A Family Gift Guide: Screen-Free Holiday Gift Ideas

The point of this “gift guide” is for those of us that are parents that would like to get our kids (and  ourselves – ahem, guilty) OFF the screens!

One of the resounding tips I keep reading and hearing from experts much smarter than me – is that your home must be set up in a way that gives your kids other options. If they only have technology – they will only grab technology.

Do they know how to have “fun” without a phone or iPad or game in their hand?

Even if it’s their first love, let’s remind them how fun other things might be. Put one or more of these “non-screen” gifts on your in your shopping bag this year. Or, send it along to your parents or in-laws if they need some ideas.

These are a few categories we love around our house. Enjoy!

IDEAS FOR OUTDOORS

• Spider Swing
• Skates
• Zip line
• Four Square Ball 
• Horse Shoes
• Spike Ball
• Anything with wheels – bikes to scooters to skateboards
• Anything to throw – balls to frisbees
• Simple: Chalk, Kite, Shovel, Sandbox, Jump rope, Hula hoop

IDEAS FOR FAITH & VALUES

• Devotional for the family (or older kids) – New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp
• Devotionals for girls – Brave Beauty by Lynn Cowell and You’re God’s Girl by Wynter Pitts
• Devotionals for boys (or all kids) – Indescribable by Louie Giglio
• Virtue Cards by Yours Truly
• Bibles – For Early Readers
• Bibles – For Older Kids

IDEAS THAT  BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER

Our kids just want TIME WITH US. Give the GIFT of a TIME .. and start a new family tradition. Be careful not to over promise and bail on them. Pick ONE thing you could add in the new year that would guarantee you’ll spend a certain amount of time together monthly or weekly. Here are some fun ideas…

1. GAME NIGHT – Try a new spin on a family favorite – Uno Attack

2. NIGHT TIME BIKE RIDES –  We did this with our friends in Orlando and they LOVED it! We rode to get ice cream at night – all bikes lit up. We also had a speaker in a basket with some tunes. Bike Lights

3. DANCE PARTY – Get a new speaker for your phone and iTunes gift cards for each child. They can pick out their favorite songs for dance party nights! Don’t forget the Wireless Mic

4. DINNER TOGETHER – Commit to a certain family dinner night where it’s a “no phone zone” and use Conversation Cups  (more stock coming) or other fun conversation topic cards.  Or just plain chat with each other!

5. FATHER/SON TIME – Y’all THIS PROGRAM is what every middle school boy should get for Christmas. For real. Please check it out. Can you imagine getting this type of blessing from your dad at this age? Champion Tribes

6. COUPONS to REDEEM – Print the promise of time together – gift that gives all year long.

I will take you on 12 daddy/daughter donut dates this year – with a gift card.

I will take you on 4 pedicure dates with a gift card.

I will take you to one game of your choice with two matching hats.

IDEAS FOR THE BOYS

• Moon in My Room Remote Control
• Nerf gun and a sleeve of plastic cups
• Paper airplane kit
• Head lamp
• Trains, trucks, animals
• Art supplies, play dough, clay

IDEAS FOR GIRLS

• Project MC Lab Kit
• Dress Up Bin – fill with head gear and costumes
• Kitchen and pretend food
• Hair salon
• Art Supplies, Play Dough or Clay
• Dolls
• Coloring Books

IDEAS FOR TEENS

• Hand Lettering 101
• Karaoke – Wireless Mic
• Note Cards! Encourage them to learn how to write without a text. How to send a note with a stamp on it.
• Movies – Gift Cards to Theatre with loads of popcorn for their friends

 

 

OTHER DISCLAIMERS:

1) I thought you were about “slave free” shopping and fair trade? I sure am! That’s hard to do for all categories. I share A LOT about that in Melanie Dale’s upcoming podcast – it airs right after Thanksgiving. We go through a big list of companies I love. My two favorites this season are All the Feels and Karama Collection. 2) These don’t seem like new ideas? I realize things like soccer balls, skates and puzzles are not “new” to anyone – just work with me here. And use this list as a jumping point for your own fun ideas!  3) Are these all your ideas? Well, no, I polled some friends with boys and teens to help me round out the list since I typically think in girl world. 4) What about giving and generosity? Well that’s my jam and there’s an entire section of my site dedicated to that – have fun with those ideas. 🙂 #LightEmUpActs

 

WHAT GIFTS will bring your family closer together? Having more fun? Off screens and engaged in person?

SHARE!! What ideas do you have? What helps you get your kids off their screens?

 

NOTE: I do not own, endorse or have each one of these items. I tried to look up the best link on amazon based on ratings – but do your homework.