We are all about the meaningful gift giving and we love the idea of giving non toy gifts to our kids and those we love each year.
For us, travel gifts are a big time winner – yes, we surprised them with a Disney vacation one year – and they’re a great way for the entire family to enjoy something together.
But, even if a big ticket item isn’t on your child’s list (or in your budget) this holiday season, there are a ton of meaningful non toy gifts for kids that will bring them true joy this holiday season.
From investment accounts to unique experiences, we’ve found some of the best non toy gift ideas for kids in 2021.
Check out the list below for some inspiration just in time for the holiday season.
Best Non Toy Gift Ideas for Kids: Meaningful Gift Ideas for 2021
Gift Wealth with EarlyBird
*Thank you to EarlyBird for sponsoring this gift guide – all opinions are my own.
Investing in a child’s financial future is a great way to show them (and their family) you care.
I love the idea of gifting something to my nephew right now while he’s seven and attaching a video to it that he can watch in ten years when he’s 17 and heading to college!
EarlyBird makes that easy!
They’ve simplified the investment gifting process while making it fun and memorable for families to give financial gifts to kids.
Their easy to use, interactive app means that family and friends can quickly and easily contribute tot he financial futures of the kids in their lives in a safe, meaningful and memorable way.
It’s a great option for families who are experienced with the stock market as well as for those who have none at all, and they offer a number of expert-guided options to help families make appropriate and safe financial investments with the money their children are gifted.
EarlyBird offers families a custodial investment account, which provides kids financial freedom beyond just saving for educational expenses, whether that is traveling the world, starting a business, or buying their first home.
To make the gifts even more meaningful, EarlyBird allows gifters to record video memories to personalize the gifts. I love the idea of gifting something to my nephew right now while he’s seven and attaching a video to it that he can watch in ten years when he’s 17 and heading to college!
And, unlike 529 plans and other college saving programs, the funds in your child’s EarlyBird account don’t have to be used on educational expenses. That means that if your child wants to go on a mission trip in high school or you want to allow them to use the money towards their first car, they can do those things as well.
If you’re looking for a great idea to give grandparents, aunts, uncles and others that will equal less stuff for you and more meaning for them, EarlyBird gifting is the easy answer!
Learn more here: EarlyBird
Membership to a Local Destination
We loved having season tickets to Hershey Park a few years ago.
It’s a great way to save money and it encourages you to set aside time to enjoy some family time together.
Look for memberships to museums, aquariums and amusement parks nearby to gift your kids this year.
Event Tickets
At our house, this usually happens to be tickets to a professional sporting event. My boys love going to NFL and NBA games especially and we try to get a pair of tickets to at least one game every season for them.
You could also consider concerts, live theater tickets, and other special events (we got tickets to DudePerfect Live one year!).
Sign Them Up for a Class
Cooking classes, art classes, dance classes… these are all fun ideas your kids might like to try and, you never know, the new hobby or skill might actually stick!
Snow Gear
If they live in a place where it snows in the winter, getting items like snow pants, snow boots, waterproof gloves, thick, wool socks and other cold weather apparel will keep them warm and save mom and dad money.
My kids have always loved snowbibs.
A Mini Fire for S’mores
City Bonfires makes a portable little fire pit perfect for making S’mores right on your patio without any mess or need for wood and other fire starting supplies.
Shop here: City Bonfires
Fun Kitchen Appliances
If you have a kid who enjoys having fun in the kitchen, consider a fun appliance that maybe won’t make a daily appearance, but might be fun to bust out on special occasions.
Here are some ideas:
- a fondue pot
- an indoor S’mores maker
- a cake pop maker
- a mini waffle maker
- a breakfast sandwich maker
- an ice cream maker
A Popcorn Machine
This is, hands down, the best non toy gift I’ve ever given my kids.
We got it two years ago and it is the gift that keeps giving.
All we do is reorder the popcorn packets each year and they love popping up fresh corn for family movie night every weekend.
It’s truly something the entire family will enjoy.
Shop here: Popcorn machine
Board Games
We rediscovered our love of board games when we were all stuck at home during the pandemic.
If you’re looking to gift some the entire family will love, here are a couple of our top picks: Clue, The Game of Life and, of course, Monopoly.
A Comfy
Because everyone loves cozy gear in the winter and this one that you can snuggle up in at home or on the go.
Shop here: Comfy
Holiday Jammies
You can even snag them for the whole family.
Shop here: holiday jammies
A Weighted Blanket
We always try to get the kids some fresh bedding for the holidays.
Last year, everyone got weighted blankets for their beds and they all love sleeping under them year round.
Shop here: weighted blanket
Sneaker Slippers
They were super trendy on TikTok last year and my boys love the pairs they got under the tree.
Shop here: Sneaker Slippers
Squishmallows
Another TikTok trend making its way onto kid wish lists are these Squishmallow plushes.
They’re selling out all over, but you can still find some on Amazon.
Shop here: Squishmallows
Grooming Supplies
My Dudes look forward to their annual Bath & Bodyworks gift sets.
We snag them enough body wash, body spray and hand sanitizer to make it through the year.
If you have a kiddo who enjoys soaking in the tub, these surprise bath bombs are a fun idea!
Gift Cards to their Favorite Restaurants
If eating out is a treat, treat your kids to some gift cards to places they enjoy eating when they get a break from meals at home.
This is a great gift idea for teens so they can grab a bite while they’re out with friends.
See our other 2021 Gift Ideas here: