It’s becoming more and more common that parents are wishing for their children to receive something different as gifts. Rather than the new toy that poops (why are there so many pooping toys?) or a millionth shiny light up thing that holds their attention for all of twenty minutes- parents are craving something different for their kids.
I’m certain not everyone feels this way, and some kids genuinely love their bright and flashy toys. But for those of us who’s desire it is to have a good Christmas without all the cheap toys I have some suggestions.
Living in rural Arkansas means passes to places may not be practical, we don’t have pottery studios in most of our towns. When perusing a list of non-toy gift ideas those most often pop up. This leaves us in a sort of strange grey area. What can we give kids that’s meaningful and a good gift but also something useful?
1. Clothing
2. Piggy bank and change to go in it
3. Books
4. Movie tickets
5. Stickers
6. Character/personalized plates
7. Specialty cups (tumblers are still so popular)
8. Cooking set
9. Arts and crafts kits
10. Science experiment
11. Gardening supplies
12. Camping tent
13. Jewelry
14. Metal detector
15. Personalized towels
16. At home movie night set
17. Learning tower
18. Silicone plate and bib
19. Electric toothbrush
20. Makeup
21. Bath bombs
22. Face mask
23. Uncommon sweets
24. Tickets to event
25. Vacation/day trip
It may be a bit shocking for kids to receive no toys on Christmas, and we aren’t going to be that extreme. I have prepared the four year old that we aren’t doing many toys this Christmas, and he has asked for vegetable seeds and a greenhouse since I have prepared him for the less toys. I am excited to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the magic that comes this time of year and less on the gifts we give and receive.
