This post sharing gifts for kids that aren't toys is part of our ongoing partnership with CHET. Opinions are my own.
It’s here, friends. Holiday time. It’s go time. I look at the calendar and wonder how in the world it’s gotten this full so early in the month! Yikes! Parties and events and meetings and more events and sports and baking and cooking and gathering and gifting and oh my word do we need more toys in our house? DO WE?
Gifts for Kids that Aren’t Toys
Most parents I know don’t want a bunch of new stuff in their house for the holidays. Maybe it’s because we know a lot of families with multiple kids, but by the time the third or more come around, there’s a lot of toys, games, puzzles, etc. Instead of a lot of toys, why not give a CHET Gift of College gift card along with a book or other meaningful gift? There’s still a fun surprise for your favorite kids to open, but it’s also teaching them about the importance of saving and investing in their future at the same time!
A CHET Gift of College gift card is the perfect non toy gift for kids of all ages! (If you aren’t a CT resident, see if your state’s 529 plans have a similar gift card program, because…well, it’s an awesome non toy gift for kids of ALL ages!!
Seriously! Look how many SIMPLE ideas you can find to pair with the Gift of College gift card!
*Baby: Chose a fun touch and feel book or a shape sorting toy.
*Toddler: Wooden blocks, bristle blocks, or a seek and find book
*Preschooler: a funny book like the Book with No Pictures, The Day the Crayons Quit, etc., tickets to a zoo or museum
*Grade Schooler: Joke book, certificate to take them on a special date with you, a certificate to visit a local museum or zoo
*Tween: Book of jokes, awesome quotes, etc., holiday themed candy and/or snacks
*Teen: Gas gift card, movie tickets, favorite snacks in a bin, pajama pants (since most all teens like to sleep a whole lot)
*Future Scientist: Some new prepared microscope slides for kids and/or a microscope to view them, punny science shirt, science lab equipment safe and appropriate for their age group
*Budding Artist: some really nice colored pencils, oil pastels, and some art papers
*Aspiring Comic Book author: blank comic book, fun color marker pens
*Athlete: Poster of a favorite athlete or team, autobiography of favorite player or coach, t shirt
*Thespian: Tickets to a show, Soundtrack of a favorite play or tickets to the ensemble performances (like Greatest Showman which is touring this year!), items relating to or inspired by a favorite musical- like Hamil-tones colored pencils inspired by Hamilton
The idea of a Gift of College gift card also, in my opinion, really helps people when they are trying to shop for older kids. Babies, toddlers and littler kids seem to have wishes and toys that come in all price ranges, and it’s pretty easy to get them a fun present on a holiday or birthday. As kids get older? They want less “stuff” and more expensive things, but its also the time when most people are like oh hey, we’ll get them a gift card. It’s hard sometimes to think of fun or oh wow gifts, and that’s ok, but this is a great present because it helps them to secure their futures. I’m here to say, why not do a gift card, but half the amount, and split the difference with a CHET Gift of College Gift Card?
1997, The State of Connecticut launched CHET to help families save for future college costs. The idea of college – let alone paying for it – can be a daunting task for families. I don’t know anyone who’s blissfully unaware of just how pricey higher education- at any level- is now, and for those of us still years out, it’s quickly overhwelming trying to think about just how to send our kids to post high school learning. Trade school or college- it’s all an expense, so why not split the gifting and help them pay their way when the time comes?
Starting early and saving often can help families limit the financial impact down the road. There are advantages for Connecticut families investing in a CHET account. Funds that are deposited into a CHET account have tax advantages and can be used for qualified education costs (i.e. tuition, books).
What are your favorite gifts for kids that aren’t toys? Have you ever thought about giving something like the Gift of College gift cards that CHET offers?
Enter to win a $50 CHET Gift of College gift card on the form below!
Jenn Mitchell says
These are some great ideas that aren’t toys. We have been doing more of this over the last couple holiday seasons.
Amy h says
With my oldest, he has asked for some “toys” but we’re getting him gifts that will be used for School and Sports. You have some great gift ideas above.
Cheryl says
I am totally for gifting experiences rather than toys. Love the idea of one-on-one dates or even a museum membership.
Jeanine says
I love this. Thanks for the ideas. I’ll be honest and say my kids are REALLY hard on toys so I am not buying many this year and these would all make great gifts instead.
Ruth I says
These are all lovely gift ideas for kids! I’d love to give my niece some museum tickets
Chubskulit Rose says
We used to give our kids different things on Christmas when they were younger. Now that they are older, we just give them whatever they ask depending on a budget.
Nicz Escat says
That’s a great idea. Too much of toys will just make the house untidy. Thanks for sharing this. Nice blog.
Tasheena says
These are all wonderful gifts ideas. I love all of the benefits that come from the CHET program. Love that Connecticut offers it.
ricci says
I love the idea of non-toy gifts for kids! I think gifting experiences instead of gifts is fun!
Catalina says
Thank you for these non toys gift. They are really awesome! I love the idea of a certificate to visit a local museum or zoo or some other place.
Vyjay Rao says
I think this is a wonderful idea and a good option as gifts. Gifts that secure the kids’ future are always so welcome.A college gift card is bound to be way more useful than a toy.
Lisa Martin says
We do usually limit the kids gifts. Get them just a few things they asked for and then keep the rest to games, clothes, or events. Anything non toy related is a great idea.
Denay DeGuzman says
I’m definitely on board with the idea of gift cards, a gift towards college tuition, and learning games that get kids thinking. Thank you for the great holiday inspiration.
Terri Steffes says
When my daughter was young, she loved getting cash for Christmas, even better than a toy. We’d take it to the bank to deposit it, and the bank president would come out and give her some candy and tell her how rich she was going to be one day! She loved it.
Pam says
These are all great gift ideas for kids. Toys can quickly become clutter but books, experiences, and college funds are always useful.
Kimberly Rambles says
Oh wow, with 5 kids I have never heard of this before, though of course I have heard of the toy overload! We love books and I love how you shared ideas on how to pair the gift card with something the kids might love. I highly suggest people gift things like tickets to experiences and memberships too!
Brandy says
These are some pretty neat ideas for gifts for kids that aren’t’ toys. Going to have to get some of these ideas, soon because CHrsitmas is getting way too close.
Melanie says
Someone is gifting our kids swim lessons this year. It is something that they need and is a non-toy gift.
Alli Smith says
What a great idea! Most kids have so many toys and this is a good way to give a gift that keeps on giving.
Amber Myers says
Great ideas! My kids are moving past the age of toys, so I love these. My teenager does normally get gift cards! I love the idea of a college gift card since it’s so expensive.
candy says
We like the non toy idea. They get plenty from santa so we try to give them something else to enjoy. These are all great ideas and have me thinking outside the box.