Non-Toy Gifts For Kids: 90 Inspired Idea
Overwhelmed with toys? Need some non-toy gifts for kids that aren’t lame? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ve curated a collection of 90+ epic gifts that will delight your kids without adding to the massive pile of toys you already have. Ready to get started?
Our Top Picks For Non-Toy Gifts For Kids
- ✅ The Camkory Digital Camera
- ✅ Pretzel Making Kit
- ✅ Suziko Flower Press
- ✅ Child Size Sewing Machine
- ✅ Butterfly Garden
- ✅ An Anthology of Intriguing Animals
- ✅ Snap Circuits Kits
- ✅ Victorinox Swiss Army Junior
In A Hurry?
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Engage Curiosity and Learning With Science Kits
Science gifts are perfect for engaging children’s natural curiosity and promoting hands-on learning. These non-toy gifts for kids teach children about the wonders of the world and could even spark a lifelong passion.
Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden offers a fascinating and interactive experience with butterflies. The set has everything you need to raise a batch of butterflies, including a voucher that can be redeemed for live caterpillars. Please note shipping is only provided across the continental USA and Alaska.
Looking for other animal themed gifts? Click here for great list of gifts for kids who love animals.
Sillbird Solar-Powered Robots
This kit stretches the definition of a non-toy gift, but we thought it was worth including! The Sillbird Solar-Powered Robots kit provides a hands-on, engaging way for kids to learn about robotics. It has plans for 12 robots at varying complexity levels. The robots run on solar power, so no batteries are required.
Snap Circuits
The Snap Circuits Kits are an award-winning educational set that offer a fascinating introduction to the world of electrical circuits. The assembly requires no extra tools and allows children to create all kinds of fun gadgets! Easy to use and a lot of fun.
Snap Circuit Kit For Younger Kids
Snap Circuit Kit For Older Kids
Geode Kit
This Premium Geodes Kit is the perfect introduction to the world of geology for young explorers. It offers children the opportunity to break open rocks and discover an array of stunning geodes. What kid doesn’t like smashing things open?
Looking for other nature gifts? Click here for great list of gifts for kids who love nature.
Soap Making Kit
Step into a prehistoric adventure with the Dino Soap Making Kit! This kit offers an introduction to the science of soap making, and kids will love to make six dinosaur soaps to use.
Little Live Aqua Dragons
This interactive kit lets kids hatch and raise Aqua Dragons in a specially designed, water-filled tank.
In just 48 hours, the tiny eggs transform into lively aquatic creatures. My son had one of these kits, and these little creatures captivated the whole family.
A Word about Telescopes and Microscopes
You might think that telescopes and microscopes seem like a good choice. However, you will not find any on my list.
I do not believe they provide good value for money. All you can do with a microscope is look at the pre-made slides.
Telescopes are the same. I can guarantee they will end up as expensive dust collectors.
My preference lies in gifts that nurture continuous exploration and hands-on interaction.
For instance, an item such as a magnifying glass paves the way for endless discovery, allowing kids to inspect everything from little bugs to intriguing rocks and natural materials.
It’s an engaging, versatile gift that is a much better choice for long-term play and learning.
Books as Thoughtful Non-Toy Gifts For Kids
We want our children to grow up with a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them. Books create a gateway into a world of wonder and exploration. They are the perfect non-toy gifts for kids.
It was hard to settle on just a few books, but these are my favorites.
An Anthology of Intriguing Animals
“An Anthology of Intriguing Animals” is an exquisite book that reveals the fascinating realm of wildlife through stunning images and captivating illustrations.
Poodunnit: How to Track Animals by their Poop, Footprints, and More!
“Poodunnit is a quirky, educational book that indulges kids’ fascination with poop! It helps kids learn how to identify the signs of different animals by examining things like droppings and footprints.
Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids
“Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids” contains 20 fun projects, including designs for bots that glow, draw, walk, climb, and more. With clear instructions accompanied by 200 step-by-step, full-color photos, this book is a great gift.
The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook
The “Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook” is an enchanting guidebook presented as a field manual. This book delves into the imaginary history and biology of unicorns.
Do you have kids that love unicorns? Click here to see our collection of unicorn gifts.
Children Who Dance in the Rain
“Children Who Dance in the Rain” is a heartwarming story that introduces us to Sophie, a young girl who spends most of her time on her iPad. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she gets to visit India, a place she only knew about from storybooks.
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids
“Low-Mess Crafts for Kids” is a fun and easy craft book designed for kids. It’s full of low-mess craft ideas grouped by themes.
The book provides a list of materials for each craft and step-by-step instructions, making it easy to follow along.
All the projects are rated according to difficulty, so you can pick the right ones for your child’s age.
The Mysteries of the Universe
“The Mysteries of the Universe” is a fun and easy-to-understand book for kids who love space. It discusses over 100 space-related phenomena, like planets, asteroids, black holes, and galaxies.
The photographs and illustrations are stunning and will fascinate your kids. The book also shares cool facts and stories about space.
My Book of Rocks and Minerals
“My Book of Rocks and Minerals” is fun and engaging read for kids interested in geology. This book introduces 64 different types of rocks and minerals. It helps kids learn how to identify these geological materials, where to find them, and how they form over time.
The book even includes fun activities like starting a rock collection and how to stay safe while on rock-finding missions. This book is written in easy-to-understand language for kids aged 6 to 9.
That’s Gross! Icky Facts That Will Test Your Gross-Out Factor
“That’s Gross!” is a lively and humorous book that delves into the fascinating world of all things ‘eww.’ Kids will be captivated by its skin-crawling truths, disgusting photos, and high-interest subjects. They won’t even realize how much they’re learning.
The Dinosaur Book
“The Dinosaur Book” is a cool book full of pictures and facts about dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. It has over 1,000 pictures showing everything from tiny bugs to big dinosaurs and early mammals.
Out of the Box: 25 Cardboard Engineering Projects for Makers
“Out of the Box” is an imaginative and resourceful book that inspires kids to turn everyday cardboard into creative masterpieces. This book shows children how to transform an ordinary cardboard box into amazing projects like castles, pirate ships, and even wearable Pharaoh’s finery.
Printable Non-Toy Gifts For Kids
In this section, we will look at some printable non-toy gifts for kids. These unique gift ideas are not only budget-friendly, but they also offer endless possibilities for play and learning. So, say goodbye to cluttered playrooms and hello to hours of imaginative fun with these exciting printable gifts that your kids will absolutely love!
Nature Journal
Discover the joys of the natural world with this Printable Nature Journal, a perfect gift for curious young minds. This beautifully illustrated journal invites children to document their discoveries and observations in their very own unique way.
Comic Book Kit
This Printable Comic Book Kit is a fun and creative gift that will keep kids busy for hours. It’s an ideal resource for kids who adore comics, as it gives them the tools to create their very own comic book adventure.
Secret Codes
Step into the world of mysteries with the Secret Codes For Kids printable. This fun and engaging resource introduces children to five different ciphers and codes. The guide has 15 pages full of interesting codes and ciphers, fun practice activities, a cover page, and two handy pages of tips for parents.
Gratitude Journal
Our Printable Gratitude Journal for Kids, filled with fun monsters, is a wonderful way to nurture gratitude in your child.
This journal will encourage positive thinking, build a sense of happiness, and encourage creativity. It’s simple to use. Just print the pages you want and pop them in a binder!
Growth Mindset Coloring Pages
These Affirmation Coloring Pages have 6 coloring pages designed to instill a growth mindset in children.
They are filled with cute animals and powerful positive affirmations tailored for kids. As children colors, they learn and absorb the affirmations, cultivating a mindset of positivity and resilience.
Non-Toy Gifts To Help Kids Learn New Skills
This next section explores non-toy gifts for kids that will foster new skills. Not only are these types of gifts more practical, but they also offer long-lasting benefits for your child’s development.
From baking kits to cooking classes, there are plenty of options for non-toy gifts that can be fun and educational. We have curated a list of gifts to ignite curiosity, boost confidence, and foster lifelong learning. So, prepare to think outside the box and surprise your kids with gifts they’ll appreciate!
Real Tools
I’m a big fan of giving children real tools when ready. A real tool set can be an excellent gift, fostering practical skills and encouraging a sense of responsibility and safety while working with their hands.
Kids will love the 8-Piece Kids Junior Tool Set from Craftsman. This set is the real deal and not play toys.
Each tool, from the pliers to the stubby claw hammer, is made from durable, rust-proof forged steel that can stand up to even the most enthusiastic young builders.
The tools are compact and light, tailored to fit comfortably in tiny hands. The set comes tool bag. I would also buy a set of safety glasses to go with the tools.
Pair the tools with a few books, and you’ll have a great gift.
Here are some I found
Gifts To Teach Children How To Bake
Learning to bake is an enriching and enjoyable experience for children. Not only does it introduce them to the culinary arts, but it also teaches valuable skills such as measuring and following recipes.
And what better way to enhance the experience than by giving them gifts they can use in their baking adventures?
Apron
Arm your little chefs with their own aprons sized just for them. This gift makes them feel like a pro in the kitchen. H Better aprons come in a variety of colors and have adjustable straps. They are made from Polyester, so they wash up beautifully.
Baketivity Cooking Sets
Baketivity sets provide an all-inclusive, fun-filled baking experience. Each kit features
- vacuum-packed, ready-made dry ingredients,
- brightly illustrated, easy-to-follow recipe
- bake-along video featuring Gourmet Chef Madison
While these sets take care of the essentials, remember that you’ll need to provide kitchen utensils and wet ingredients. I picked out 3 that my boys would have loved to make
Pretzel Kit
Monster Cupcakes
Unicorn Cookies
You can buy a special set of kids-sized utensils to go with these kits. To be honest, I think most children can use the utensils in your kitchen.
Parent tip: Some reviewers said the brown sugar in the kits had turned into a solid block. Place the hard sugar block into a plastic container with a piece of bread. Replace the lid and leave overnight. In the morning the sugar will be soft and the bread will be stale.
Set of Safe Kitchen Knives
As mentioned, I firmly believe in equipping children with the right tools and teaching them safe use. Most children can learn to use kitchen knives safely. However, that requires constant supervision.
The Tovla Kitchen Knives help kids learn to use knives safely. These kids-sized knives are sharp enough to cut fruit and vegetables but won’t accidentally cut your kid’s hands.
Your children can chop fruit and vegetables without you hovering over them. It’s a wonderful gift that encourages both culinary skills and independence.
Cooking Books For Kids
Cooking books are the perfect gift for budding young chefs. These books can fuel a child’s interest in cooking while providing a useful resource for learning new skills.
National Geographic Rock Tumbler
A Rock Starter Tumbler Kit introduced my middle son to a love of geology at an early age. He was less interested in creating jewelry but loved transforming rough rocks into beautifully polished stones, which he proudly displayed.
This kit from National Geographic is designed to last. It can withstand multiple batches of rocks thanks to its durable motor. Its rubber-lined, leak-proof barrel ensures quieter operation, a significant plus for busy households.
The kit comes with everything you need to start. You will receive half a pound of rough rocks featuring nine different types of gemstones, five jewelry fastenings, and a four-stage rock polishing grit.
Some reviewers complained that removing the lid on and off was hard. You can solve this problem by applying a thin film of light machine oil where the lid gasket meets the rubbing barrel lining.
Gardening Tools And Accessories
This section explores gifts that encourage children to get their hands dirty. Gardening provides hands-on learning about caring for the environment and understanding the life cycles.
Garden Tools
Good tools are important, and these are designed specifically for young gardeners. Sized for smaller hands and built to last, these tools are the perfect companions for kids eager to learn and grow in their gardening adventures.
Planting Kits
These kits are thoughtfully packed with all the essentials needed to kickstart a successful gardening venture.
They include seeds for planting, starter pots perfectly sized for little sprouts, plant tags for identification, and
instructions to guide them through each step.
Kids love watching a tiny seed grow into a flourishing plant. Here are 3 kits to get you started.
Pizza Growing Kit
Flower Growing Kit
Kids Sunflower Garden
Flower Press
A flower press introduces children to the delightful art of preserving the beauty of flowers and leaves.
This engaging tool is simple to use, and the dried products can be used in all kinds of crafts. Your kids will love transforming vibrant blossoms into lasting keepsakes.
Have children who want to develop their artistic talents? Check out our post dedicated to gifts for children who love to draw.
Sewing and Traditional Handcrafts
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, the art of sewing and traditional handcrafts holds a special charm.
These timeless skills teach patience, precision, and give a sense of accomplishment. Gifts in this category offer children a hands-on experience with thread, fabric, and craft materials, guiding them to create their unique masterpieces.
Crochet kit
Knitting
Weaving
Sewing kits
Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is a significant investment. Our selected model strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality.
This machine is smaller than the adult versions, so it is sized for children’s hands.
It is simple enough for beginners yet has enough stitches to be versatile.
The best gifts cannot always be wrapped up with a bow. Check out our long list of experience gifts.
Lessons
Lessons can be awesome non toy gifts for kids. Gifting lessons is a wonderful way to help children learn new skills, and they are clutter free! What could be better?
- Music Lessons: This would include things like piano, guitar, violin, or even voice lessons,
- Art Classes: From painting and pottery to photography and graphic design, art lessons provide an outlet for self-expression and innovation.
- Cooking Lessons: Cooking classes teach kids practical life skills and can introduce them to different cultures through cuisine.
- Coding Courses: With the digital world continuously evolving, coding lessons can provide kids a head start in understanding and creating technology.
- Sports Training: Be it soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or martial arts – sports training can improve physical health, coordination and teach teamwork.
- Dance Classes: Whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary dance, these classes can improve a child’s physical health, rhythm, and self-confidence.
Functional Fun: Practical Items that Double as Gifts
Gifts can serve as more than just sources of entertainment. They can be tools for nurturing independence and life skills. This section explores useful non-toy gift for kids that foster self-reliance and responsibility.
An Alarm Clock
Young children thrive on routine, and understanding time is fundamental to that! An alarm clock that uses colors to let children know when it’s time to wake up or stay in their rooms is a simple yet effective tool for fostering independence.
Little Hippo Mella Alarm Clock
Little Hippo is designed to help your child understand their sleep routine. It gently prepares your child for the day, glowing yellow 30 minutes before wake-up time and turning green when it’s time to rise and shine!
If you want something cheaper, The Ok To Wake Clock fits the bill. It has fewer features, but it does have color changes.
A Watch
Equipping your child with their first wristwatch can be a significant step in helping them keep track of time and manage their own routines.
Besides, Kids LOVE watches, so they really are the perfect non-toy gifts for kids.
We recommend an uncomplicated analog watch, free from overwhelming dials and features, for children learning to tell the time.
Timex Kids – My First Outdoors Watch is a great first watch for kids learning to tell the time.
The watch boasts a white dial with full Arabic numerals is easy to read and free of distraction.
It is also water-resistant and can weather playful splashes or brief immersion in water. It comes with a 100% worry-free replacement plan.
Children who can tell the time will enjoy a watch with all the extras like the Couo Kids Digital Sports Watch. It has all the fancy features that will thrill kids.
Money Sense Items
Financial literacy, often overlooked in schools, is such an important skill to teach kids. Why not give your child a gift that helps them learn how to manage money?
Piggy Bank
A piggy bank isn’t just a charming piece of decor for your child’s room. It’s a hands-on, fun way for young ones to start grasping the concept of saving.
Help them experience how spare change adds up over time. This teaches a valuable lesson about financial responsibility and patience.
Here is a fun piggy bank that looks like an ATM bank machine.
This one has 3 sections to help children deposit money to Save, Spend or Share. It is a great introduction to budgeting.
Books About Money For Kids
Pair a piggy bank with a good book on money. Here are two of my favorites.
Money Ninja introduces children to concepts of saving, spending, and sharing. It also talks about making money.
On Your Mark Get Set Invest creates a fun story to teach kids all about personal finances and managing money.
A fun experience gift is to take your child to the local bank to open an account and get a debit card. You can provide some cash for the first deposit. My boys were so excited to do this!
Finally, every child eventually needs a good wallet to carry their money in. There are loads available in every design or color.
If you are looking for something free! My Money Saving Challenge Printable has an editable sheet. Why not create a savings challenge for your child?
A Calendar
More than just marking dates, a calendar is a practical tool that helps children grasp the concept of time and planning. It can be a fun and visual way for your child to learn about days, weeks, and months while keeping track of their activities and routines.
Here are some of my favorites.
Flashlight
A flashlight can be a child’s trusted companion in many situations. They are great for blanket forts, reading under the bed covers after lights out, backyard adventures after sunset, or camping. Here are our favorites
Most Rugged
Brightest
Head Lamp
Rechargeable
Travel Or Sleepover Supplies
Equipping your child with their own travel and sleepover essentials prepares them for fun adventures away from home and fosters independence.
From their first luggage set to a mini toiletry kit, these supplies can make every trip or sleepover feel like a special, grown-up adventure.
The Travelers Club 5 Piece Kids’ Luggage Set is a fantastic investment for young travelers.
This all-in-one travel kit has a lunch bag, backpack, and case on wheels. It also provides a neck pillow and a luggage tag.
You can choose from a nice selection of vibrant colors, making it easy to spot the baggage carousel. The set’s durability and lightweight design is perfect for kids.
Another handy gift for kids is a kid-size toiletry bag, a kid’s sleeping mat, and a good sleeping bag.
A Camera
Step aside, smartphones! There’s something special about a child having their very own camera. And the best part? You don’t have to empty your bank account to get a decent one. It took me a lot of searching to find a decent camera that didn’t look like a toy.
The Camkory Digital Camera delivers high-resolution pictures and has many cool features like 16X zoom, image anti-shake, and face detection. The Sevenat is lightweight and durable, with an LED fill light for low-light conditions and a webcam mode. It is perfect for a first camera and provides a user-friendly introduction to photography.
Fun Umbrella
Don’t let rainy days dampen your child’s spirits. With an umbrella they can face the weather with a smile. Available in various playful designs and vibrant colors, a fun umbrella can make rainy days fun.
I loved this one that looks like a dinosaur head.
Pocket Knife
Every young explorer needs their own pocketknife around the age of seven or eight. Of course, this is dependent on the child’s maturity and your comfort level.
Children must also learn how to use a knife safely and responsibly. This simple yet versatile tool is useful for tasks ranging from whittling sticks and crafting willow whistles to cutting ropes and opening bottles.
Victorinox Swiss Army Junior is the perfect introduction to pocketknives. It is designed to fit a child’s hand and has eight distinct functions, including a blade with a rounded safety tip. The knife has a lifetime guarantee, so you know it is built to last.
Check Out Our Other Gift Guides
- 35 Gifts For Active Kids To Get Them Moving
- The Ultimate List of Experience Gifts For Kids
- 60 Gift Ideas For The Outdoorsy Kid Who Loves Adventure
- 40 Epic Toys Kids Will Actually Play With
Wrapping Up
Non-toy gifts for kids can provide a refreshing and unique alternative to traditional toys.
By choosing non-toy gifts, we can encourage children to explore new interests, foster creativity and imagination, and develop important life skills.
We hope our list of non-toy gifts has given you many ideas for exciting gifts that won’t add more toy clutter to your home. Don’t forget to pin this post so you can easily return to our list of non-toy gifts for kids anytime you need them!