Toy-Free Holiday Shopping Guide
Post written by writer, Madison
Is your house overflowing with your kids’ toys? Do you find yourself wanting to ask your children that famous Marie Kondo question, “Does this bring you joy?” so that you can purge some of the clutter? If so, you are not alone, my friend. And just think -- we have Christmas right around the corner! You know what that means: the inevitable influx of (even more) toys.
Now, before you start shopping for more bins and baskets to corral all the new toys that the holidays might bring, why not consider putting some non-toy items on your holiday shopping list? You can cut back on the clutter while also introducing your children to new experiences and activities. After all, I have already prepared a list for you:
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
What’s more fun than getting a present on Christmas day? Getting a gift every month! Also, what kid doesn’t like seeing mail with their name on it?
Magazine subscription
STEM/STEAM box subscription
Geography box subscription
Cooking box subscription
Craft box subscription
Play dough/sensory bin subscription
Book box subscription
Clothing box subscription
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
If your children use a tablet or television, why not provide them with educational material? (You know, instead of them watching another YouTube video of other kids playing with toys.) Have an avid reader to shop for? Give them the gift of unlimited e-books or audio books!
Subscription to educational apps
Subscription for e-books
Subscription for audio books and podcasts
Subscription for streaming services for kids’ shows, movies, and documentaries
MEMBERSHIPS
Let’s be honest: those family outings to the zoo or town pool can get pricey pretty quickly. Give your budget a break by surprising your kids with a membership pass so your family go all year!
Zoo
Aquarium
Children’s museum
Trampoline park
Water park
Splash pad
Pool
CLASSES
Has your child has always wanted to try a new activity? Looking for a new way for them to burn off that energy from their stocking candy? Treat them to a gift certificate to try a new class. Who knows—later you just might be credited with giving the future (artist/dancer/soccer Olympian) their start!
Art studio
Cooking class
Dance/gymnastics lessons
Swimming lessons
Sports lessons
Music class
Kids’ gym class
OUTINGS & EXPERIENCES
Perhaps the kid on your “To Buy For” list would get a kick out of going on an outing with you. No matter which outing you choose, your little gift-recipient will surely sing your praises!
Sporting event
Concert
Train ride
Monster truck show
Circus
Ice skating
Movie
Kit to write, illustrate, and publish your own book/comic book
Now that you are armed with a toy-less holiday shopping guide, you no longer need to fear the influx of toys that was a staple of Christmases past. Now hurry up and chuck those Amazon and Target toy catalogs into the recycling bin before your kids get their hands on them!