Shopping for kids can be deceivingly stressful. If you have a little one on your list who pretty much already owns everything they could possibly want, picking out an exciting present is a difficult task. Instead of risking a movie, book, or board game that they most likely already own, opt for unique toys, creative activity kits, or personalized gifts that they’ll be thrilled to open.
Send a monthly box of fun
You can find a monthly subscription box for just about anything nowadays, from art projects to science experiments. This makes it one of the most flexible gifts for kids who have everything. And even though you’re technically gifting a subscription box to the kids, parents benefit too because you’re helping keep the kids busy with a new project once a month! Here are a few of the most popular subscription boxes for kids:
A Kiwi Crate subscription
Encourage their extracurricular interests with subscription services like Kiwi Crate ($20/month), which sends monthly boxes filled with all the supplies needed to do a fun science project.
Little Passports
Every month, kids get a letter from fictional pen pals who travel the world, learning about other cultures along the way. Kids receive a passport and wall map to help them follow along, as well as fun activities, souvenirs from each month’s destination, and more. (Ages 3-13)
Personalized board book
Photo books are always a meaningful gift, but for the smaller set, indestructible, tactile books are a better pick. Designed just like their favorite board books, these custom photo books help introduce family members and special places in a way even the smallest kids can understand, and it’ll remain something they can cherish forever. Check out Artifact Board Book ($40, Amazon) and I See My Family! Personalized Photo Board Book ($30, Mixbook).
Make It Real Gold Link Suede Bracelets
There’s something so fun and even a bit nostalgic about making jewelry and charm bracelets. And Make It Real’s kit provides kids with everything they’ll need to create some personalized bracelets. The kit includes faux suede cords and 100 pieces of golden jewelry and beads. This truly allows your creative child to make a range of bracelets and show off their flair for fashion.
Music Lessons
Music lessons can be pricey, so giving one—or a series—of lessons can be a real gift not just for the child but for his or her parents, too! For wee ones, consider gifting a mommy-baby music class.
Tickets to a live show
Admission to an upcoming concert by their favorite artist or to a kid-friendly stage performance like Disney on Ice gives them something to look forward to—and studies show anticipating a fun experience is its own kind of enjoyment.
Send the kids mail with an entertaining magazine and gift a subscription
The kids will love getting mail addressed just to them, and they’ll be building their reading skills without even realizing it. The experience of getting a surprise in the mail once a month keeps this non-toy gift from blending into the carpet. Plus, most kids’ magazines include activity and craft ideas for kids. And after the kids are done reading, they can pass the magazine along to a friend. A few ideas for you: Highlights, Ranger Rick Jr, or anything in the Cricket magazine family such as Ladybug for 3- to 6-year-olds, Cricket for 9- to 14-year-olds, and more.
Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit
Who says gifts for grandchildren can’t be fun and educational at the same time? My First Mind Blowing Science Kit is best for children ages 6 and older, and many of the experiments require adult supervision. The 20-piece kit comes with a variety of tools, including cotton swabs, test tubes, measuring scoops, and age-appropriate chemicals like citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch, and more. With all these ingredients, kids will be able to make their way through 11 fun activities, such as creating an underwater volcano or magic ooze!
Speakers that allow you to record your voice
The sound of loved ones’ voices can be incredibly soothing to babies, and now they can listen even if you can’t be in the room. There are speakers on the market, which also serve as white noise machines, that can record your voice with special messages, lullabies or even a full story. Check out Soundbub Portable Bluetooth Speaker and White Noise Machine (soundbub.com; $39.99), Star Recordable Plush (hallmark.com; $20) and Three Sheep Recordable White Noise Machine (amazon.com; $12)
Bedroom Decorations
Kids love a space they can decorate on their own. So, what do they really want for their room? A poster of the Eiffel Tower? A rug featuring their favorite sport? Go and find that special item. As you explore different styles of girls beds, you’ll uncover options that cater to every taste and preference. From whimsical canopy beds that transport them to a fairytale world to sleek and modern designs that reflect their contemporary sensibilities, the variety of choices ensures that their room isn’t just a space, but a true extension of their individuality.
Charity gift cards
In a year when so many are struggling, why not give the gift of philanthropy? There are gift cards your grandchildren can use to pick a cause they want to donate to. They can support other kids at places like Make-a-Wish or Ronald McDonald House, give funds to art or theater organizations, or turn their passion for animals into advocacy. Check out Charity on Top (charityontop.org; $5+) and Tis Best (tisbest.org; $5+).
Conclusion
There’s no doubt grandparents want to spoil their grandchildren in every way imaginable. So what better way to do so than with a fun gift? I’m sure the list above will be useful for grandparents who are considering what to buy for their kids.