The Very Best Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages

With the holidays around the corner, it's easy to fall back on toys if you have kids of any age on your list. Here's a thought: don't. Most kids have more toys than they know what to do with, and many are collecting dust in some far recess of their room or closet. If you're looking for a gift for a kid of any age this year that will do more than just keep them occupied for a few hours, check out this list of ideas that include decor, electronics, STEM kits, and more. 

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: Retro Gifts for Kids With Too Much Screen Time

$25 from Amazon

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Encourage the next generation of strong female leaders by gifting her one of these inspiring kits. Each kit in the collection features educational and crafting material related to a powerful woman in history: Maya Angelou, Greta Thunberg, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. As she decoupages a wooden box, creates a colorful wall hanging, or embroiders a canvas, she'll also answer prompts about how to use her own voice to make an impact in the world.

Research has found that music helps kids' brains develop, but they won't know you're gifting them any one of these items for that reason — they'll just know they're having fun and developing a whole new appreciation for how music is made. 

$89 and up from Uncommon Goods

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Budding Jimis and Eddies will be making melodies before you know it with this beginner acoustic guitar. It has three strings instead of six, so kids can learn faster, easier, and with less frustration.

Related: The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys

$60 from Singing Machine

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With this wireless microphone, Carpool Karaoke fans can recreate their favorite James Corden moments on their next road trip. It pairs with an FM station on a car's radio, and raucous roadtrippers can rock out for hours of fun and singing. With the latest 2.0 version, the mic's been given a boost with new voice changing effects, sound effects, and the option to add a second microphone for duets. Choose from either gold or rose gold.

$49 and up from Amazon
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These pocket-sized synthesizers will help any budding instrumentalist create and lock-in beats, effects, and more. Themes include rhythm, factory, arcade, robot, and a few others. 

Related: Gifts for Teenage Boys They’ll Actually Like

$74 from Amazon

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Tap into that musical brain with this electronic drum set featuring seven pads that can be customized to include a snare, three toms, a crash, a ride, a hi-hat, and more. The set comes with a headset jack and two built-in speakers. Earplugs for the grownups not included. 

Related: Cool and Creative Gift Ideas for Music Lovers

Not all gifts have to be educational — items like these will just help them spruce up their own space and make it more of a place that they'll love to hang out.

$40 and up from Personalization Mall

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Choose multiple sizes and colors, then add a name for a more personal touch. The delivered gift will be durable thanks to double-edged stitching, as well as machine-washable. 

Related: Warm and Fuzzy Gifts for Introverts

$15 from Natural Life

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Give that kiddo's room a pop of color, fun, and ambiance with one or more of these lights. Each 9-foot string features 30 LED lights and requires three AAA batteries (not included).

$22 from Urban Outfitters

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If the kiddo on your list still likes to sleep in the not-quite dark, he or she will love this adorable little dumpling pal and its faint soft glow keeping them company at night.

Related: Awesomely Cool Gifts for 9-Year-Old Girls

$60 and up from Amazon
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It's not simple being a kid or teen these days even in the best of times. Help the youngster on your list relieve some of life's anxiety, stress, and worry with one of these blankets that come in different weights, colors, patterns, and sizes. According to the folks at Parenting Pod, this is the best option for kids and teens.

$28 from Amazon

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Maybe he or she's still a little afraid of the dark, and maybe not — either way, they'll adore the way this gadget lights up a room like a star-filled night sky. It comes in a few different colors and can be run on batteries or via a USB charger. It's a perfect gift from toddlers through teens. 

Related: The Best Gifts for Night Owls of Every Possible Persuasion

Kids love electronics — here are a few ideas for electronics that'll make them psyched to have some devices of their own. 

Related: Stylish Tech Accessories That Don't Look Techy

$56 from Amazon

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This talking robot smartwatch with over 100 expressions can do so much. Kids can play games, take selfies, make videos, and track steps, amongst other features.

$40 from Amazon
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This rugged portable speaker can be taken into the shower or anywhere outdoors, and provides up to hours of music without needing a charge. It comes in eight colors and has a range of 66 feet.

Related: Tech Gifts for Men Who Have Everything

From baking and reading to crafting and more, these non-toy subscription gifts will help them develop their hobbies and interests.

$18/month and up from Cratejoy
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The Reading Bug Box offers four boxes that cater to different age levels up to 13 years. Each themed box contains multiple books curated by experts, as well as a note and gifts and extras that relate to the theme.

Related: Fun and Thoughtful Gifts for Women Who Love to Read

$29/month + shipping from Cratejoy
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The Preschool Box contains 16+ activities in every shipment. Each guarantees a book, craft materials, and activities that help teach reading and math skills.

$13/month and up from Ipsy
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This monthly box comes with five or more makeup products for kids who are just getting started with makeup or figuring out which products they love. Reviewers say it's a great cosmetic starter kit for teens, and it comes with a cute makeup bag.

Related: Thoughtful Gifts for Sisters

As kids get older, they tend to turn toward appreciating gifts that help them embrace their individuality and style. This group of gifts will help them do just that.

Price varies from InvisaWear
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A non-toy gift that could also be a life-saver, InvisaWear's bracelets, scrunchies, necklaces, keychains, and other pieces feature a built-in panic button that will initiate an S.O.S and send an alert to ADT. ADT’s professional 24/7 monitoring services can notify emergency contacts, alert authorities, and share a location to get the wearer the help they need.

Related: The Best Gifts for Moms Who Have Everything

$46 from Athleta

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Kids love soft blankets and clothing, so they'll almost certainly appreciate this sherpa hoodie that includes smart details like a ribbed hem, a front kanga pocket with phone storage, and thumb holes at the end of the sleeves. Comes in three colors and a unisex style. 

$44 and up from Etsy

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This adorable linen bag comes in two sizes and can be customized with a name in a unique scripted font (that is actually Etsy seller Mama Bleu Designs' own handwriting). The bag is lined in cotton, had a braided strap, and includes a zipper closure.

$13 from Amazon
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Personalized name necklaces will never go out of fashion, and this one is made in a trendy script font and available in gold, silver, or stainless steel. 

Related: The Best Heartfelt and Hilarious Personalized Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Have you ever met a kid who doesn't appreciate snacks or the ability to make their own treats? These gifts will have them noshing on things they love or venturing into the kitchen for some culinary independence. 

$20 from Amazon
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With one of these colorful kitchen tools, kiddos can whip up some DIY doughnut delights in under five minutes per batch. A nonstick coating makes cleanup a piece of cake.

Related: Practical and Purposeful Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use

$24 and up from Kidstir
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Kidstir's cooking kits includes recipes, activities, and cooking tools "that create opportunities for kids to spend time with their parents and siblings while developing lifelong cooking skills and learning to love fresh and wholesome food." You can also choose subscription boxes to send on a more regular basis. 

$60 from Amazon
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Never have to buy a snow cone again with the sleekly designed, small-footprint, easy-to-clean (even for a kid) gift. 

Related: Gifts Under $25 for Food Lovers

$25 from Amazon

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If the kid on your list in your life loves a movie night, he or she will enjoy this gift set, which will make the evening even more fun and tasty with plenty of popcorn and a variety of candy.

Related: Best Gifts for Movie Buffs

Let's face it — most kids these days are into gaming, even if we'd rather they not be quite so into it. But remember, research shows that certain games can help develop problem-solving and strategy skills, so support that brain-developing interest with one of these items. 

$5 to $100 from Steam
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Even the most casual gamer will happily accept a gift card that lets them choose from among 30,000 or so titles on this mega-gaming site.

Related: Cool Gifts for Old School Gamers Who Miss the '80s

$40 from Amazon
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Know an aspiring podcaster or gamecaster or YouTuber? Then get 'em this USB microphone, and they'll be able to run their mouth for hours as they're glued to their screens (and just maybe make some money doing it). 

$140 from Amazon

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If your kiddo is a gamer who also just happens to like girlie-girl colors, this pink and lavender faux leather gaming chair gets great reviews from buyers and features a reclining backrest, adjustable height, and extra cushion. Don't worry — there are other color styles available, too. 

Related: Mobile Caddies and Other Storage Ideas For Your Home 'Office'

$55 from Amazon

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Upgrade their PC gaming with an accessory set that includes a keyboard, headphones, mouse, and mouse pad. The keyboard features seven different RGB light modes and effects and four brightness levels, and the headphones feature a microphone for gaming with friends.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — so you know the following items will help build those skills that could someday develop into a job that'll help support you in your old age. 

$30 from Amazon

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This isn't just another marble run — it's a logic game that helps build critical thinking and spatial awareness as kids figure out how to build a path for their marble to get to a certain target. Best for kids 8 and older, it comes with 60 challenges suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

$30 from Amazon

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Kids of almost any age love treasure, and this fun gift gives them multiple opportunities to find it. The kit includes 10 geodes with crystals inside as well as a goggles and a display stand. For extra educational appeal, there's also a 16-page full-color learning guide included that will teach him or her all about the discoveries. 

$29 from Amazon
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Keep them busy for the entirety of winter break with this STEM-friendly set of snap-together circuits. Among the 100+ projects: Kids can make a siren wail, make a plastic helicopter fly, and control a light with their voice.

Related: Awesome Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls

$12 from Amazon

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Colorful building blocks like these stimulate hand-eye coordination, teach basic principles of geometry, and promote creative problem-solving skills. This set includes a magnetic board surface, six double-sided pattern cards, and 120 magnets in a variety of shapes and colors.

$37 from Fat Brain Toys

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This menagerie of 12 critters, ranging in height from 1 inch to 1 foot, are designed to teach youngsters learning about numbers, units of measurement, and basic math skills. The kit comes with a puzzle book featuring 100 brain teasers.

$14 from Amazon

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An abacus is a time-honored tool for teaching kids about numbers, logic, and mathematical concepts such as the powers of 10. This sturdy, colorful abacus comes with an activity booklet to get the learning started.

$33 from Amazon

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Older kids with an interest in robotics, computer programming, or electrical engineering will get a kick out of this 190-piece kit. Youngsters can build a dozen different solar-powered robots that emulate the motion of critters such as turtles, snakes, crabs, and more.

$12 from Amazon

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This beautifully illustrated and highly rated book tells the story of environmental scientist Ken Nedimyer, a leading advocate for preserving and restoring the oceans’ fragile coral reefs.

Related: Top Items Our Readers Have Bought So Far This Holiday Season

$50 from Amazon

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This award-winning STEM product teaches kids the basics of circuit building and coding using household items such as pennies and paperclips. (Did we mention you can also turn a banana into a touchpad?)

$10 from Amazon

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Know a middle schooler who is struggling with science class? Or one who can't get enough of the subject? Slip ’em a copy of this acclaimed study guide, which covers topics from biology basics to physics and chemistry. Colorful illustrations, mnemonic learning aids, and quizzes are included to make learning fun. Similar texts are available for English, history, and other subjects

$17 from KiwiCo

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No yard? No problem. Kids can learn the basics of botany with these simple window garden kits. They contain everything needed to grow squash and green beans from seed, including growing material, a water bottle, and online activities.

Related: Gardening Gifts for Anyone With a Green Thumb

Like music gifts, arts and crafts-focused gifts help build the brain in ways other products can't. For a kid who's into creativity big time, consider one of these gifts for the holiday season. 

$25 from Fat Brain Toys

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Hands-on crafts engage and educate. Use this kit as a jumping-off point for learning about how bees build hives and make wax, or how people illuminated their homes in the era before electricity.

Related: Great Gifts for People Who Love Crafting

$27 from Amazon

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Crayola crayons are a perennial holiday wish-list favorite, and for good reason: They provide hours of creative fun for kids of all ages. This kit comes with 240 crayons and a storage tub to keep them all organized.

$15 from Target

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We love this set of ceramic dinos that come with six acrylic paints that creative kids can put their own stamp on. The kit comes with a paintbrush and four creatures.

$20 from Michaels

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The only thing more fun than making art is learning how different media, such as paints, pens, and pastels, behave when applied to paper or canvas. This 126-piece kit includes oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints, plus oil pastels, colored pencils, brushes, palettes, and more. All they'll need to add is creativity (and maybe a surface to work on).

Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire

$20 from Michaels

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Like sewing, knitting is another great craft that stimulates young minds. This kit will teach youngsters how to knit two acrylic hats and comes with all the materials they’ll need for a positive, creative project they can share with friends or family.

Related: Meaningful and Unique Gifts That Give Back

$25 from Amazon

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This fun terrarium introduces kids to the basics of earth science as they grow wheatgrass and chia sprouts from seed. Customize with included stickers, water the growing base, and watch the magic slowly unfold as green shoots grow.

Related: The Best Gifts for Plant Lovers and Green Thumbs

We'd all like our kids to spend a little more times outdoors, developing sports skills, experiencing adventure, or just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Help them embrace all of that and more with one of these gifts.  

$120 from Cabela's 

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Do you have an aspiring ninja warrior on your list? Nudge them toward those dreams of pushing the buzzer with this set, which includes a 36-foot ninja line with lots of accessories to help them build that growing athleticism and confidence. Everything comes packed in a convenient and portable storage bag. 

Related: 30 Fun Yard Games to Get Your Kids Out of the House

$140 from L.L.Bean

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If you know a kid who has even a passing interest in archery, they'll love this set, which includes a recurve bow (available in right-or left-hand versions), plus arrows, a quiver, paper target, and bow sleeve and armguard.

Related: The Best Gifts for Men Who Love the Outdoors

$60 from Amazon

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Never let the earth's rotation stop the hoops again with this basketball, which will stay well-lit with two bright LEDs and features an auto-shutoff function to conserve battery power.

$240 and up from Amazon
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Scooters have been a hot holiday gift for years, but there are still plenty of older kids teens who have never owned one. Maybe this is the year to change that. This Razor scooter can accomodate riders up to 220 pounds, has a top speed of 15 mph, and can run for 40 minutes on a full charge

Here are a few more non-toy gift ideas that don't fit neatly into any of the categories above.

$24 from Amazon

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Journaling can relieve a lot of angst for kids. Set 'em up for success with this kit, which includes a 70-sheet journal they can customize with stickers, gems, and more.

Related: The Best Gifts for Writers (and Not One Pen — We Promise)

$19 from Target

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D&D has made a huge comeback during the past year as kids (and OK, some adults) find themselves with ample time on their hands. If you want to get your kiddo on the bandwagon, get them started with this set, which includes everything they'll need to create characters and get started on dungeon-mastering skills.

Related: 10 Awesomely Cheap Games for Family Game Night

$28 from Amazon
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An old-school throwback gift, car-loving kids will be psyched to tear into this 1:25 scale model of the 1970 Chevelle SS.

Related: Cool Gifts for Men Who Love Cars

$25 from Wordstruct

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Know a kid who enjoys Words With Friends or Scrabble? Then give ’em a copy of Wordstruct and take wordplay into the third dimension. Build words horizontally or vertically with these metal discs, create word-search games, and make vocabulary-building fun.

$15 from Amazon
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Add an extra element of fun to a jigsaw puzzle with this glow-in-the-dark version featuring a jungle scene. Not so much into elephants and tigers? It also comes in an ocean and space theme.

Related: Gifts for People Who Love Jigsaw Puzzles

$60 from Amazon

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Kids love having their own travel bag, and this option offers 16 styles to choose from. Features include zippered pockets and pouches to keep things nearby that they'll want easy access to, like devices and books, and rolling wheels that make it easy for them to pull their own weight on trips and adventures. 

Related: Gifts for Women Who Love to Travel

$20 from Amazon

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Help them master money management skills with this "piggy bank" for modern times. The award-winning Moonjar has three sections for save, spend, and share, and it'll help kids learn fiscal responsibility and generosity. 

$25 from Natural Life

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These gift boxes come packed with goodies including stickers, a bracelet, air freshener, and more. Available in 10 different themes, many of which are well-suited for kids.