27 Meaningful Gifts For Kids Who Have Everything

By Candice Elliott | Updated: September 30, 2024

    I love seeing my kids’ delight as they tear open their gifts. Watching them experience excitement and surprise is priceless. But it still makes me wonder if all these gifts teach them materialism.

    The truth is that kids with everything they need won’t fully appreciate gifts of more stuff. However, Instead of removing gifts altogether, we have tried to choose gifts that have meaning beyond the first 10 minutes they’re opened. This list of non-toy gifts for kids encourages family time, generosity, and creativity.

  1. Doodle Socks
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    Kids will love filling in the pre-printed designs. These socks come with fabric-safe markers. Kids can color the socks any way they choose. The set is an excellent way for kids to express their creativity and get them excited for bedtime.

  3. Interactive Map
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    This interactive talking map is a great way to expand a child’s world and teach them about the 92 countries that make up the world we all share. The map teaches kids geography, country names, capital cities, national flags, languages, landmarks, fun facts, and more! 

  5. Harry Potter Lego Set
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    When kids discover Harry Potter, they find out a whole magical world that they can get lost. And now they can build that world! One of the best scenes in all of the movies is the rescuing of Buckbeak in The Prisoner of Azkaban, also the best film, in my opinion. Now kids can make that scene come to life. This Lego set features Hagrid’s cottage, Buckbeak, and the whole cast of characters from that scene. This set is suitable for kids eight and up or big kids of all ages! It’s super fun for the whole family of Potter Heads! 

  7. Sharing Time Kids Card Game
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    The most meaningful gifts for kids are those that let them spend time creating memories with their families and getting to know each other better. This card game will do just that. The family game includes 120 cards with conversation starters. This is a great Christmas gift for the whole family. 

  9. Light Up Bath Cubes
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    These cubes are another way to make bathtime fun and easier. The cubes light up when they hit the water and turn off when taken out of the water. They can be used in the bathtub or baby pool, and part of the proceeds are donated to a children’s hospital in Mississippi. 

  11. STEM Boxes
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    STEM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) boxes make great gift ideas for kids who have everything because they’re something that can’t be bought in a store, and it gives them something fun to look forward to. These learning toys bring out the hidden scientist in your kid and engage them to get endless fun, and encourage your child to learn through play—an alternative option is to reduce your kid’s screen time and gives wings to their imagination while sharpening skills. Educate and interact with your kids through our stem activities in a fun and loving way.

  13. Rock Tumbler Kit
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    This kit has everything kids need to turn plain rocks into dazzling stones! The set includes the tumbler, polishing grits, sifter, rough gemstones, and a refill pack of gemstones and jasper. The tumbler comes with detailed instructions and a learning guide to teach kids about the different properties of the stones. 

  15. Stress Balls 
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    Being a kid can be stressful! This ball is filled with squishy water beads that move around when squeezed. The ball can help kids manage situations that make them anxious or stressed. The ball is available in four fun colors. 

  17. Highlights Monthly Subscription Boxes
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    Various fun puzzle activities and school practices are tailored to their age and skill level. These15 Minutes Day boxes are developed with teachers and aligned with school standards. You and your child will enjoy every box with short bursts of joyful learning and easy-to-track progress sheets. The boxes are structured to arrive in order, and the content is self-paced. Plus, there is nothing to print or download. Highlights are a great holiday gift idea for your little loved ones for preschoolers!

  19. Lenox Jewelry Box
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    This silver metal jewelry box is a great gift for an aspiring ballerina and a keepsake that she’ll treasure as an adult. The box features a twirling ballerina in the center that spins to the tune of Fur Elise, and the sleek design updates a classic look to a more modern design. 

  21. School Years Memory Keeper
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    This memory book is a fun gift for kids of school age. The book includes writing prompts to help kids remember details about their school years and 12 pockets to preserve treasured mementos and photographs of those formative years. 

  23. Plant a Pizza Garden
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    Allowing kids to grow their food can teach them that food doesn’t just appear in a grocery store and good nutritional habits. For example, veggies taste better when you grow them yourself! And what better way to tempt kids into gardening than with pizza?! This gift will allow kids to DIY garden basil, tomatoes, and peppers, harvest the ingredients, and turn them into a delicious pizza! The kit comes with everything needed; add water. The garden starts in the included grow kit and can be transferred to a larger planter. 

  25. Build a Bear Gift Card
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    This holiday season, give the gift of fun with this Bear Bucks gift card. It is easy to share and fun to get. When you give a gift card to Build A Bear Workshop, you give a fun experience gift and a friend they will never forget. Build A Bear Workshop offers an interactive make-your-own furry friend retail-entertainment experience in approximately 400 stores worldwide. Kids of all ages can create their furry friend and customize it with clothing, sounds, scents, and accessories. 

  27. Gratitude Journal
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    This journal is a unique gift for kids who have everything because it can help teach them to be grateful for all of their things! Each page allows kids to list three things they’re thankful for at the start of their day. It teaches them not only to be grateful but how to start each day on a positive note which can help set them up to have a positive day. 

  29. Voice Recording Stuffed Animal
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    This fellow looks like an ordinary stuffed animal, but this teddy bear has a secret. He has a little pouch in his back where you can insert a module that holds a ten-second recording of your voice. This gadget is a great gift to give a child far away geographically but close to your heart. 

  31. DIY Nightlights
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    This kit includes everything kids need to make three magical fairy lanterns! The set contains three fairy jars, three fairy lights, two sheets of fairy designs, glue, and ribbon. This kit is a great rainy day project or a fun birthday gift for a sleepover party. 

  33. Save Spend, Give Money Jar
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    Teaching children how to be financially responsible and the importance of sharing is among the best lessons they can learn. This money jar will help them learn those things. The bank has three sections; Spend, Share, and Give. A new and improved version of the traditional piggy bank! 

  35. Cooking Class Bundle
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    The kids are taking over the kitchen! Deanna F. Cook presents more than 50 recipes designed for the cooking abilities and tastes of children ages 6 to 12. Basic cooking techniques are explained in kid-friendly language, and recipes include favorites like applesauce, French toast, popcorn chicken, pizza, and more. Full of fresh, healthy ingredients and featuring imaginative presentations like egg mice, fruit flowers, and mashed potato clouds, Cooking Class brings inspiration and confidence to the chefs of the future. This a great idea for last-minute gift-giving.

  37. Porcelain Tea Set
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    The best toys let you spend time with a child who doesn’t love a nice cup of tea! So you and the little one in your life can enjoy tea time together. This tea set is made of genuine porcelain and includes a teapot, creamer, sugar bowls, two cups, two saucers, two plates, two forks, and two spoons and can be stored in its pretty basket. 

  39. Work Bench
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    This is not your average plastic workbench toy! Instead, this set is built to last. The set includes a wooden workbench and tools that actually work, including a vise, tool rack, wooden tools, and hardware. In addition, the set comes with projects so kids can use the toy to make things! This gift will make their Christmas morning and is appropriate for kids 3 to 6.

  41. Disney Board Game
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    Do you know a family who is Disney-mad? This is the board game for them! The answer to each question is a color. For example, what color are Elsa’s eyes? What color is Woody’s vest? This game is the coolest choice for a family game night because little kids can enjoy it, and older kids, as long as they’re Disney fanatics! 

  43. Fitness Cards
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    Keeping kids active is essential; these cards are a great gift to help achieve that. Each card depicts a different exercise with instructions on how to perform it and the recommended number of reps depending on fitness level. The cards make a fun stocking stuffer. 

  45. Sea Shell Bath Bombs
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    Sometimes a kid’s gift can be a great gift for parents too. That’s the case with these sea-shell bath bombs. Some little kids would instead be put on the rack than take a bath, but these fun bath bombs can help entice them into the tub. The bath bombs are lightly scented. 

  47. Art Set
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    Do you know a budding artist? This set is a fun way to foster their creativity. The art set includes crayons, oil pastels, colored pencils, and watercolors, 142 pieces. The collection comes housed in a handy wooden carrying case for artists on the go. This is appropriate for kids aged in their tweens and older. 

  49. Pick Your Own Quest Book
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    This book lets kids stretch their creative wings and join a story that pits a dragon against a unicorn. Which creature is more awesome? The book enables kids to decide through more than 30 challenges and 25 different endings. Play as the dragon and then as the unicorn. Have a dance party or shoot baskets. Once the book is finished, 24 more stories await being told! 

  51. Matching Bracelets
  52. The best gifts are those that remind you of the giver. That’s what’s so special about these matching bracelets, one for you and one for her! The bracelets are perfect for a far-away auntie, grandmother, or family friend. The bracelets are adjustable and made to fit most wrists and will win you the coolest gift giver award. 

  53. Family Tree Wall Decal
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    Nothing is more important than family! This family tree wall decal makes a great addition to a child’s bedroom. The decal is peel and stick and removable. The “frames” can display a child’s favorite family photos. The decal measures 80 x 63 inches. You might even add this to your wish list! 

  55. Build a Bird House
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    Build a little habitat for your local neighborhood birds! The kit includes wood, the hanging chain, four paint pots, a paintbrush, nails, glue, and instructions. This is a fun activity for kids five and older. 

  57. Coupons for Kids
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    This book contains 40 DIY coupons that parents, grandparents, other family members, or friends can give kids. The coupons can be filled out for things like a trip to the zoo, a museum, dinner out, a movie night, or anything else you’d like to reward a child with because your time is the most meaningful gift! 

  59. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations
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    This Play-Doh set is another fun way to get kids interested in and excited about food. The collection includes six jars of Play-Doh, molds to make kabobs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more. So kids can set up alongside the adults at the next backyard barbecue! 

    How do you make receiving gifts more meaningful for children?

    While we think experiences are the best gifts, kids still want something to open on Christmas morning. So we found some non-toy kids’ gifts that take the focus off “stuff” and focus on spending time with family and inspiring creativity and exploration.

    To make gifts more meaningful for a child, consider their unique interests, passions, and hobbies when selecting a present. Personalize the gift with their name, initials, or favorite colors, which can make them feel extra special.

    Additionally, opt for gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and skill development, as they provide lasting value and foster growth. Including a heartfelt note or message with the gift can also create a cherished memory for the child. Finally, consider sharing experiences or activities together, as these can strengthen bonds and become treasured memories.

    You can also try the four-gift rule. The basic idea is instead of spending a lot of money on a bunch of presents to fill up space under the tree, you limit the number of gifts to 4 unique items for each: something you want, need, wear, and read.

    What are some meaningful gifts for kids who have everything?

    Do you have some kiddos on your gift list? Don’t want to buy them more plastic junk that will end up in a landfill? Our gift guide is full of meaningful gifts for kids who have everything.