NON-toy christmas gift ideas for the little ones in your life

Are you overwhelmed with all of the STUFF that seems to come along with this time of year? 

Are you trying to be a bit more minimalist and conscious of what you buy? 

Do the little ones that you're buying for already seem to have every toy known to man? 

You may want to consider a non-toy gift! 

Gifting your child (or a loved ones child) an experience as opposed to a toy is a great option this holiday season. Particularly in the colder winter months, having activities to look forward to and get you out of the house can be a total sanity-saver, when getting outside isn't an option. 

Here are a few of my favorite non-toy gift ideas:

1. Swim Lessons 

Swim lessons are a great option, because not only are they fun, but your child will be learning a valuable life skill that could very well save their life one day. We've had my 4 year old enrolled at Goldfish Swim School for the past few months, and I can't recommend them enough. The progress he's made has been incredible, and the confidence that I've seen him gain is priceless. 

Goldfish currently have a holiday gift package available that saves you $100! Plus you can save an additional $10 by using code HOLIDAYREBECCAJ. I'd recommend calling your local Metro Detroit Goldfish location as the quantities are limited. 


2. Zoo Membership 

A zoo membership is a great gift idea for the animal loving kids in your life! It gets them outside, walking, and gives them the opportunity to see many animals that they never would ordinarily. Just keep in mind whether the recipient lives close enough to the local zoo to make this a worthwhile gift. 


3. Membership to Indoor Play Area 

For the past couple of winters we've bought a family membership to our local indoor play place, and BOY has that come in handy. I'd obviously prefer them be playing outside at the park, but living in Michigan in the winter, that's not always possible. Having a bright, warm place for them to run around and burn off steam on a dreary, cold day has been great. This is a great idea for the little ones in your life with tons of extra energy to burn- their parents will thank you! 


4. Membership to Nature Center  

Most nature centers host programs and classes throughout the year that are free to members. An annual membership would be a great way to encourage getting outside and learning more about the natural world. 


5. Movie Theater Passes 

Movie passes with the promise of a movie date is a great option for spending quality time together. A special movie date always feels like a big deal for little ones, and is a great wintertime activity. 


6. Weekend Getaway 

If you're really trying to ditch the "stuff" this year and would prefer to make memories with your family, a weekend trip to a fun hotel with a nice pool or even an indoor waterpark is a great (albeit pricier) option! Just imagine the excitement on your child's face when they open up a box with a certificate for a trip to a waterpark they've just been DYING to go to- so fun! 


7. Museum Pass 

Have an amazing museum in your area? Even better, a children's museum? Take advantage of that and gift a membership to your little ones. Museums are a great place to walk around and obviously a great place to learn about art. Not totally committed to ditching "stuff"? Gift the museum pass with a nice art set! 


I hope this was helpful if you're trying the less is more approach this Christmas and would prefer to spend your money making memories. 

What are some of your favorite non-toy gift ideas? Let me know in the comments! 

Xx, 

Rebecca 

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