Written By Melanie McConnell
Gift buying season is officially here! If you’re anything like me, you actually enjoy buying gifts, but I know plenty despise it and really struggle. While not everyone may have kids, most have at least one in their life they buy for. Most parents with young children are struggling with the number of toys they have and keeping them organized.
To help with this problem, you can give with more intention and focus on gifting more useful, non-toy items. Trust me when I say the parents will thank you for this! Most of the time, the kids love them too, and they even get more use and last longer than the latest plastic, flashing, or noise-making toy.
I have made a list of non-toy items you can give to kids. This list is broad and covers a range of ages and interests and, of course, both boys and girls, so always keep your end-users’ specifics in mind. There are bigger ticket items that could also be considered, but this list is more accessible for anyone and can even be used for birthdays and other events throughout the year. One fun addition to many of these items is to add personalization where possible. Happy Gifting!
Bath Time - Bubbles, bath bombs, hooded towel, bath crayons and paints, head wraps, loofah or bath gloves, soaps and washes, bath pillow, LED shower lights, pajamas, house slippers, a robe, spa goodies, electronic toothbrush.
Tech Accessories/Gear - Headphones (wireless a plus), PopSockets or Ring holder/stand, phone/tablet cover or carrying case, screen time glasses, kid’s fitness watch, Instax mini, and film or carrying case, selfie light, stick, or stand, gaming chair, record player, Bluetooth speaker or microphone.
In the Kitchen - Kid’s cookbook and first knife, hot chocolate mug with cocoa bombs, waffle
maker and mix, S’mores ingredients and skewers, popsicle molds, popcorn air popper and bowl, lemonade stand necessities, lunch box or bento box, thermos, stainless steel water bottle.
Travel/Sleepover Gear - Sunglasses, car games and activities, neck pillow, sleeping bag or cushioned mat, duffle bag or backpack, rolling luggage, a comfy blanket, sleep mask.
Weather-Related - Sled, snowman kit, snow bibs and boots, gloves/beanies/scarves/ear muffs, rain boots or coat, small umbrella, sunglasses and/or retainer strap, sun hats, rash guard or bathing suit, water shoes, portable fan, sports wagon.
Bedroom Items - Piggy bank, star projector, alarm clock, bed pocket, LED strip lights or curtain lights, decor items, book lights, jewelry box or accessory containers/organizers, hanging pod, bed canopy, kids tent, stuffed animal hammock, soft kid-size chair, lap desk, indoor plant.
Outdoors - Bubbles (giant bubble wands a plus), sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, hula hoops, children’s gardening set, telescope, binoculars, flashlight, kite, bug catching tools, kids croquet set or other outdoor games, scavenger hunt kit, walkie talkies, buckets and shovels, small folding camp chair, swing, sprinkler, slip n slide.
Hobby and Sports - Balls, bats, gloves, rackets, nets, favorite team attire, dance or gymnastics wear, LED bike lights, bike helmet, rollerblades or skates, knee and elbow pads, fishing pole or tackle box, BB gun, archery set, hunting attire, small tent, camping hammock or pod, goggles, life jacket, swim cap, coordinating sports bag or carrying case.
Arts & Crafts - Markers, crayons, paints, pens, paintbrushes, tie-dye kit, rocks for painting, canvases, paper, coloring/painting books, play-doh or air dry clay, art cart, art display, stickers, glue, hodge podge, scissors, art or hobby kits, sewing machine, laminator, label maker, chalk or dry erase board.
General - Instruments, books (can even get personalized!), movies, games, puzzles, a pet (only with parental approval, of course), yearly photo album “All About Me”, clothing/attire, jewelry, accessories, makeup/nail polish/hair stuff, a watch, fake tattoos, tv/activity tray, Warmies microwavable plush animal, holiday baskets/bags or attire
Clutter-Free - Lessons or classes, tourism pass, memberships, event tickets, trips, gift cards, subscriptions, camp, personalized song.
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.
Marybeth Welty helps women create calm and healthy homes and lives. With over 12 years of experience in organizing, interior design, sustainable building, and mindful living, Marybeth is passionate about improving your mental health, your work, your relationships, and supporting the life of your dreams by starting with where you live, your home. You can book a free meeting with her at https://sustainablelifestylesolutions.com/20-min-free and connect with her on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.