Well the gifting and giving season is upon us. As well as the “make a list for your parents so they don’t buy your child EVERYTHING in the toy section”. And speaking of toys, this year we decided to take a slightly different route than the “suggested toy list by the ages” Instead, we have compiled a list of non-toy gift ideas. Below you’ll find gift ideas for experiences and tools to enhance and extend playtime.
Passes and Memberships
Museums, zoos and aquarium, play gyms
Local Lessons: art classes, sports teams, stem clubs, summer camps
State Parks or local hiking trail associations
Gear
weather appropriate clothing like fleece lined pants, thermals, wool socks, hiking boots, rain boots, waterproof pants, warm mittens, hats
water bottle, water bottle carrying straps, lunchbox
hiking backpacks or a waist belt bag
Tools
binoculars, magnifying glass, bug catching container, books about nature, foam balance beam
stepping tones, yoga mat, scavenger hunt cards
picnic basket
Sensory
Sensory table or large bins
sensory bin fillers: pom poms, rice, dried beans, pasta
faux feathers
contact paper
water paints
play doh
Helpers
Real life kitchen tools for cooking
spray bottle, sponges, small broom or dust pan
Kitchen helper stander, personalized apron or chef’s hat
Everyday items (make great stocking stuffers!)
post it notes
dot stickers
cotton balls
small notebooks
pencil case
blank stationary cards
postage stamps
hole puncher (so fun!)
Stamp pads and rubber stamps
Stickers
Gel clings for the windows
Craft items like small foam shapes, letters, cubes and Pom poms too
We hope this helps makes your holiday shopping a little easier, more sustainable, and will take up less space!
Now, go play, and shop!
Play to Grow 