Alternative Gift Ideas for Kids (That Aren’t Toys!) 🎁

8.5 million new, perfectly good toys are thrown away every year in the UK!

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Experiences

Instead of toys that gather dust, why not gift your kids experiences they’ll always remember? Honestly, these kinds of gifts are my absolute favourite—they’re exciting, meaningful, and way less stressful than finding yet another toy they might not even play with!

Theme Park Tickets or Short Breaks:

I love a good family day out, and places like LEGOLAND, Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and Chessington World of Adventures never disappoint.

If you’re thinking of going more than once, a Merlin Annual Pass can save you loads in the long run (and it makes a fab present too!)

Check out what Deals & Discounts we have available for days our near you today.

Theatre or Cinema Tickets:

Who doesn’t love a bit of festive magic? A pantomime or Christmas movie outing always feels extra special that time of year. It's worth shopping around for deals - Theater Tickets Direct have an extra 3% off for our readers using code awinvouch.

Experience Days:

If you want something a bit different, Virgin Experience Days and similar sites are brilliant for unique family moments. Think zoo visits, stadium tours, photoshoots, creative workshops, or even outdoor adventures—there’s something for everyone. We even have some Deals & Discounts on Days out and Clubs, Hobbies & Activities here.

Creative Kids

For kids who love to get messy (I mean, creative), there’s no shortage of fun options to keep their hands busy and imaginations buzzing.

Cooking kits are always a hit—think mini baking sets or pizza-making kits that let them take over the kitchen (but don’t forget the aprons to save your sanity!).

For the crafty ones, sewing machines or embroidery kits are great for older kids, while slime-making or jewellery kits are perfect for younger ones who love getting stuck into DIY projects.

And let’s not forget the classics—paint sets, tie-dye kits, or even model-building kits for those who love constructing something from scratch.

Honestly, these gifts aren’t just fun—they’re the perfect boredom busters that might even buy you a quiet cuppa!

Outdoor Adventurers

If your kids are always dragging mud through the house and coming home with pockets full of “treasures,” outdoor gifts are definitely the way to go.

Gardening kits are a great start—whether they’re growing flowers, veggies, or just digging up dirt, it’s all part of the fun. For the budding David Attenboroughs, explorer sets with binoculars and bug-catching tools will keep them busy (and hopefully not bringing bugs inside).

Feeling more adventurous? Scooters (12% off code - AW12), trampolines, or even a slackline can burn off some of that boundless energy. And if you’ve got a little camper in the family, mini tents, sleeping bags, or a headtorch for nighttime exploring will have them feeling like pros.

Let’s be real—anything that gets them outside, tired, and smiling is a win for everyone!

Personalised & Practical

Who says practical gifts have to be boring? With the right touch, they can be just as exciting as the flashy stuff (and way more useful).

Personalised backpacks or lunchboxes are always a hit—bonus points if they’ve got their favourite characters plastered all over them.

Accessories for their favourite sport - Football mums and dads NEED to check these Bootskins Out! Gamechanger! (Discounts on bootskins for our club members here)

Reusable water bottles are another winner: eco-friendly, stylish, and perfect for school or days out.

And let’s not forget the Christmas staple—pyjamas! A cute pair with their beloved characters will have them twirling around the house like it’s a fashion show.

Oh, and here’s a favourite of mine: personalised storybooks like those from Wonderbly and Imagitime. Imagine your child’s name (and even face) woven into a magical tale just for them—it’s the kind of gift they’ll treasure long after the holidays.

Subscription Boxes

If you want a gift that keeps on giving, subscription boxes are a no-brainer.

Every month, your kids get something new to unwrap, and you get to be the hero without any last-minute shopping stress.

STEM boxes are brilliant for curious minds, with fun science experiments and building kits delivered right to your door.

Book subscriptions? Perfect for bedtime readers (and they might even get excited about reading on their own).

For the arty kids, craft boxes packed with projects like painting, clay modeling, or jewellery making will keep them busy for hours.

Gardening boxes are great for those who enjoy the outdoors, and the guided tasks can keeps them quiet, I mean busy, for hours!

It’s like Christmas every month—minus the chaos of wrapping paper everywhere!