The children in my family are overloaded with stuff. Each toy or game is good on it’s own, but overall it’s overwhelming for the parents and the kids. Many days, I am thankful for my small home because that forces us to choose carefully what we keep in our home. We are very careful when we choose gifts for my nieces and nephews. I don’t want to add to the clutter in their home, but I also want to see that happiness when they open their gifts. Over the years, we’ve had some gifts that were big hits with the kids. Here are some of my favorite fun minimalist gift ideas for kids, in case you are in the same situation!
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Experiences
Giving experiences is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. You can create memories with the kids, give them a new experience, and there is no clutter. Here are a few ideas that we have used for my nieces and nephew and for my own son. Bonus points if you choose an activity that they would not normally get to do with their family!
Children’s museum
Zoo or aquarium
Train ride
Deer Farm
Wolf Sanctuary
Art Classes
Fishing Trip
If we’re going to give gifts of things, I would prefer those things to be both fun and used regularly. Here are a few of the useful gifts we’ve done recently that were big hits with the kids.
Suitcases
Flashlight
Car Seat Poncho
Car Organizer
Toy Baskets or Totes
Special Bedding or Curtain Set
Sunglasses
Giving a gift that can be used up can be a great way to give a fun gift without adding to clutter. Take a look at these ideas and see if any of these match the interests of the children in your life.
Art Supplies
- Modeling clay
- Sketchpads
- Water colors or other paints
- Pipe cleaners, pom poms, foam and googly eyes
- Cake decorating supplies
Highlights Magazine
Activity books
Bubble bath, bath crayons, and loofahs
Sports gear for the next season
Field Hockey
Hockey stick, cleats, mouth guard, shin guards, stick bags, practice balls
Ice or Roller hockey
Hockey stick, skates, mouth guard, shin guards, stick bags, practice balls/pucks, helmet and cage, elbow pads, gloves, neck guards, skate guards, hockey pants
Volleyball
Knee pads, mouth guards, arm sleeves or elbow pads, volleyball bag, volleyball, ball pump, volleyball shoes
Tennis
Court shoes, headband, bandana, or visor, tennis bag, racket
Soccer
Soccer ball, ball pump, shin guards, soccer bag, cleats, soccer socks
Basketball
Basketball shoes, basketball, ball pump, basketball bag, basketball socks, shorts, and headbands
Swimming
Swim caps, goggles, swimming headphones or ear plugs, mesh bag, towels, bathing suits, swimming lap counter
Track and Field or Cross Country
Spikes, spandex, hammer throw gloves
Baseball or Softball
Glove, new bat, cleats, or batting gloves.
I hope some of these ideas gave you the inspiration you needed for the perfect gift, and that you’re ready for gift shopping now! Do you have any other favorite minimalist gift ideas for kids that were a big hit? Share with us! Comment below or email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!