15 Non-Toy Gifts For Kids 2023 | Gift Ideas That Aren’t Toys
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 that aren’t toys 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. 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>>>
2. 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.
See our full guide: Best Kids Scooters>>>>
3. Magazine Subscription
Magazines really are the gift that keeps on giving and getting mail is something that all kids seem to love. It gets them reading, learning, and off the screens for a while at least!
Whether it be a magazine subscription for kids for a month or a year, it is something that is always welcome and appreciated. They are a great idea for a gift that isn’t toys.
See our full guide: Best magazine subscriptions for kids>>>>
4. 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>>>>
5. Sunglasses
Protect your little one’s eyes and have them looking cool all Summer long with their own pair of sunglasses. For young children, Babiators 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>>>>
6. 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>>>>
7. Beach Towels
A beach towel is something everyone can use and is one of the best gifts for kids that aren’t toys. Sand free towels are even better as they are lightweight, and the sand just falls off them. There are lots of different brands and designs, from Tesalate, Sand Society, Rocky Cay and more.
See our full guide: Best sand free towels>>>>
7. 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>>>>
8. Smart Watch
Smart watches are becoming popular with kids and there is a great variety on the market. They are a great non toy gift for any child and there are options for any budget. We have a full guide on the best smart watches with reviews and information on what each of them do. Read here.
Best smart watches for kids>>>>
9. 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
10. 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
11. Microscope
Every little budding scientist needs to own microscope so they can conduct their own experiments at home.
For little ones the Leapfrog Magic Adventures Microscope is fantastic, it is an interactive microscope with tones of features but simple to use
For slightly older ones we recommend the Swift Kids Microscope. It is lightweight simple to use, and offers 40x, 100x, and 400x magnification.
See more ideas HERE
12. 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.
VTech have brought out the Print Cam, a new kids camera which prints photos instantly. It takes photos, videos, and has games and special effects.
For older kids, we recommend 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.
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 kids costume 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. 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 Thermos. 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.
16. 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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