1. Monthly subscription kits!

There are so many options when it comes to a subscription kit. Many companies have specific kits geared to all different ages and there are many different kinds that you can choose from based on the interests of the child you’re purchasing for. Some that we love are: Lovevery, KiwiCo and Little Passports!

2. Adventure experiences!

What kid doesn’t love to get out for a day and do something fun? The options are endless when it comes to choosing an experience instead of a toy. You can purchase things like zoo passes, aquarium passes, and even concert or event tickets for the birthday boy or girl!

3. Extracurricular activities!

Sports and extracurricular’s can be so expensive, asking friends and family to help out is a great option. Keeping kids active is so important and they love it too! Swim passes, soccer sessions or a public skating trip is such a fun way to celebrate someone’s special day.

4. Dress up clothes!

Imagination with toys can only go so far but their imagination can really bloom with a tickle trunk full of dress up clothes. Let them create worlds of their own by providing them with the tools like princess dresses, superhero capes and so much more.

5. A camera!

What better way to capture memories of not only their special day but every day after with their very own camera? Remember the days of having your own digital camera before smart phones took over the world? Let them live out that nostalgia by giving them the gift of reliving their favourite memories!

6. A photo album!

A great gift to give which can also accompany the one above is a photo album. Make it sentimental by filling it up with any photos you may have that would mean something to them and leave a few empty slots for them to contribute photos to as well.

7. Arts and craft supplies!

Although these can be messy themselves, not adding to the toy mess is still what we’re aiming for here. Things to fill up an arts and craft station such as markers, construction paper and glue sticks will add some creativity to their days!

8. Magazine subscription!

Similar to the subscription box option, receiving something in the mail monthly or every other month is so exciting to a child. Even just seeing something consistently in their mailbox with their name on it is sure to make them smile! A few ones we love are Chickadee, National Geographic and Time Kids.

9. Restaurant gift cards!

This is such a fun gift for a kid to receive because it allows them to pay themselves the next time you want to enjoy a dinner out. Make it even more fun by adding a few into a wallet for them so they can feel like the most important kid in the restaurant when you go out for a meal, dinners on them!

10. Last but not least – some Mabel’s Labels- Name Label Gift Pack! 

    With so many options, there’s labels for everyone no matter their age. It’ll be so fun for them to receive something so personalized and giving them all the freedom to label whatever they want to keep as theirs and theirs only.

    

While toys are most commonly given at birthday parties, let 2024 be the year you switch up your gift giving to something on this list instead. No one will be disappointed with any of these options, and they will greatly appreciate the change-up. A kid can only receive so many toys for their birthday, so let’s say bye-bye to toys and hello to happiness and joy in other forms!

Looking for unique loot bag ideas that aren’t plastic junk? Check these ideas out!

The post Unique Kids’ Birthday Gifts That Aren’t Toys – Gift Ideas for Kids appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1. Plan Ahead for your child’s birthday

With so much going on at this time of year, it’s important to have a plan ahead of the big day. Start planning as early as you can so that you can ensure other people (if you’re including others) have plenty of time to make sure they can attend as well.

2. Always use non-holiday wrapping and décor!

It’s easy to just blend the two celebrations together, but it feels even more special to your child when they see that you’ve taken the time to make them two totally separate events. Steer away from the holiday wrapping paper and gift bags (you might have to dig a little at your local drug store for the birthday stuff at this time of year, but it’s there!)

3. Choose an experience instead of a physical gift!

Gift-giving is a pretty common occurrence when it comes to getting together for the holidays, so you’re best to switch it up when it comes to celebrating a birthday. Opt for an exciting experience like heading to your local movie theatre, run to the arcade, or even just taking a trip to your hometown zoo – they will love the change!

4. Don’t combine Christmas and birthday gifts!

If you don’t want to entertain the idea of enjoying an experience, try your best to completely separate the gifts you have planned. Let any family and friends know that your child will be getting gifts for Christmas and gifts for their birthday but that they are not to be combined into the same gift-giving event.

If you’re looking for great loot bag ideas, this is our pick! 

5. Let them pick out their own toy at the store!

Who says you have to have one without the other? If you’re still on the fence, combining gift giving with an experience might be the best fit for you and your family. Head to your local toy store and let your child have their pick when it comes to their birthday gift. It’ll make them feel so special knowing they had a hand in it!

6. Enjoy dinner out!

The holiday season can be full of family dinners and get togethers, some small and some large, so letting your child choose a dinner experience all of their own will help them feel like number one. Have them pick a restaurant and go crazy – Shirley Temple’s all around!

7. Turn your Christmas tree into a birthday tree!

Break out the streamers and the festive birthday bows, having a birthday tree is tons of fun! String their favourite ornaments and watch the awe on their face once you’ve completed this fun activity.

8. Celebrate their half birthday!

The summertime can be a bit more relaxing versus the busy holiday season, so there’s no shame in celebrating the birthday kid a bit earlier than usual! Have a pool party, head outdoors for a BBQ or just enjoy staying up past your bedtime (because you can!) and have the most fun without the stress.

Although December is usually one of the slowest months when it comes to worldwide birthdays, there are still lots of kiddos out there with one (including my own)! It’s so important to make them feel special all while still being surrounded by the magic of the holiday season. Birthdays can truly be just as magic in November and December and they don’t have to take a backseat – celebrate with these fun tips and tricks and enjoy the holidays all on their own. Happy Birthday!

The post How to Make Your Kid’s December Birthday Special appeared first on The Mabelhood.