Christmas Gifts That Aren't Toys

Yeah. I'm the mean mama who doesn't want a bazillion toys for my kiddos for Christmas. They have so many toys. I don't mind a few new toys mixed in with practical gifts, but I really love the gifts that aren't just toys. My cozy home loves those kind of gifts too.

I've compiled a list of my favorite Top 10 alternative gift ideas that aren't toys. Most of these are things people have already gifted us (some at other times besides Christmas) and some of these ideas were on our wish list this year. Feel free to steal as many of these ideas as you'd like! Happy Giving!

1. Season Passes (zoo, aquarium, museum, theme park)

2. Lessons (gymnastics, dance, swimming, etc)

3. Activities (soccer, girls scouts, t-ball, etc)

4. Equipment (gymnastics leotard, shin guards for soccer, ballet shoes, portable soccer goal, bike helmets, knee/elbow pads)

5. Linens or towels in a favorite character/color

6. Pajamas-You can't go wrong with PJs!! ;)

7. Weather Gear (gloves, hat, scarf, rain boots, beach towels, pool toys)

8. Family Outings (Cinemark gift cards, Rangers Tickets, skating, restaurant gift cards, Disney on Ice, carriage ride)

9. Board Games

10. Crafty Activities (Rainbow Loom, paint sets, Light Bright, sticker books)

Now isn't that a great list?!? And all the mamas said, "Amen!"

I'm also going to add one for mamas and daddies too...Date Nights. Free babysitting is an awesome (and cheap) gift idea. This gift is perfect for people like me and the hubs who don't have family locally. (Which by the way, if you have family right down the road and never have to pay for babysitting give them a call right now and say thank you!) And I know gift cards seem impersonal to some, but gift cards for date nights are another fantastic and practical gift for parents because even though we love our mini-me's, we also love spending time together out on the town but don't always have the extra funds to do so.

Now isn't THAT a great idea too?!? And all the tired mamas and daddies said, "Amen!"

Merry Christmas, Sugar Plums!!

XOXO,

Michelle