Creative Non Toy Gifts for Kids That Spark Joy and Imagination
Looking for unique gift ideas that go beyond toys? Discover fun and meaningful non toy gifts for kids that inspire creativity, learning, and lasting memories.
Table of Contents
Why you should get Non Toy gifts for kids
Non toy gifts for kids can make a big difference because they offer kids lasting experiences, encourage new skills, and often help create deeper family connections. Unlike toys that may lose appeal over time, gifts like classes, books, and creative kits foster curiosity and learning in ways that stick. Experiences such as museum passes or crafting days build memories kids cherish, while practical gifts, like bedding or outdoor gear, add comfort and adventure to daily life. By giving non-toy gifts, you’re offering more than a temporary thrill; you’re nurturing their growth, happiness, and sense of wonder.
Memberships
Memberships make wonderful non toy gifts for kids, offering year-round excitement and new learning opportunities. With a zoo or aquarium membership, families can enjoy countless visits, letting kids explore their favorite animals and exhibits. Children’s museum memberships provide interactive exhibits that inspire creativity and hands-on learning, while science center memberships fuel curiosity with experiments and displays they can revisit and discover more each time. Even subscriptions to kid-friendly book clubs or educational platforms like Yoto Club give kids fresh content monthly, sparking a love for stories and independent exploration.
List of Ideas
- Local Museum
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Trampoline Park
- Ski Pass
- Yoto Club Membership
- Audible
Coupon Book
Creating a coupon book for your kids is a heartfelt, personalized gift that gives them fun experiences and special moments to look forward to. Each coupon can offer something unique, like “Ice Cream Date with Mom,” “Stay Up 30 Minutes Later,” or “Movie Night Choice.” For little adventurers, try adding coupons for “Outdoor Adventure Day” or “Family Picnic,” while cozy homebodies might love “PJ Day” or “Build a Fort Together.” These coupons let kids feel empowered to choose experiences that bring them joy, all while strengthening family bonds and creating memories without adding more toys to the mix.
Coupon Ideas
Magazine Subscriptions
A magazine subscription is a fantastic non toy gifts for kids that brings excitement and learning into your kids’ lives each month. Receiving their very own mail gives them something special to look forward to, and they’ll love flipping through pages filled with topics they enjoy, like animals, science, art, or sports. Magazines like National Geographic Kids, Highlights, or Ranger Rick are packed with engaging stories, activities, and colorful illustrations that spark curiosity and build reading skills. With each new issue, they’ll dive into fresh adventures and ideas, making it a gift that keeps on giving all year long.
Yoto Player
A Yoto Player is an incredible non-toy gift that opens up a world of stories, music, and educational content for kids in a screen-free, child-friendly way. This versatile audio player lets kids choose their own adventures by inserting story cards, helping foster independence and a love for storytelling. From classic tales to educational podcasts and fun sing-alongs, the Yoto Player grows with them, offering endless options for quiet time, bedtime, or family listening. Plus, with new content added regularly, it’s a gift that continually brings fresh excitement and learning opportunities without adding clutter. Read my full review of the Yoto Player and learn more about the Yoto Club membership for even more ways to enjoy this unique device!
Photobook
A non-toy gift idea for kids that’s both meaningful and memorable is a custom photo book! You could create one with pictures from your latest vacation, a special “Grandparent Book” filled with photos of your kids and their grandparents, or a holiday-themed album showcasing memories from your most recent celebration. I’ve been using Chatbooks for years to make photo books because it’s so easy and convenient. Plus, they’re a keepsake your kids will treasure forever. Be sure to use my code to get a discount and make your own!
Stem Activities
STEM activities make fantastic non-toy gifts for kids, sparking curiosity and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. Unlike traditional toys, STEM kits and projects encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as kids build, experiment, and explore. A subscription to KiwiCo, for example, delivers monthly STEM projects tailored to your child’s age and interests, from building robots to creating simple circuits. Each box provides new challenges and concepts in a fun, accessible way, helping kids develop skills that grow with them. STEM activities like these make an enriching, lasting gift that inspires curiosity beyond the moment.
STEM Subscriptions and Activity Ideas
- Kiwico Subscription
- Crunchlab
- Little Global Citizens
- Lego
- Cardboard Box Tools
- Board Games/Puzzles (see my favorites on my Amazon store)
- STEM Toys & Activities on my Amazon Store
This post does contain affiliate links in which I will be compensated a small amount if you purchase through the link at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Coco’s Caravan