Gifts That Aren't Toys

Discover experience gifts from grandparents that give children something to look forward to, with ideas for shared adventures, thoughtful surprises and time together—even from far away.

CHRISTMASGRANDPARENTING IDEAS & SUPPORT

10/9/20264 min read

Grandparents enjoying an outdoor picnic gift experience with their grandchildren under a tree in a sunny park.

Most children already have more toys than they can play with, and most parents are quietly hoping for fewer things in the house. The gifts that last in a child's heart are often the ones that can't be wrapped: a day out with Nan, an adventure with Pop, a memory they'll tell their own children one day.

Why Experiences Make Wonderful Gifts

They create memories, not clutter. A trip to the zoo takes up no space in the toy cupboard.
They give you time together. Time with a grandparent is something children treasure, and it's one gift only you can give.
They grow with the child. An experience planned for the year ahead gives them something to look forward to, long after Christmas.
They're wonderful for the parents too. Fewer things to store, and a day off while the children are out.
They suit every budget. A picnic in the park is just as magical as a theme park.
They work at a distance too. An experience can be shared in person on a visit, or set up over video.

Experience Ideas

Close to home

A day at the zoo, aquarium, farm or wildlife park
A trip to the cinema or a live children's show
A picnic and a play at their favourite park
Ice-cream and a walk
A swim, a trip to the pool or a day at the beach
A baking day, with a recipe that's all theirs
A craft or pottery class
A museum or science centre visit
A sleepover at your place
A grandparent-and-grandchild "date day" once a month
A camping night in the backyard, with torches and marshmallows
A trip on a train, a ferry or a tram, if that's an adventure for them
Tickets to a local sporting event

When you're far away

A video call "date" every month, such as story time, a craft, or a cook-along
A virtual tour of a zoo, museum or aquarium that you explore together
A digital subscription to a children's book box, science kit or craft box that arrives in the post
A monthly postcard from somewhere on a map, with a story about it
A plan for a visit, with a countdown calendar
A family trip you plan together, with each child choosing one thing to do

For older kids and teens

A concert or a show they're keen on
A lesson, such as guitar, art, cooking or climbing
A day trip to a city, a theme park or a favourite place
A meal out, just the two of you
A weekend away with Nan or Pop, once they're old enough
An annual tradition, like "our summer adventure"

Wrapping an Experience

A gift you can't hold needs a little something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

A voucher or coupon. Handwritten or printed, with the details: "This voucher entitles Emily to one day at the zoo with Nan, date to be chosen by her."
A little clue in a box. A pair of sunglasses for a beach day, a tiny toy animal for the zoo, a ticket stub for the cinema.
A treasure hunt. A few clues around the house that lead to an envelope.
A countdown calendar. A paper chain, one link for each day until the adventure.
A jar of dates. Write twelve ideas on slips of paper, one for each month. Each month, they pick one.
A scrapbook or photo album with the first page started, ready to add your adventures.
A map with the destination circled.
A wrapped version of something they'll use. A swimming towel, a hat, a pair of binoculars, a picnic blanket.

A good tip: agree dates early. A voucher without a date can quietly get lost in the year, so pop it in the diary, and put a reminder in the parents' calendars too.

Other Gifts That Aren't Toys

Books, especially ones with a handwritten message inside, and a series you can read together
A subscription box that arrives each month (craft, science, books, magazines), which keeps you in their minds all year
A savings contribution. A little towards a savings account, an education fund or a future adventure. Check with the parents first.
A donation or a gift of kindness. Sponsor an animal, plant a tree, or donate to a cause the child cares about, with a card explaining it
A memory gift: a photo book, a recipe book of family favourites, or a recorded story
A skill gift: something you teach them, such as knitting, fishing, baking, chess or gardening
A family heirloom with a story, if it's the right age and safe
A star or a tree named after them, for a bit of wonder
A letter to be opened on their 18th birthday. Slip it into a keepsake box and tuck it away for later
A plant or a vegetable patch they can grow and watch change over the seasons
Handmade things: a quilt, a knitted blanket, a wooden toy, a painted rock. These will be treasured for decades.

Kim's Tips ♥

♥ Ask the parents before planning anything big.
♥ Give a date, not just a voucher, and put it in the diary.
♥ Choose something to suit the child, not just their age.
♥ Make it easy to say yes to: low cost, low effort, low stress.
♥ Take lots of photos, and make a little album afterwards.
♥ Let them choose some of it. Children love to feel in charge of an adventure.
♥ Start a yearly tradition.
♥ If you're far away, plan a call date or a visit countdown.

My Favourite Finds

You'll find the things I love and recommend in my Amazon storefront for your country:

Let's Stay Connected

Come and say hello on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.

This post is part of my Christmas for Grandparents collection.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

With love, Kim xx

Support

Connect

info@creatingcalmchaos.com