Most kids can easily create a list a mile long containing all the toys they want for Christmas. I know my kid can and already has! But, we don’t always want to get them just toys. This list of gifts for kids that aren’t toys has a few things they might not have wanted, but will end up enjoying – a whole lot.
If any of you have kids or grandkids like my little Circus, they’ve already made up their list for Santa and their parents and it’s full of toy after toy after toy. And hey, that’s alright! It is Christmas and I can’t imagine not seeing the Circus’ face light up as she gets a few toys she’s been longing for.
However, I also like to surprise the Circus with a Christmas gift or two that she didn’t ask for and that aren’t toys, but that she will enjoy just as much.
If you’re on that same page, this list of gifts for kids might have a thing or two the littles in your life would love – they just don’t know it yet!
This list is more focused on gifts for little kids, roughly ages 4-8ish. My kiddo fits in that age bracket, so it’s easier for me to come up with things that kids in that age group would enjoy. Some of these gifts could absolutely work for kids younger or older than four and eight, and of course, you’ll be the best judge for that!
Some brands provided products and/or compensation for inclusion in this gift guide. However, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Non Toy Gifts for Kids
Gifts for Creative Kids
Have a kid on your list who loves art projects? Stock them up on cool projects and craft supplies!
Suncatcher Art Kit
It’s hard to find a kid who doesn’t love a good, fun art project. We are big fans of sun catchers around here and the Circus loves making them. This sun catcher kit has 20 different ones to complete!
3D Pen
Bring their art to life with this 3D pen! This is definitely one for kids that are a little older, as it does plug in and heat up. Instead of ink, this pen puts out plastic to create 3D shapes.
Paint by Sticker Kit
We also love some painting by sticker around here. These are especially great for road trips to keep the kids occupied. It also requires them to use those fine motor skills as well.
Gifts for the R&R Kids
Have a kiddo who loves a good movie night? Check these ideas out for them!
Kids Size Recliner
My kiddo asked for one of these last year and her wish was granted! She loves relaxing in her recliner during movie night! Find this one here!
101 Movies Book
This is something both parents and kids can enjoy! Besides noting each of the 101 movies to watch, this book also has a section for the kiddos to be movie critics themselves and write their own reviews.
Pig Ottoman
Not ready to commit to a kid’s recliner? How about an ottoman for them to prop their feet on? This one is adorable, but you can also get it in other animal varieties including: an elephant, panda, and cow.
Gifts for Kids Who Love Adventure
Have a kiddo who’s always up for adventure? These might help them out on their next one…
World Traveler Play Set
This fun little play set includes tickets, postcards, a passport and more that can take your little kiddo on whatever adventure they create for themselves. Find this set here.
Fox Sleeping Bag
Whether they’re camping under the stars or in the den, they’ll enjoy it even more in this woodland fox sleeping bag! Other animal designs available. Find it here!
Gifts for the Animal Loving Kids
It’s hard to find a kid who doesn’t love animals. Here’s a couple options for them…
Zoobooks Magazine Subscription
We love our Zoobooks magazine around here! This is one of those gifts that keep giving all year long! Zoobooks has magazine subscriptions geared toward all different age brackets; you can find one that fits well for your kiddos here.
Canine Christmas Tree
This one is perfect for dog lovers and it also gives kids their own special little holiday decoration. This canine Christmas tree lights up and also plays music. My daughter received one of these for Christmas last year and she adores it!
Gifts for the Super Hero Fan
Every kiddo needs a little super hero magic in their lives…
The Big Book of Bedtime Stories for Super Heroes
Send your kids off to bed ready to dream about all their super powers. The Big Book of Bedtime Stories for Super Heroes will set the scene for super dreaming!
The Book Book of Super Villains
One must always be educated in the villains as well! The Big Book of Super Villains leaves no villain untouched!
Gifts for the Kids Who Love Drawing and Writing
For the kids who are always dreaming through words and drawings…
Personalized Notebooks
At Minted, you can get personalized notebooks for kids and choose to get either lined or blank paper inside the notebook. We’re getting the Circus two notebooks – one blank for drawing and one lined for writing this year. Each is personalized with her name as well. Find the Dino notebook here and the full selection of kid’s notebooks from Minted here.
Personalized Stationery
When I was a kid, I had a few fancy notepads that had my name on them and I thought that was so cool. Since the Circus is learning how to write now, I thought it might be fun to get her some of her own stationery that she can write letters to family and friends on. Besides the rainbow design there are also lots of other designs to choose from here.
Black Paper Sketchbook
If you’ve got a mini-artist on your hands, then they will think this black paper sketchbook is super cool. They might never want to go back to boring white paper after using this.
Moonlight Pen Set
To go along with the sketchbook, get them some brightly colored pens or markers, like this moonlight pen set that really pops on the black drawing paper.
Gifts for the Kids Who Love Personalization
They think it’s pretty cool when something has their name on it…
Personalized Beach Towels
Your kids won’t ever fight over beach towels again because they’ll each have their own personalized one! There are lots of different themes, animals, patterns and designs to choose from at Just So Posh. Find the whale one here.
Personalized Activity Placemats
If you’ve got littles who are learning their ABCs, numbers, or how to tell time, a great way to help them with that is with these personalized activity placemats. They keep learning fun while eating dinner and also wipe clean!
Gifts Especially for Strong Girls
Books to teach our girls to be strong, determined and to stand for what they believe in…
She Persisted
This book tells the stories of 13 different American women who changed the world in some way. They range from Harriet Tubman to Sally Ride to Helen Keller just to name a few. Find the book here.
I Dissent
This is the story of the one and only, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and how how she’s spent her life standing up for equality by arguing against unfair treatment. It’s in picture book form, so it’s easily digestible for little girls. Find it here.
What non toy gifts will you be picking up this year?
More Gift Ideas:
Gifts for the Impossible Man
Funny Gift Ideas
Gift Ideas for Friends
Unique Gifts for Someone Who Has Everything Already
Gifts for Drinkers
Best Gifts for People Who Travel
Gifts for Sarcastic Friends
Gifts for Grandparents
Gifts for Book Lovers
Gifts for People Who Love Music
Gifts for New Homeowners
Unique Personalized Gifts
Gifts that Keep Giving
Gifts for Her
Gifts for Couples
Gifts for Creative People
Gifts for Foodies, Cooks and Entertainers
Gifts for DIYers
Are you getting our holiday gift guide emails? If not, sign up below for special discounts, sales and more great gift ideas!
Want to remember this list for later? Just pin the image below!
Thanks for all of the gift lists you have offered, your choices are all thoughtful and creative! My brain is overflowing with ideas and inspiration for practically everyone I know.?
Pat
Happy to help, Pat!!