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20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

MinimalismWhitney CarlsonComment
20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

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We hear it all the time. Parents are tired of all of the toys laying around. They are tired of buying toys that only get played with a few times. They are tired of every special occasion being about toys. There IS another way. Gifts don't have to be toys. There are plenty of good non-toy gift ideas out there that won't put a hole in your wallet just to take up space in a corner collecting dust.

You probably already know by now but we value experiences over things and know that this way of thinking can be instilled early on in a child's life. We've shared 10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home and also released a 30-Day Minimalism Challenge.

Below is a list of our picks for non-toy gift ideas! Think of anything we left out? Let us know in the comments below!

20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

1. Money in a savings account

You could start a normal savings account, a 529 plan which is a savings college account, or you could buy stocks. Something that I think would be really cool is to start the accounts but not even tell the child about them until they are older! How awesome would it be to have someone tell you when you are 16, 18, 21 (whatever age you choose) that you have XX amount of money in an account that you didn't even know existed!?

2. Membership (museum, zoo, amusement park, etc)

Purchase a yearly membership to a local establishment. It's a gift that keeps on giving! A few ideas include amusement parks, the zoo, or museums.

3. Movie tickets

Sure, the parents probably pay for the child to attend movies normally but movie tickets are always a great idea. It makes them feel more grown up with their own movie ticket and they can choose which movie they want to see. You could even include some goodies for them to take with them to the movie!

4. Subscription (little passports, etc)

Subscription services are the latest craze and there are quite a few for kids. Little Passports is one that I've heard of recently and it seems like a really cool option. They inspire children to learn about the world and each month the child will receive a new package in the mail. Another one is Kiwi Crate. Kiwi Crate inspires kids to see themselves as scientists, artists, creators, and makers.

5. Dress up clothes

Some might consider dress up clothes as a form of toys but I think that they spark creativity. You could even go to a secondhand store and get some really cool vintage dress up clothes!

6. Luggage

Having your own piece of luggage as a kid is so cool! It makes you feel like an adult. Whether they just use it to store things or actually take it on trips, either way, it's going to a piece that they love and think of you each time they see it.

7. Tickets to an event

Have a child that loves sports or theater? Consider buying them a ticket to an event! You could even get them multiple tickets so they can take friends!

8. Books

This one doesn't take much explanation. Books are a great educational gift. If you don't want to buy any full price check out the local thrift store or take them on a trip to the library. Amazon is one of our favorite places to buy books!

9. Lessons (art, music, sports, etc)

Pay for your child (grandchild, niece, nephew, etc) to take lessons on something they are interested in! Things like gymnastics lessons, art lessons, and sports club fees can all be presented as a gift.

10. Family vacation

Experiences are always better than things and going on a family vacation is definitely an experience! Gift them with a vacation that the whole family is going to take. Print off fun articles or pictures are where you are going and box those up and wrap them. Even if the vacation is far away you can make it fun by giving them a way to countdown the days.

11. Room decor

Kids (and adults!) are always wanting to re-design rooms. Gift them with the tools they need to do that! Have the room painted and/or buy new decor. Bonus points if you can sell the old decor!

12. Sports equipment

Does your child need a new football or baseball gear? Instead of just buying it, give it as a gift. If they are already into the sport, they will love it!

13. Telescope

Know a child interested in astronomy? Get them a telescope. Even if they aren't interested now I bet they will be! Amazon has small travel telescopes, telescopes made just for kids, and large professional telescopes!

14. Gift card to a restaurant

Similar to the idea for movie tickets, getting them their own gift card to a restaurant will make them feel very grown up. Pick their favorite restaurant, get the gift card, and then set a special date that you will go together, if possible.

15. Sleeping bag

I remember having my own luggage and sleeping bag as a kid. For some reason, it was so much fun to take it and watch movies while curled up in it. Maybe that's why I like to backpack now and sleep in my sleeping bag. Amazon is also another great resource for sleeping bags!

16. Hobby kits (cake decorating, model cars, sewing, etc)

Again, this could be considered a toy by some but I believe that it gets their brain going in a different direction. They have to concentrate on what they are making or building. Some good ideas include cake decorating, model cars, and sewing!

17. Coupon book (that you create)

Create a coupon book for them that includes things like going to the movie, going bowling, going out to eat, playing in the park, etc. You could even include a coupon or two in there about YOU cleaning their room. ;-)

18. Craft supplies

If they are really interested in taking that hobby kit to the next level you could invest a little bit more in the supplies they need. Our nephew loves to get sketchbooks and art supplies.

19. Board games

Another memory I have of growing up is board games. Maybe your kids have too many board games already and you consider this another piece of clutter but again, I think some of them make kids think in a different direction. My favorite game growing up was always Monopoly!

20. Money

And the best gift of all... MONEY! I honestly don't care if people think it's not personal enough or whatever reason they come up with... I've never met anyone to turn down money. If you are giving it for Christmas turn it into a money tree (tutorial here).

20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

30-Day Minimalism Challenge

MinimalismWhitney CarlsonComment
30-Day Minimalism Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

Alright, here it is...the long awaited for minimalism challenge! Hopefully you've gotten started with the 10 things to get rid of for a clutter-free home and now you are ready for a bigger challenge!

As we mentioned in our "how we became rich" post, there are a billion different definitions of minimalism, just as there are a billion different definitions or "pictures" of fitness too. Some people might picture a marathon runner or sprinter and someone else might picture a weight lifter or yogi. They could all be correct but it just depends on how you look at it. When most people picture minimalism they picture tiny houses, white walls, no furniture or just white furniture, no possessions, no fun, etc. That could definitely be minimalism but that isn't what it is to us. To us it is just living with what we need and little to no extra. You don't have to throw everything away and move into a tiny house (unless you want to!) in order to get started. Also, as with fitness, your entire family might not be supportive which is okay. You can still start your own journey and I bet if you lead by example, they will follow!

We have this listed as a 30-Day Minimalism Challenge, but just like our fitness challenges, you need to adjust this to the time frame that you can handle.

This is how it works, each day/week/month tackle the room/item(s) listed. So for example, on Day 1 you will clean out your refrigerator. You can approach this however you want but go through what is in your refrigerator item by item to determine if it's something you will keep, toss, or give away. Continue this each day for what is listed. Some projects will be very short and some may take more than a few days, just depending on your schedule. One piece of advice, don't let your toss or give away pile sit around for too long. Get those items out of the house ASAP!

Time to get started!


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30-Day Minimalism Challenge

30-Day Minimalism Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home

MinimalismWhitney Carlson3 Comments
10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home | He and She Eat Clean

I've received quite a few messages regarding all of the clutter clearing and purging we have been doing (see our weekly updates). I wanted to take this opportunity to share just a few things that you can easily go through and get rid of to start your journey. While some items (sentimental items like pictures, notes, etc.) will be harder to get rid of than others this list is pretty neutral so you should be able to clear these out without much struggle. ;-) We will be sharing much more on this topic soon but use this list to get started. I've also included where you can check the items off as you complete them! You can make your own timeframe goal, for example, you could do one checklist item each day and be well on your way in 10 days!

Just as it is with fitness, the hardest part tends to be maintaining. After you have cleared all 10 items off the checklist, set aside some time each week to make sure you are up to date on things like paperwork and maybe even take a second look through your closet!

You may also be interested in our money saving challenges and tips!

10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home

1. Piled up paperwork

Everyone hates piled up paperwork but it seems to happen often and quickly for most people. Even if you don't have time to go through every item each day, you can sort them and throw away/recycle the trash and place the important items in a folder to sort at least once a week.

2. Old or unread magazines

How many stacks of magazines do you have that you just held onto for one reason or another? I'll raise my hand here! I recycled stacks and stacks of magazines a few months ago. You can find almost anything online now and even if you wanted to try something out of those magazines, it obviously wasn't important to you because it has just been collecting dust. If you want to take the time to go through the magazines and get the tips, recipes, etc that you want, that's up to you but I recommend just tossing them.

3. Expired food

Take a quick sweep of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. While I don't believe in all expiration dates, many are important. Take this time clean out your food supply.

RELATED: How to eat healthy on a budget

4. Duplicate kitchen items

The overload of items I found while clearing our kitchen was just disgusting to me. I got rid of all of our duplicate items and cut way back on how many plates, bowls, cups, etc that we kept. We haven't missed anything so far. There are a lot of people out there who would love to have some of the items we take for granted. If you aren't using what you have, donate it so someone else can! Take a good look at your items like whisks, measuring cups, knives, etc.

5. Broken items (toys, jewelry, etc)

This one sounds easy but many times we set broken things aside to fix them and never do. I am all for fixing something that is broken and using it but if things seem to pile up around you and you never get around to fixing said items, give them to someone who can or recycle them. Don't hold onto things because you feel bad for tossing them. Even if you don't realize it, your things are weighing you down.

6. Dust collectors (fake plants, decor on top of cabinets, trinkets, etc)

How often do you dust those fake plants and flowers you have? What about the collection of baskets, fake fruit, or other trinkets you have on top of your kitchen cabinets, inside your China cabinet, and in other numerous places around your house? If you aren't going to take care of it (i.e. dusting it), get rid of it. Not only will it make your home clutter-free but it will likely help your allergies also. ;-)

7. Expired cosmetics (dried nail polish too!)

I had a bad habit of holding onto those small travel sized items from hotels. I had so many and just kept adding to the pile each time. If they aren't expired, find someone who can use these, contact your local women's shelters, homeless shelters, or donate them.

8. Pens, pencils, markers that no longer work

This is another one that sounds easy but tends to be overlooked! Go through your collection of writing utensils. Immediately toss the ones that no longer work. After you have tossed those, take a close look at what you have left. If you have a ton of supplies, donate them to a local school!

9. Owners manuals & guides

Do you have owners manuals and guides scatter in different drawers around your house? When was the last time you actually used one? When something goes wrong most of us just pull out our phone or computer and google what we need. We had some manuals to items that we didn't even own anymore! Almost everything can be found online but if you are too nervous to toss some of them, keep them all in one place and discard the ones that are no longer relevant.

10. Clothing and shoes that no longer fit

This one might take you a little longer than the others but it's important. While I will go deeper into clothing and shoes in another post, now is the time to get rid of those clothes that you KNOW are too big or too small. You don't have to go through each item right now, only those that you are hanging onto that do not fit. Let go of what you "used to be" or what size "you want to be". Being happy and healthy is more important than a size. If you do NEED to lose weight, you can always purchase staple items after you lose the weight. You can even try to purchase those from a second-hand store.

Remember the whole point here is to get rid of things you no longer use. You don't have to get rid of your favorite decoration, pen, or pair of pants. We take a lot of things for granted so let go of what you don't use and give someone who might not have much the opportunity to actually use it.

Use the checklist below as you complete each task. Print it off and hang it up for motivation!


Looking for a printable version of this challenge? We've got you covered! Join our newsletter and you will be taken to a black and white printable version right away! Grab the printable challenge here.

10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home | He and She Eat Clean