We Asked Our Parents to Stop Giving Toys to Our Kids And Give Them These Instead
As parents, steering the influx of gifts from well-meaning family members towards more meaningful contributions can be challenging.
Wanting to minimize clutter and maximize usefulness, I asked my parents to rethink the typical gifts they give my kids.
Instead of the usual toys that quickly fall out of favor, here are 19 thoughtful alternatives that offer more lasting benefits.
These gifts not only enrich my children’s lives but also foster their development in impactful ways.
1. Educational Subscriptions
Educational subscriptions like KiwiCo or Little Passports provide monthly kits that help children learn about science, art, geography, and more.
These gifts encourage learning through play and provide ongoing excitement with each new arrival.
2. Books
Books are timeless gifts that spark imagination and curiosity. Asking for books instead of toys can help build a love for reading and expand a child's knowledge and vocabulary.
3. Art Supplies
Art supplies encourage creativity and can be used repeatedly, offering endless opportunities for artistic expression and skill development.
Quality items like washable paints, brushes, and sketchbooks can keep children engaged for hours.
4. Outdoor Play Equipment
Items like jump ropes, balls, and frisbees promote physical activity and can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Outdoor play is crucial for a child’s physical health and motor skills development.
5. Music Lessons
Gifting music lessons, whether for a specific instrument or singing, can foster a lifelong love for music and enhance cognitive skills.
It’s a gift that encourages discipline and can provide immense joy and personal growth.
6. Cooking Kits for Kids
Cooking kits or classes for kids encourage them to learn life skills and explore new tastes.
It's a fun and educational activity that can also boost their confidence in making their own meals.
7. Museum or Zoo Memberships
Memberships to local museums, zoos, or science centers provide educational outings that families can enjoy all year round.
These experiences are both fun and informative, offering new learning opportunities with each visit.
8. Crafting Kits
Craft kits can include materials for projects like building a birdhouse, sewing a pillow, or assembling a simple robot.
These activities not only entertain but also teach valuable practical skills and patience.
9. Puzzles
Puzzles are great for cognitive development and can be enjoyed by kids of various ages.
They help improve problem-solving skills and attention to detail while being a quiet, engaging activity.
10. Sports Equipment
Sports equipment like soccer nets, basketballs, or tennis rackets encourage physical activity and can spark a lifelong interest in sports.
This kind of gift promotes health and teamwork.
11. Plant Growing Kits
Plant kits or gardening tools can help children learn about nature and responsibility as they care for their plants.
Gardening is a peaceful activity that can teach children about science and the environment.
12. Theater Tickets
Tickets to a children’s theater production can be a magical experience that offers a new perspective on storytelling.
It’s an enriching cultural experience that can spark a love for the arts.
13. Donation to a Charity in Their Name
Making a donation to a charity that aligns with a child’s interests teaches them about generosity and the importance of helping others.
It can be an especially meaningful gift if it involves animals, the environment, or helping other children.
14. Interactive Storybooks
Interactive or personalized storybooks can make reading even more engaging.
Books that incorporate a child’s name or allow them to make choices can become cherished keepsakes.
15. Building Sets
Building sets like LEGO or Magna-Tiles allow children to construct their own creations, fostering both creativity and engineering skills.
These can be used over and over again, providing lasting value.
16. Language Learning Apps
Subscriptions to language learning apps like Duolingo for Kids can introduce a new language in a fun, interactive way.
Learning a new language can enhance cognitive abilities and open up future opportunities.
17. Puzzle Boards
Puzzle boards or logic games such as Sudoku for kids help enhance critical thinking and concentration.
These are perfect for quiet time and can be enjoyed by children of various ages.
18. Experience Days
Gift certificates for experience days like horseback riding, pottery classes, or rock climbing offer unique experiences that broaden a child’s horizons.
They provide memories that last far longer than the latest toy trend.
19. Savings Bonds or Stocks
Investing in a child’s future through savings bonds or stocks is a gift that appreciates over time.
This can help teach children about saving and financial planning in a tangible way.
