Everyone has been asking me what to get my son for Christmas and my answer has been…anything but more toys!
We already have too much stuff!
He just had his birthday in October and I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed by what he got then.
With a new baby on the way, our accumulation of stuff seems to continue to grow…and I can’t give any of it away with a new baby on the way!
In honor of trying to cut down the clutter of my house, I have come up with my top gifts for toddlers that won’t fill the house!
(This post contains affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.)
Top 10 Non-Toy Gifts for Toddlers in 2024
You will want to get creative when shopping for the kid that has everything. They may have a lot of physical items but what kind of experiences do they have? Getting things like state park or zoo passes can be ideal for kids that may benefit from more experiences than things.
Everyone gives their children different amounts so it is had to say there is a “perfect” number. In my experience, less is more. When young children get too many gifts they tend to get overwhelmed and not really enjoy any of the gifts.
Get creative! Giving children experiences can be a great gift instead of a toy. See if there is a class or club they might enjoy being part of. Look around the community you live in for places to visit like state parks or zoos. Membership to mail in craft clubs or magazine subscriptions can be fun as well.
Magazine Subscription
When I was little I remember my grandparents getting both my sister and I magazine subscriptions as a gift.
We always looked forward to checking the mail, but it was even more exciting when there was something in there for us!
Magazines are a great way to explore print in a different form which is great for early literacy skills.
You can get a lot of use with them by reading them and then saving them to cut up for craft projects later.
Highlights Magazine was one that I LOVED growing up. They have options that are wonderful for the 0-6 crowd.
High Five Magazine (2-6 Years)
National Geographic also has a line of magazines. They contain lots of real life animal pictures which amaze little ones. You can check them out HERE.
Inspire Toddler Learning
Supporting learning through daily routines and play is a great way to support your child’s development and promote bonding.
Not sure where to start?
I have been working with babies and toddlers for 10 years in early intervention and also have two kids of my own.
When you sign up for my VIP group you will get access to inspire learning calendars with ideas and strategies on how to inspire learning every day.
You also get exclusive access to printables and courses that I have created that will help to empower you as a parent.
Group parenting coaching sessions will also be included so that you can gain more information about positive parenting strategies, child development, and how to promote learning all day long with your little one through daily routines and play.
Subscription Boxes
This is a great option if you are looking for some new activities that are shipped right to your door.
Kiwi Crate offers monthly subscription boxes for birth on up that include developmental information along with age-appropriate STEAM activities.
The boxes are economical and come in a variety of different plans to meet your needs.
You can check out Kiwi Crates by clicking HERE.
Green Kid Crafts is another great non-toy gift for 2 years old and up.
Boxes include a magazine and activity to dip deep into a topic that your child finds interesting.
I have absolutely LOVED doing these activities with my son. You can read more about my experience with Green Kid Crafts here.
Quiet Books
Quiet books and games can be a great option when you are looking for a more structured learning activity.
Quiet books are perfect for bringing to doctor appointments, restaurants, or even in the car. It can also be a fun gift because you get to make it.
Simply print the PDF and then you can put it together in a book form or use file folders for separate activities.
You can find the one I made for my son and daughter HERE.
Museum Passes
A museum membership can get expensive.
Instead of spending money on toys you could take it and invest in this learning experience for your little one.
Check out the local science museum or children’s museum that is closest to you and see if they have any deals on monthly or yearly memberships.
We have found that it is usually cheaper in the long run to get a year-long pass than to pay each time you go so you may save a little money as well.
Toddlers learn so much from new experiences and it is a wonderful gift for the whole family.
Baby and Toddler Classes
If you are looking for a way to make some fun memories with your toddler a class would make a great non-toy gift for 2-year-old boys and girls.
Sometimes there are classes for children even younger.
Look in your area and see what is available. Here are some ideas of classes to check for:
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Music
- Art
- Cooking
Music
Does your toddler love to dance and sing?
Invest in some new tunes to listen to in the car or at home during dance parties.
You could also put money towards a subscription-like Amazon (click here to see their plans) to have unlimited choices.
Getting a musical instrument for your child to explore can be a fun option for little kids as well.
Kid’s Audio Devices can Make a Perfect Non Toy Gift
Discover a range of fantastic devices that will captivate and entertain your toddler without the need for a smartphone.
I remember getting a CD player one Christmas morning as a child and thinking it was the coolest gift ever.
Now the audio devices are even better and even younger children can enjoy listening to their favorite stories.
The top choices include the Toniebox (check it out here), a popular option with its child-friendly design that lets kids simply place a figurine on top to start playing a story. It’s durable, portable, and available in vibrant colors.
Another great choice is the Yoto Player (see it here), featuring a card-based interface where children can insert a story card into the slot to begin listening.
With a wide range of content, including stories, music, and podcasts, it promotes independent listening and learning.
For a unique and interactive experience, consider Storypod (see it here.)
This innovative device combines traditional storytelling with 3D characters called “Crafties”.
When kids place a Craftie on Storypod, they can listen to stories, songs, and more, sparking their imagination and keeping them engaged.
Each of these devices offers a wonderful way for children to enjoy audio content independently, fostering a love for learning and storytelling.
New Books can Make a Perfect Gift
When it comes to gift-giving for toddlers, it can be easy to default to new toys.
But sometimes the best gifts come in the form of a new book.
Not only do books offer a fun and engaging activity for toddlers, but they also promote early literacy skills and can foster a love of reading.
Plus, unlike toys, books never go out of style and can be enjoyed over and over again.
You can check out some of my favorite board books for toddlers here.
Toddler Games
Games can be a great way to teach new skills and connect with your little ones.
Bingo has been one of my son’s favorite games and it is perfect because it teaches new vocabulary, encourages listening, and is great fine motor practice.
You can check out the game I made for my son HERE.
Sensory Bin Starter Kit
If you still want presents to be wrapped under the tree then this is a wonderfully inexpensive and entertaining option.
DId I mention it is also great for building fine motor skills?
Toddlers love to explore and a sensory bin lets them do that. If you have space you could invest in a sensory table (like this one) but bins work just as well and don’t take up the room.
Here is what you would need to get to get started:
Small tubs or bins (this is the size we use)
Utensils: Most anything you have would work. Cups, spoons, or small bowls that they can use to dig and fill will work well.
Small Toys: Any small toy can be fun to bury in a sensory bin. My son has been enjoying hiding his plastic bugs (these are the ones we have).
Something to fill the bin with. You can get multiple things and then just switch them out weekly or whenever you feel like it. Here are some examples of things that work well:
- Rice
- Beans
- Cotton Balls
- Kinetic Sand
- Water
- Shredded Paper
- Craft Sand
- Popcorn
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Sticker Books
Sticker books have become a favorite thing in my household.
Not only are they extremely entertaining, but they are also a great way to encourage fine motor, language, and cognitive skills.
We always have them in our diaper bag for doctor appointments or when we are waiting at a restaurant (this is my son’s favorite).
Craft Supplies make Wonderful Gifts
Giving your child art supplies as a gift has many benefits that go beyond just providing them with an outlet for creativity.
Art can play a critical role in a child’s cognitive and emotional development.
Art supplies (this set looks like fun) encourage children to explore a range of materials, colors, and textures that can enhance their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities.
Through art, children can also express themselves in new ways and learn to communicate their feelings and ideas effectively.
Plus, engaging in creative activities can offer a fun and relaxing break from digital distractions and screens.
As a parent, gifting art supplies to your child not only stimulates their imagination but also provides them with a valuable opportunity to develop valuable life skills.
Printable Play Dough Mats
Looking for a way to spruce up play dough time that doesn’t include a bunch of toys and cookie cutters?
Play dough mats are perfect because they add a bit more structure to the activity without making it too complicated for little ones.
These are the play dough mats I made for my children and they have been a hit. You can grab them HERE.
Audio Books
Audiobooks are a fun way for your toddler to get a different kind of early literacy experience.
They are perfect for long car rides or to give your little one some “rest time” when they won’t nap.
There are many books available and you can check them out HERE.
Movies
Are you getting tired of watching the same 3 movies over and over?
Christmas is a great time to add a couple of new ones to your collection that your child may enjoy.
Using a streaming service like this gives you lots of titles to choose from!
College Fund
It may not seem like the most fun gift right now, but when your baby is all grown up they will be glad that they have money in their college fund.
Even if it is just a small amount it is a great thing to invest in now and grow that piggy bank!
Fun Clothing Items can Make Great Practical Gifts
Is your toddler growing out of everything they own?
Clothing can make great birthday gifts and Christmas presents because it is very practical.
Kids off all ages seem to love getting a pair of fun socks!
You can try to have fun with it by picking out clothing in your little one’s favorite colors or characters.
I hope You Enjoyed this Gift Guide
With so many different options available, it can be hard to decide which gift to get a toddler.
I hope my list of the best non toy gifts provides some guidance and inspiration for when you’re looking for something special to give your little one.
Giving experience gifts—from time spent outdoors to creative activities—can be an incredibly rewarding way for toddlers to grow and explore their interests, providing them with memories that will last a lifetime.
So the next time you’re looking for the perfect gift for your toddler, consider stepping away from the toy aisle and discovering another way to inspire and enrich your child’s life and spend some quality time with them.
Your gift could become a precious family tradition that you treasure for years!
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
The Best Toddler Large Motor Toys
How to Select Books Your Toddler Will Love
4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Vocabulary
16 Toys that Encourage Imaginary Play
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.
5 Ways To Control Your Christmas Holiday Spending - Daily Successful Living
Sunday 17th of June 2018
[…] asked my famiy to focus on meaningful gifts rather than more stuff. If you have a toddler, this list of non-toy gift ideas is a great place to […]