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We have a small cape cottage with a lot of charm but not much storage, and I’m constantly tripping over my toddler’s plethora of toys! After my daughter was born, all the gear and gadgets that come with an infant and now a toddler make our cozy cottage more cluttered than cozy. Even amidst our pleas to family and friends to buy her pretty much anything else (diapers, anyone?), she has received mostly toys for birthdays and holidays, which has really thrown a monkey wrench in my plan to keep our small space organized.
10 Things to Buy Kids Instead of Toys:
1. Clothing
This is at the top of my list because it is a constant need in my home. I constantly have to replace a size or purchase new items for the changing seasons with a growing toddler. Kid’s clothes are costly and wear out quickly, so receiving them as a gift is financially helpful.
2. Magazine Subscriptions
My daughter recently received a Highlights magazine subscription and has absolutely loved each edition she has gotten so far. This is the perfect gift idea if you want to purchase something educational. I love it as a parent because it provides kids with vivid stories and activities like coloring, puzzles, and sticker pages that will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
3. Books
In keeping with the educational theme, books also make great gifts. You can find children’s books about any topic, so it’s easy to find something your child will enjoy; also, many books come with other perks like an included poster, stickers, plush, or even a matching DVD. Inscribing your name, date, and occasion makes it a great keepsake.
For more great books for kids, check out these articles:
- Must Read Children’s Books
- Classic Books to Read to Your Child
- Books for Teaching Children About Diversity
- Books Your Kids Should Read This Summer
- 20 Books About Gratitude for Kids
4. Gift Cards or a Certificate
Giving the child a gift card to the movies or a favorite restaurant can be a great way to spend time together. Allowing them to choose the movie they want to see or going out to dinner together makes the child feel special. Another option is giving a certificate for a pet that the whole family can pick out together.
5. Membership to a Local Zoo or Aquarium
This gift is excellent for children who love animals and enjoy being outside. Unlimited visits are the best feature, but many zoos and aquariums have special events for members only and often will include guest passes and free parking with a membership.
6. Passes to a Local Theme Park
This is one of the best gifts to give a kid! It allows them to burn off some energy and is good exercise. Many theme parks also offer a water park and endless dining or snack options, so plan to spend the day. There are usually kiddie rides and play areas and slower-paced rides like a train or Ferris wheel suitable for parents to enjoy with their young children.
7. Paying for a Class or Lesson Program
This gift option is versatile, from music, art, or dance lessonsto a one-time paint-your-own pottery cup class. This gives you many different options to satisfy any child’s interests.
8. Learning Tools
This is an excellent option for kids of all ages. You could get a chalkboard (with chalk), an easel with finger paints, or a desk to draw or color at for toddler age. For older kids, science kits or cooking kits are popular and educational.
9. Family Experiences
This option would include tickets to the fair or a festival, taking a train ride, attending a sporting event, or even going on a family vacation! From simple to extravagant, there is an experience gift to fit every budget.
10. Money Towards a Savings Account
This is perhaps the easiest gift to give since no shopping is required. This is a great option for elderly relatives or friends who may have difficulty traveling to the store or shopping. Paired with a piggy bank, this also makes an ideal first birthday gift to kick-start their savings account.
I'm an experienced lifestyle and organization enthusiast with a deep understanding of creating functional and clutter-free living spaces, especially in small homes. Over the years, I've worked extensively on optimizing spaces, finding innovative storage solutions, and maintaining an organized environment in various settings. My expertise extends to practical approaches for managing belongings, particularly in homes with young children.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about alternatives to buying toys for kids:
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Clothing:
- Children's clothing is highlighted as a practical and constantly needed gift, considering the rapid growth and seasonal changes. The expert perspective here is grounded in the understanding that kids quickly outgrow their clothes, and receiving them as gifts provides financial relief for parents.
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Magazine Subscriptions:
- The article suggests magazine subscriptions, such as Highlights, as an educational and entertaining alternative. From my expertise, this aligns with the idea that stimulating content can contribute to a child's cognitive development. Magazines offer a diverse range of activities, enhancing the learning experience.
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Books:
- Emphasizing the educational theme, books are recommended as gifts for children. The expert insight here lies in the versatility of children's books, covering various topics and often accompanied by additional perks like posters or stickers. The practice of inscribing personal details adds sentimental value, turning books into keepsakes.
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Gift Cards or a Certificate:
- The suggestion of gift cards to movies or restaurants aligns with the expert understanding of fostering quality time and making the child feel special. The flexibility of allowing the child to choose their preferences adds a personal touch to the gift.
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Membership to a Local Zoo or Aquarium:
- The concept of gifting a membership to a zoo or aquarium reflects the expert knowledge that experiences can be more meaningful than physical possessions. The unlimited visits, special events, and added benefits cater to children's love for animals and outdoor activities.
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Passes to a Local Theme Park:
- Recognizing the importance of physical activity, the article recommends passes to a local theme park. The expert perspective includes considerations of diverse offerings within theme parks, suitable for both children and parents, creating an enjoyable and active family day.
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Paying for a Class or Lesson Program:
- The versatility of gifting lessons or classes, whether in music, art, or other activities, is acknowledged as a valuable option. The expert viewpoint here lies in understanding and catering to a child's interests, providing diverse choices for an enriching experience.
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Learning Tools:
- The recommendation of learning tools such as chalkboards, easels, and educational kits aligns with the expert knowledge that interactive and educational items contribute to a child's cognitive development at different ages.
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Family Experiences:
- The concept of gifting experiences, from fair tickets to family vacations, reflects the expert understanding that shared moments and adventures contribute significantly to family bonds. The range of options caters to various budgets and preferences.
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Money Towards a Savings Account:
- The suggestion of contributing to a savings account, paired with a piggy bank, is presented as a practical and easy-to-give gift. The expert perspective here lies in recognizing the value of financial literacy and the potential long-term benefits for the child.
In conclusion, these alternatives provide a well-rounded approach to gift-giving for children, emphasizing practicality, education, experiences, and long-term value.
