Top 11 Presents for Kids That Aren’t Toys

If you’re on a mission to reduce the toy clutter or just fancy gifting something that’ll get real use, here’s a roundup of brilliant kid friendly presents that aren’t toys but still feel fun, thoughtful, and exciting. A nice mix of practical bits, creativity boosters, and things that’ll last longer than Christmas morning.

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1. Yoto Player and Cards

Our Yoto Player has been loved for years and they’re still used every single day. You can grab story cards, music, mindfulness, educational sets, all sorts. It’s brilliant for quiet time, bedtimes, car journeys, and giving kids a bit of independence. It's also great for giving family members suggestions of what to get the kids!

2. Craft Supplies

The craft drawer always needs a restock (and a tidy, let's be honest). Think chunky crayons, PVA glue, stickers, beads, watercolour pads, paint sticks, googly eyes... all the essentials that fuel hours of creativity. Perfect if relatives ask what the kids need, too.

3. Bath Time Consumables

A fun and super reliable present. Bath bombs, foaming bath stuff, bubble bath, bath crayons, colour-changing drops (we love the crayola ones!). It gets used up, smells great, and makes bath time easier for everyone.

4. Room Decor Bits

Make their space fun and cosy. Clocks, wall art, wall stickers, floor cushions, fairy lights, or little display shelves. Small updates make their room feel special without taking up more toy storage.

Suggested picks: removable wall stickers, comfy seats, kid friendly prints.

5. Scooters and Bikes

Practical, gets them outdoors, and always well loved. We recently bought Eli a Micro Scooter and he’s flying around the school playground like he’s training for the Olympics.

Suggested picks: Micro scooters, safety helmets and accessories like ribbons and spokies

6. A New Swimming or Sports Bag

It’s one of those things that’s weirdly exciting for kids and actually helpful for parents. Go for a fun pattern or their favourite colour and it’ll be a hit.

7. Magazine Subscriptions

A gift that keeps arriving all year. Nat Geo Kids is one that I'm getting for the kids this year but there are loads of options depending on your child’s interests.

Suggested picks: Okido, Nat Geo Kids (and little kids), Aquila

8. Science Kits and STEAM Activities

From giant science experiment sets to construction kits like Make.Do, these are brilliant for curious kids. Ideal for rainy days or after school projects screen-free time.

Suggested picks: this science kit, KiwiCo stem sets, Make.Do starter kit.

9. Experiences

Zero clutter and fun for everyone. Think zoo memberships, theme park tickets, art classes, sports clubs, art sessions, climbing walls, theatre shows, or museum passes.

10. Binoculars, Bird Guides, Wildlife Cameras

Perfect for little explorers. There are loads of brilliant bird books for kids and child sized binoculars. And if you’re tempted to sneak the wildlife camera for yourself... absolutely no judgement because same.

Suggested picks: kids binoculars, bird spotting books, entry level wildlife cameras.

11. Clothes for the Year Ahead

Yes, it sounds practical, but kids genuinely get excited when it’s something with their favourite animals, characters, or colours. And it always gets used.

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If you spot something your kids love, let me know. I’m always adding to the list.