15 Best Non-Toy Gift Ideas For Kids 2021

Looking for fun non-toy gift ideas for kids? Not sure what to gift a child that has everything? Whether you are looking for gift ideas for kids that you know, or for your own kids, you are sure to find something in this non-toy gift guide to put a smile on a little explorer’s face.

Best Non-Toy Gifts For Kids

Find below our 15 Best Non-Toy Gift Ideas for kids for 2021. These non-toy gift ideas are things that kids can use on a daily basis but aren’t plastic noisy toys that are going to drive you crazy.

Most of these you can find at your local department store, and others you can find online. We have also recommended some of the brands that we love and use as well.

1. Bug Keeper

Little explorers will love discovering bugs and insects in the garden or backyard. They can learn so much about creatures such as grasshoppers, lady bugs, beetles, caterpillars and other little creatures. You can find bug keepers quite cheap in most department stores. They are a fun, cheap, non-toy gift idea for kids.
Find online HERE

2. World globe

Every child should own a world globe to study the world around them. Curious kids can learn so much about geography simply by looking at the different continents, countries, and cities. We love the interactive Leap Frog Magic Adventures Globe which is perfect for little ones from 5yrs upwards. It has a learning pen and uses sound and short videos to teach kids about the world. One of the best non-toy gift ideas that kids will really get use out of over the years.
See other options HERE

3. Binoculars

Binoculars are another fun non-gift idea for kids that they can use every day. Even just heading out in the backyard or to the park. Search for birds in the trees, or animals in the ocean. They don’t need to be anything high tech, you can get some good ones from most department stores or online.
See some ideas HERE

4. Sunglasses

Protect your little one’s eyes and have them looking cool all Summer long with their own pair of sunglasses. For young children, Flexi Sunnies are the perfect solution as they can bend and stretch and won’t break! So you can be sure you won’t need to worry about replacing them. There is a range of different styles and colour combinations to choose from.
Find Online HERE

5. Musical Instrument

Kids can explore the world of music with their very own musical instruments. For little ones, some maracas or a xylophone are great choices. For older kids, a keyboard, ukulele or guitar is perfect. Musical instruments are a fantastic non-toy gift idea that can help to instil a passion for music from a young age.
See more ideas HERE

6. Scooter or Skateboard

Every child needs a scooter to get around on. There are scooters for all ages and levels. The Razor scooters are our favourites which have options for toddlers, youngkids, and even older teens and parents. The rip stick is great for the older ones too. Make sure you get some knee and arm pads to go with it though.
Find online HERE

7. Walkie Talkies

A childhood favourite and another favourite non-toy gift idea is a pair of walkie talkies which provide endless amounts of fun whether you are at home, at the park, or out camping in the bush. There are plenty of cheap sets for kids that work around the house but for a little more, you can get a proper set that can reach up to 3kms away. Uniden have these great sets of 3, where parents can keep one and the kids use the others. This way you are always in contact no matter where you are.
Find online HERE

8. Snorkel

If you spend a lot of time at the beach, kids will love their own snorkel set. You can get some fantastic full-face snorkels from Ninja shark which offer a range for all ages including children from 3 years up which make it easy for them to control their breathing. You don’t need to be heading to the Barrier Reef to use a snorkel, your local beach will do just fine. Throw in some flippers and they will look like little pro’s in no time.
Find other ideas HERE

9. Thermo food jars / drink bottles

Every little explorer needs to keep hydrated and thermos are a great non-toy gift idea for kids who are out and about often. We love the selection from b.box. They have thermo jars which keep our food nice and warm during Winter and beautiful and fresh in the Summer. The drink bottles are also great all year round as well. They keep hot milk warm, but are also great for water or juice. They can be used for all ages which is great.

10. Microscope

Every little budding scientist needs to own microscope so they can conduct their own experiments at home.

We have the Swift Kids Microscope which is perfect for younger school aged children. It is lightweight simple to use, and offers 40x, 100x, and 400x magnification.

We also have the National Geographic Smart Phone Microscope which is great budget microscope for beginners. It is simple and compact, and turns your smartphone into a detailed microscope.
See more ideas HERE

11. Camera

One of the best non-toy gift ideas for kids is a camera. With their own camera kids are free to explore and take as many photos as they wish at home, at the beach or even in the bath.

We never used “toy cameras”, we went straight to the real ones and have the Fuji Film XP140 which is not only waterproof, but also dust proof and shockproof, and perfect for little ones. It is a little more expensive but worth it as it has lasted.

The V-Tech Kidizoom Studio is also a good one, as it allows kids to take still photos or create videos with the built in microphone and flip up lens for selfies!
Find online HERE

12. Headlight or Torch

If you go on night walks, or love to camp, then a headlight or torch is another non-gift idea that is simple and practical. You can get them from most department stores and costs will vary depending on the quality.

If you are looking for something different, we love this Tech Lap Coin Powered Flashlight Kit which is fun for older kids over 6yrs who can learn how to make their own battery and circuits.

13. Dress Up’s

All kids love to dress up. Whether it is the latest Princess or Superhero, a Doctor or Nurse, or something scary for Halloween, any costume for kids is the perfect gift idea that isn’t a toy to promote imaginative play.
Find ideas HERE

14. Science Kits

Explore and learn with your kids with some fun science experiments! Feed your child’s curiosity and experiment at home. We love the  National Geographic selection. You can grow crystals, make your own slime, or even create your own snow! The kids are fantastic fun for the whole family. A fantastic non-toy gift idea for kids that is also educational!
Find ideas HERE

15. Experience

If you don’t want to gift a physical gift, one of the best gift ideas for kids who love to explore is an experience. Mum’s Little Explorers have reviewed lots of things to see and do in Melbourne and around the world. Things such as tickets to the zoo, the aquarium, or the local farm are great ideas. Your local indoor climbing centre or play centre may also do vouchers. Experiences always make great gifts as they are something kids will remember after time, and if you can do the experience with them, even better.

More Gift Ideas?

I hope you have found some non-toy gift ideas for kids within this post to inspire you! If you travel with your kids, you may want to check out our Travel Gifts for Kids post with more fun gift ideas for kids that aren’t toys!

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