5 Amazing non-toy gift ideas for kids
DISCLAIMER: Hey reader! Please know Goldfish Swim School is a valued partner of theCityMoms. Because of this relationship, we occasionally share sponsored content we feel could be valuable or interesting for your family, like this guide to 5 amazing non toy gift ideas, thanks to Goldfish Swim School. Read on, reader!
Whether you have decided that 2019 is going to be the year of minimalism or you simply can’t stuff one. more. toy. into your playroom, it’s a good time to put on your Santa cap and start getting creative with holiday gifting. With the help of the most knowledgeable mamas we know {love ya CityMoms!}, we came up with the best non-toy gift ideas that won’t clutter up your home...
1. Memberships
Memberships are the gifts that keep on giving! Instead of giving a child a toy that will most likely be forgotten a week later, our CityMoms boated about a year’s worth of fun and discovery. Indy-residents are lucky to have some really fantastic options for year-round family friendly fun. Our top picks are the Indianapolis Zoo, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, and Newfields. But a surprise sleeper came in hot: The Indiana State Museum! With their recent pickup in exciting exhibits and family-centric programming, this is one for your radar.And while not a standard 'membership' per se, an Indiana State Parks pass is the perfect way to give adventure all year-round. BONUS: It only costs $50 for a full year's pass.
2. Performances
With so many kid {and parent!} friendly performances coming to town, a pair of tickets makes a great stocking stuffer! Here are some shows coming to Indy in 2019 that are sure to excite your little ones:
Disney on Ice Mickey’s Search Party coming to Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in January
Harlem Globetrotters coming to Banker’s Life in January
School of Rock arriving thanks to Broadway Across Indianapolis in January
Elephant and Piggie's We Are In A Play Indianapolis Repertory Theatre in February
PJ Masks Live! Save the Day! coming to the Butler Arts Center in March
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra SymFUNy Series in March and April
The Little Mermaid at Beef and Boards in May
And is it just us or does the Civic Theatre in Carmel have a killer lineup of family shows this season? To Kill A Mockingbird, Disney's Newsies and so many more.
3. Classes
Want to make your kiddo smile AND enrich their body and mind at the same time? Yes, it’s possible. Fill their stocking with classes! Whether you have a budding artist or a Michael Phelps in training, there is a giftable class in Indianapolis that will fit your family. Our favorites?
Goldfish Swim School is THE place to be for year-round swimming lessons. The instructors are dynamic and use a fun, safety-based approach to teach kiddos fundamental swim skills. (Bonus, feel like you are taking a tiny tropical vacation in the middle of a Midwestern winter!)
Toddlers through teenagers are welcome at the Indianapolis Art Center. Whether your kiddo likes making clay masks, creating unique beaded jewelry, or dabbling in digital art, there is a class to satisfy his or her curiosity.
Is your kiddo vying for a spot on Top Chef Junior? If so, cooking classes are a great gift and a wonderful way to develop their budding talents. Sprouts Cooking School offers classes for kiddos ages 3 through 13 and is locally owned and operated.
Ninja kid at home? Perfect. NinjaZone Academy is a great spot to get out wiggles, energy and train your American Ninja Warrior prospect. BONUS: Classes are wonderfully centered around confidence-building, strength and empowerment.
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4. Charitable Gifts
Although this can be a tough sell for younger kiddos, older kids and teenagers - especially those who are civic minded - might enjoy receiving a gift in their honor to a charity near and dear to their heart. Because it can be tricky to find reputable charities and ones that appeal to kiddos, we like to rely on great research found at this link.
5. Other Gift Ideas
These fan favorites are sure to please without adding clutter or more “stuff” to the mix…
iTunes gift cards
Movie tickets
Restaurant gift cards
Bulbs to plant in the Spring
What is your favorite “experience” based gift? What are you planning to give your kiddos this Christmas? Hit us up on Twitter at @theCityMoms and let us know!
MORE INFO: Goldfish Swim School is a premier learn-to-swim facility dedicated entirely to infants and children, ages four months to 12 years. They have two locations in the greater Indianapolis area: 271 Merchants Square Drive in Carmel and 11581 Geist Pavilion Drive in Fishers. Lessons are offered in a child-friendly environment on a family-friendly schedule. Visit goldfishswimschool.com or call {317} 810.0790 for additional details.
