Let me start by saying that Christmas is NOT about receiving a ton of gifts. I believe it’s about ONE gift – the Gift of Jesus. Giving gifts is just one way we celebrate His birth. Time together is another way to celebrate.
When you buy gifts for your children, take time to enjoy the gifts WITH them! Play with them! You will both benefit from this time together.
What children need more than presents is YOUR PRESENCE!
Here are some unique ideas for gifts this year:
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1. A Pogo stick
Ages: 7-13
My sons have been playing with our neighbor’s pogo stick and I love this gift for many reasons:
- It’s great exercise!
- The kids get to take turns and practice sharing. They cheer each other on and congratulate each other when they beat their “high score.”
- The more they practice, the better they get. The better they get, the more energy they burn!
- It doesn’t take up much space.
- They can use it outside or in a basement.
- You can buy one new or find a nice USED one (see the post about Christmas on a budget here). I found a nice used one that my boys will get for Christmas (shh…don’t tell)
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2. Subscription box
George and the walking robot he built
Recommended for ages 2 and up
If you have a kid that likes crafts or building, I recommend a subscription to Kiwi club. We purchased a 6 month subscription to Kiwi Crate for our oldest son, and he loved it. They have different kits for different ages/interests. When you subscribe, you’ll get a box to unwrap every month. Order NOW because the kits are on sale, and your child can UNWRAP the first box on Christmas day! Click here for 60% off your first subscription.
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3. Janet Benge books
Recommended for ages 6 and up
I love to read, and I’ve read LOTS of books. I can’t believe how amazing the Janet Benge books are! Each book is a TRUE story about an inspiring person from history. Kids can read these on their own, but even better – read with them. You will love them as much as your kids will. Everyone will be asking for ONE MORE CHAPTER!
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4. A handmade photo gift – Memory Game!
I made my youngest son a memory game on Shutterfly two years ago and all my boys STILL enjoy playing with it. Each “match” has people they know and love.
This year I’m going to make them a puzzle with one of our family pictures. I love this unique option on Shutterfly!
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5. Piano lessons and a Keyboard
Ages 7 and up
My grandparents gave one of my sons the gift of piano lessons for Christmas 5 years ago – and he’s still playing.
My in-laws found a used Keyboard and gave it to our boys so that they could begin learning and practicing. Both of those gifts have been really special.
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6. Fun socks
Ages 4 and up
Socks are really COOL right now! Kids love to pull their socks up high and show off their favorite team.
Bonus – it’s something they need anyway. Christmas is a time you may want to splurge and get them their favorite themed socks.
Don’t tell me kids, but they are getting socks for Christmas.
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7. Sled
Ages 2 and up
What makes this gift Unique? You are going to Go sledding together! You won’t believe how much fun you’ll have being a kid with them! Follow my instagram stories for the sledding adventures I go on with my boys!
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8. Owl pellets
Ages 5 and up
Do something disgusting together – dissect OWL pellets. Owl pellets are the undigested parts of an owl’s food, regurgitated (coughed up through the mouth). You can find them under trees, or just buy them on amazon. (Now you know it’s true – you really can buy everything on amazon!)
I’m not usually into disecting stuff- but these are just SOOOO cool that I’m all in!
I recommend doing this outside or covering an indoor table with newspaper. Then, using gloves or small tools, open up the “pellets.” You’ll find small bones from miscellaneous animals. It’s totally fascinating, and you never know what you will discover!
Bonus – kids are learning and having fun!
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9. Drawing book – only $5
Ages 5 and up
Have your kids make Christmas pictures for family members with this book! This would be great for making THANK YOU cards too!
Other drawing book suggestions:
For boys: How to Draw SUPERHEROES
For Girls: How to Draw CUTE ANIMALS!
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10. Hatchimals
Ages 2 and up
This is a SUPER fun gift for boys or girls. I got a Hatchimal for one of my sons, now two more boys are asking for one.
You open up the box and a large EGG is inside. You get to watch an animal HATCH from the egg, then you teach it your name and other simple things.
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11. Snowball Maker
Ages 4 and up
This saves your hands from FREEZING while making snow balls. It makes the perfect snowball and is fun to use in the winter with your kids! I bought a pack of three so 3 could play at the same time.
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12. No Stress Chess
Ages 6 and up
This game taught my kids how to play chess, and now they love it!
Leave a comment if you’d like to share a UNIQUE gift idea!
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