Not sure what to get the kids (your kids, nieces, nephews or grandkids) this year?
Skip the electronics and go for a classic gift that will inspire them to be creative.
Don’t be afraid to veer off their wish list — kids love surprises and many of these classic items will be played with much more often than some of the toys that are ‘hot’ this year and will then be pushed aside in a few months.
Not only will you be giving them a great gift, you’ll also be engaging their mind. I’m including links to some of our affiliates so it’s easy to find more details on each of the items.
And some of these ideas will also work as fun stocking stuffers too!
Building Toys
Legos, blocks, tinker toys, magnetic marbles and rods, etc. A set of things that connect and allow kids to use their imagination to create amazing structures! This will be a toy that they use for years so look for something durable and versitile. I would also suggest that it be easy to clean, allow for open-ended building and be a toy that lasts so it can be passed on to other kids in the family too.
Tinkertoy 100 Piece Essentials Value Set
Lincoln Logs Shady Pine Homestead
K’NEX Classics 50 Model Building Set
Art Supplies – and a variety of them!
Kids of all ages will use these. Try to look for items your kids may not have tried at school or home. It’s always fun to experiment with a new type of medium. Here’s a few of our favorites:
Paints – finger, water colors, Washable Kids Paint
Drawing items – crayons, colored pencils, chalk, charcoal, Crayola Colored Oil Pastel Sticks
Craft items – Mini Duct Tape with Caddy
Also consider different types of papers – tracing paper, Origami Paper, poster board, butcher paper, Drawing Pad
Crayola Ultimate Art Supply Case-Colors May Vary
Melissa & Doug Friendship Stamp Set
You can also send the gift of creative art with these two great ‘creativity in a box’ programs!
Both of these ‘arts/crafts in a box’ are wonderful for surprising kids each month. The themes change monthly and the activities are always fun with some great learning (science, music, art) woven into each kit.
Kiwi Crate is fun in a box — kids will receive a shipment of crafts along with everything they need to create something awesome! We love the detailed directions that are included in every box. And there’s always some learning woven into each of the fun activities — math, science, art and more!
Here’s an example of some of their wonderful holiday crates:
An Easel, Chalkboard (or large wall)
Use it for leaving messages, practicing math or spelling and drawing, drawing, drawing! We have used ours for more than 15 years now.
A few tips when looking for an easel:
- Look for one that folds up so you can easily carry it outdoors for fun painting projects,
- If you will use it for painting, make sure there is a good tray to hold the paints,
- We love the ones that hold a roll of paper at the top!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
Kidkraft Deluxe Wood Easel – Espresso
For teens, consider offering them an unfinished basement or garage wall where they can express their creativity (get them cool paints and stencils they can use to decorate).
Some Type of Tent
A place to hide, a place to read, a place to pretend, a place of their own. This is a toy that will be used over and over for a very long time! Obviously, you’ll want one that folds up quickly and can be easily stored. It’s also a bonus if it can be used indoors and outdoors so look for one that is water resistant too.
- Playhut Thomas The Tank Play Vehicle with Caboose
Books, Books, Books
All kinds of books help to inspire creativity: art books or drawing books; fiction books;fairy tales; books kids can write themselves and stories that allow you to choose your own story.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Dress Up Items
Hats, dresses, swords, doctor’s jacket, and fun accessories will bring out the creativity! Old jewelry, Dad’s boots, old Halloween costumes or graduation gowns are also a huge hit with young kids!
A Kid-sized Career
Do they pretend to cook? Get them an apron and kitchen toys.
Do they like to help Dad or Mom fix things? Get them toy tools or a toolbox.
Do they want to design clothes or sew? How about a fashion or sewing kit!
There are so many things kids love to dream about being when they grow-up.
Happy Holidays!
~ Jacquie
You might also like:
Gifts that Feed Your Child’s Passions
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