Christmas comes every year and the scramble to get the kids more toys they don’t need is ridiculous. Every year I tell myself no more! No more toys that will get played with once just to end up getting broken, pieces lost, or thrown into one of the 5 bins of junk toys never to be touched again. My kids have so many toys and honestly they don’t need anymore. If I never pick up another car or lego it won’t be soon enough.
This year my husband and I have put our foot down. The kids are going to get things they need and experiences. I’ve put together a list of ideas you and your kids will love.
- Annual passes: zoo, amusement park, children’s museum, water park, Jump Park, etc.
This is one of my favorites because the whole family benefits. Not only does everyone get to enjoy this gift but it lasts all year round. It’s the gift that keeps giving. - Bedroom makeover
My kids want or need to change their room every couple years based on their age and interests. My 2 year old is ready to move to a big girl bed so what better time than to makeover her room for Christmas. Buy the items but then let me join in on the fun of transforming the room by helping with paint, building the furniture, or simply getting the bedroom decorations set up.
- Luggage
This is great if you’re a family that travels frequently. We got both my boys their own luggage (carry-on size) for past Christmas’s. They love that they have their own luggage and when it’s time for us to go somewhere they want to help pack their suitcases up. - Trip
This one is my favorite because as a child these were the times I cherished the most. I remember every vacation/trip my family took and I want to share that with my kids. Your trip could be extravagant like a Disney Cruise or small like a trip to a different city a few hours away experiencing something new. Growing up in the Midwest people would take trips to Branson, St. Louis, Chicago, or Nebraska. Here in the Southwest we take trips to Flagstaff, Sedona, Southern California, and even Mexico. Get a trip together full of activities for creating lots of memories. My kids never see snow, so going to flagstaff for a weekend of playing in the snow or even going skiing is a whole new adventure for them they would fully enjoy. - Outdoor toys- Bicycle, Play set, Trampoline, Play House
Getting your kids outdoors is always a good idea. It’s my saving grace when they’re driving me nuts and I don’t want to turn on another movie so they can turn into zombies. My daughter could jump on the trampoline all day. My boys love racing with the neighbor kids on their bikes every night. Getting them off a screen and back to nature is always a great idea and will be something they’ll use for years.
- Kids Subscription- Bitsbox, Stem Club Box, Book Subscription, Cooking Box, Fashion Box, Princess Box, Travel Box
There are so many great monthly subscriptions out there for kids right now. Is your child artsy? Do they like building things? Maybe they’re into fashion…there’s one for that too. There is literally a box to fit every child. This Christmas gift goes from one time excitement to an every month, waiting for the mail to arrive excitement. - Lessons- musical, horseback riding, private sports coaching
Does your child want to learn an instrument like the piano or guitar? Maybe they’ve always wanted a horse but that price and maintenance is out of the question; get them horseback riding lessons instead. If you have a little athlete that loves the game, get them some private lessons with a coach to up their game. - Group lessons- Painting classes, cooking classes, Lego club
Every kid has individual special interests so why not give them something just for them. My oldest loves to cook and there’s a local cooking school that does kid classes twice a month where they get to make various things like cakes, cookies, lasagna, biscuits, etc. He would enjoy taking a a couple Saturdays to spend in a cooking class with other kids his age learning recipes he can share with the family. He is also building skills he will need as he grows older. My other son loves and Legos, so getting him a couple of club classes where they get to learn how to build things with his Legos would be one of the best days of his current life.
Merry Christmas!
Jackie
