20 unique Christmas gifts for kids that are not more toys

The short answer

The gifts kids remember are often not toys: a trip or a class, a keepsake with their name, a magic moment on Christmas morning, or a subscription that brings something every month. Many of them cost little, take no space and work for grandparents who live far away.

Experiences

  1. A day out. Zoo, aquarium or trampoline park tickets in a card.
  2. A class. Swimming, art, dance or a coding class.
  3. A "yes day." The child plans the day, with a few rules.
  4. A sleepover at Grandma's, written as a ticket.
  5. A family movie night box. Popcorn, a new movie and a blanket.

Keepsakes

  1. A book with their name in it.
  2. A custom star map of the night they were born.
  3. A memory box with the year written on top.
  4. A handwritten letter to open on their 18th birthday.
  5. A recipe book of family favorites.

Gifts that come by email

  1. A letter from Santa that tells what they did well this year.
  2. An audiobook or e-book series.
  3. A magazine subscription for kids.
  4. A video call with a faraway grandparent, set for Christmas morning.

Gifts that build something

  1. A science kit with real experiments.
  2. A garden kit with seeds for spring.
  3. A cookbook for kids with a promise to cook together.
  4. A camera for kids, with a photo album to fill.

Small gifts with big magic

  1. Proof Santa came. Boot prints, a bitten cookie and a note. See 12 ways to leave proof that Santa visited.
  2. A Christmas Eve box. Pajamas, a book and hot cocoa. See Christmas Eve box ideas.

Questions

What is a unique Christmas gift for a child who has everything?

Pick an experience, a keepsake with their name, or a magic moment like proof that Santa came to your house.

What can grandparents give that does not need shipping?

A gift that comes by email: a letter from Santa, an audiobook, a magazine subscription, or a ticket for a day out.

What are good non-toy gifts for kids?

Classes, day trips, books, keepsakes, kits that build a skill, and family time written as a ticket.

Santa Stopped By. Coming this Christmas.