 yr old is older. He is mechanically minded, so when he turns 4 this summer, I’d like to get him some kind of box – think tackle box, make-up caddy, sewing box – or set of boxes that have lots of lids, drawers, and latches. I plan to fill it with lots of little things – mini flashlight, padlock and key, nuts and bolts, tape measure, screwdrivers with changeable heads, and any other things I can find in the dollar section of the hardware store that let him do things with his hands.
Jennifer says
Spy kits or decoder activity pads
Icy making kit (snoopy kind are fun!)
Dinosaur scoops to dig in snow or sand
New sled
Cool ornament of tv character or book they like
Sports team jersey or hat
Ileana says
I love this idea! I am trying to get away from toys as well and whenever possible, stuff all together. I’ve been trying to move towards experiential gifts. For the past two years our son’s participation in the school ski club was his “big” gift. This year we bought tickets to take our daughter to the local arts centre to watch the live tour of So You Think You Can Dance because she LOVED the show.
I am on a quest to build upon our list of potential experiential gifts.
Vanessa L says
A homemade balance beam was one of my favorite gifts ever and my FIL made one for my niece and it’s a big hit with all the kids. My boys love Starbucks so gift cards there with a special date are fun. Swim lessons, app or music gift cards like iTunes or google play, new sheets, cool character hooded towels, hammock, swings, placemat are some other ideas. My in laws bought an outdoor dome climber for our backyard and our boys play on it constantly.
Vanessa L says
We’ve done cooking class at a local place and trampoline or bounce place passes.
Erica says
My in-laws are getting a swimming lesson voucher for my 3yo and my folks are getting a two-wheeler bike and training wheels.
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan says
I love this list Jamie! I have a 3 year old & 6 year old and I have been struggling to think of gifts that aren’t toys. I especially love the idea of a mini-toolbox with real tools!
My other ideas are books, and I bought my 6 year old a recorder music book with songs from Harry Potter.
Dyana says
Curious Chef knife set. Yes, an actual knife set! My son loves to help his dad cook- specifically he loves to help chop. He is six but has been safely using real kitchen knives with his dad since he was about three. Curious chef makes a great kid friendly set. We don’t actually own the set but a friend of mine got it for her five year old last Christmas and he loves to help her cook now. I think they also have some bakers and pizza makers sets as well if you are nervous about the idea of knives.
Tonie says
Blanket fort kit
Camping mess kit
Garden tools
Faigi says
Great list!
Sports equipment (bats balls glove hockey sticks roller blades)
Corie says
This year we’re getting my 3.5 year old a real dust buster. Nice for the whole family and he’ll love getting to clean up his own messes!
Amanda says
I have a 4 year old boy, and 2 year old girl, and nieces/nephews as well. We’re big on non toy presents, so here are some of our favorites: books, hats, a whistle for camping, balls, pool noodles (for so many uses, not just with water), camp chair, their own pillow case, stickers, slippers, head lamp, containers for treats/toys, water bottles! We also look out for second hand bikes/balance bikes, these have been our main present several times.
Noreen says
Great list! One of our non-toy gifts for our daughter this year is yarn for finger knitting. Or thin yarn and burlap with a plastic blunt needle is great for beginning sewing activities.
Summer says
Robe
slippers
Favorite character blanket or pillowcase
Sarah says
New pens, pencils, erasers & notebooks. Our little guy doesn’t really like coloring books, but loves a fresh notebook!
Cynthia willey says
Our neighborhood is thick with kids and this year, I convinced four other moms on my block to buy compatible walkie-talkies. Now, 11 kids on the block can make plans, share secrets or play spy games. I am pretty sure they will be a big hit!
Jenna says
Walkie talkies!
Angie says
Maybe a giftcard to a favorite ice cream place with a coupon that says “Just you and Mom” or “Dad.” A child with siblings would probably look forward to a special date with one parent. Would be great from a grandparent, aunt or uncle as well. Obviously, you could make it for a meal or another special outing as well.
Jamie Reimer says
Yes!! Love this :)
Jan Cowan says
Don’t forget to let your kids shop at a bookstore.
My favorite grandma treasures are my collection of antique kitchen gadgets that kids love:
Various orange juice squeeze gadgets, Apple peeler corer and slicer, electric popcorn popper with the yellow cover that allows you to watch the corn pop. Ice cream maker, meat grinder that screws on to the table, A potato ricer, Butter maker…a jar works when shook long enough. I found most items at garage sales.
Julie Shah says
Great list! This year I have bought my son a cute storybook about ants, and an ant farm. The live ants will shipped right before Christmas (order online).
Jamie Reimer says
Oooh I like the ant farm idea, how old is he?
Kasia says
Great list! I always look for different things for gifts as my son doesn’t really like most of ‘normal’ toys. I would add a globe, compass, stop watch and binoculars :)
Jamie Reimer says
Oh great additions!! My kids would love a stopwatch and I never thought of that! They’re always racing to see who’s fastest.