Christmas gifts for toddlers that aren't toys
Too many toys already? For a toddler who has everything, the best Christmas gift is often time: a morning out, a small adventure, or something you do together again and again. Here are 18 gift ideas that are not toys, each with who it suits best, plus simple ways to wrap something that does not fit in a box.
This page is run by Amor Picture Books (Nova Group), publisher of the Amor picture books by Samaher Thabit and Martin Törnell.
Time gifts: you are the present
Write each one on a card a toddler can hold.
Pancake morning card
"A pancake morning with Dad, you choose the toppings."
Best for: toddlers who love helping in the kitchen.Library date
"A library trip. You pick three books."
Best for: book lovers from about 2.Puddle walk voucher
"A puddle walk in wellies, any weather."
Best for: busy toddlers who need to move.Living room picnic
A blanket, a basket and lunch on the floor.
Best for: dark winter weekends."You choose the story" night
One evening where your child picks the bedtime book, twice.
Best for: children who love being in charge of small things.Monthly date with a grandparent
One morning a month, written as twelve little tickets.
Best for: grandparents who live nearby.
Outings and experiences
Farm or petting zoo visit
With a promise to look for one special animal.
Best for: animal fans from about 18 months.A train or bus ride just for fun
A short ride with a snack at the end. Keep it under an hour.
Best for: children who love vehicles.Swimming or music session for little ones
If there is one near you. Check the age limits locally.
Best for: toddlers who enjoy water or songs.Children's theatre or story time
A short show or a library story time made for little ones.
Best for: children from about 3 who can sit for a short show.
Gifts that get used up
Chunky crayons and a big roll of paper
Roll it out on the floor and draw together.
Best for: children who like to draw on everything.A baking kit to use together
A cutter shape, sprinkles and a recipe card you write yourself.
Best for: the quiet days between Christmas and New Year.Bubble mix for the garden
A bottle of bubbles and ten minutes outside.
Best for: outdoor toddlers, and a calm minute for you.Bath crayons or bath paint
Drawing on the tiles makes bath time a game.
Best for: children who resist bath time.
Things that grow with them
Seeds and a small pot
To plant in spring, with a drawn calendar of when to water.
Best for: curious 3 and 4 year olds.A "my year" photo book
Print your own photos and make the book together.
Best for: children who love looking at themselves as babies.A term of swimming or dance
An activity instead of a thing.
Best for: families who want fewer objects at home.
A book to read together
A picture book for Christmas evening
Read it together after the presents. Our own Amor and the Great Big NO! is for children aged 3-8.
Best for: a calm end to a loud day.
For younger children, see our Christmas picture books sorted by age. More about Book 1: Amor and the Great Big NO!
How to wrap an experience
- 1
Give them something to hold
Draw or print a picture of the place, put it in a box, and add a small clue, like a toy farm animal from your own shelf or a pair of swimming goggles.
- 2
Make a ticket
A homemade ticket with a date and a drawing feels real to a toddler. Keep it on the fridge so the wait is part of the fun.
- 3
Tell the story of the day
"On Saturday we will take the train, then we will see the goats, then we will have hot chocolate." A simple plan helps little ones look forward to it.
- 4
Keep it small
A short outing that ends happily beats a long, tiring day. You can always do it again.
For grandparents and relatives
Ask the parents first. A message like "Would a day out be welcome, or is there something you need?" avoids two of the same gift and makes the visit easier to plan. A recurring date, like one morning a month, can mean more to a toddler than a big box.
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Questions parents ask
What do you get a toddler who has everything?
Time and experiences: a day out, a small adventure, or a card for a pancake morning together. Toddlers often remember the day more than the gift.
What are good experience gifts for toddlers?
Short and simple outings work best: a farm or zoo visit, a train ride, a swimming or music session, or a story time for little ones.
How do you give an experience gift to a toddler?
Give something to hold, like a drawing of the place or a homemade ticket, and talk about the plan before the day.
What are non-toy gifts for a 2 year old?
Chunky crayons, bath crayons, bubbles, a library date, a photo book of their year or a card for a pancake morning together.
Where can I get more gift and storytime ideas?
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