If you have kids, chances are you have clutter. By clutter, I mean toys with lots of pieces. And lots of little pieces, too. These toys aren’t evil {although you may think they are when you step on them in the middle of the night with no shoes on.} I even think toys with small pieces can be used for strengthening fine motor muscles and other learning ideas.
But there’s something to be said for clutter free gift ideas, isn’t there? Today I’m sharing a few clutter free gift ideas that your kids will love and you will, too…especially in the middle of the night.
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Clutter Free Gift Ideas for Kids
1. Buy them a membership to a local museum, zoo, or science center. The most important key to remember when you go is to stay out of the gift shop, where you may accumulate more clutter. 🙂
2. Apps – Of course, we have our own literacy apps that I highly recommend, but there are thousands of apps out there for kids that won’t create any clutter. 🙂
3. Perplexus – We bought one of these 2 or 3 years ago and the idea is brilliant. Everything fits nicely INSIDE a single ball. No loose pieces or clutter to deal with! The original Perplexus {pictured} probably works best for ages 7+, as you need a steady hand. They make more difficult ones. We bought the Perplexus Epic last year for hubby and I’ve yet to conquer it.
4. indoor trampoline – There’s something to be said for a toy that is clutter free and helps your kids get their energy out. Winter days can be cold, short, and snowy and sometimes getting outside isn’t possible. An indoor trampoline has been a MUST for our family.
While you can totally buy a trampoline with all the bells and whistles, we bought a simple one that is stable, stores easily, and can hold the weight of an adult, too. Our kids LOVE it!
5. indoor tunnel – The tunnel is another indoor idea that our kids have loved over the years. And it easily folds up for easy storage when we’re not using it. Combine the trampoline, the tunnel, and a few pillows for a quick, indoor obstacle course on a snowy day.
6. Green Machine – A bike or a scooter is nice for Christmas, but two years ago, we got our boys Green Machines. They make them in two sizes, one for little kids and one for older kids. These work MUCH better than the Razor Trikes {we’ve tried both} and are FUN to ride on. {I like to ride my 10 year old’s Green Machine.} They make them in purple, too!
7. books – Finding books that match your child’s interest has never been easier. There are thousands of books for kids, with new titles every day. Pretty cool. You can even find some good ideas for your child in my book lists.
And yes, books can cause clutter, but I still say that stepping on a book in the middle of the night feels MUCH different than stepping on a LEGO brick!
8. Subscription to a Kids’ Magazine – There are tons of magazines out there. Our family has enjoyed National Geographic for Kids {Little and Kids} , Ranger Rick, High Five, and Highlights. There are even magazine subscriptions that I recommend for older, struggling readers, too.
9. reading pillow – A fun reading pillow that kids can throw on their bed or in a corner of a room for reading is a great clutter free gift idea that can also encourage reading!
10. bean bag chair – My boys love the bean bag chair in their bedroom. It can serve the same purpose as a reading pillow or just a quiet place to sit. Who am I kidding? My kids like to use ours like a trampoline at times!
11. CD Player or iPod Shuffle – A simple CD player is great for younger kids. We use the one in our playroom all.the.time. to get wiggles out at various times during the day. Older kids, like my 10 year old, may enjoy an iPod Shuffle of their own.
12. PJ’s – Every year at Christmas, we get our kids some fun PJ’s. And while it does mean a little more laundry, it doesn’t mean loose pieces all over my floor!
Find more gift ideas for kids
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~Becky
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