Agh, the holidays. Anyone else’s kids start their Christmas lists in September and then keep adding and adding to it throughout the fall? I hope it’s not just mine.
I have 2 kids- a boy that’s 5 (and a half- he’d add) and a girl who’s a mature 10 (her birthday is around Thanksgiving so I’m calling it). I start to get their ideas as stated above starting in September and then more comes with the arrival of the Amazon and Target gift guides in the mail. (IYKYK…)
It’s overwhelming, expensive, and IMO wasteful to give them everything they could ever desire. Yes, even as a parent who wants to give my kids the world and anything they could ever want, it’d do a disservice to them if I in fact gave them a blank check and said “go for it”.
I didn’t grow up with a lot, while on the other hand, my husband did. So… there’s always this push/pull of raising our kids in a way that balances the two sides.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. For more information, please follow this link.
Some of the following ideas are in fact on our kids Christmas lists, so I’d say that means they’d get the seal of approval.
Here are the 10 gifts I see that 5-10 year olds would enjoy immensely!
1. A no brainer… craft supplies!
We go through A LOT of craft goodies. Christmas is a great time for us to replenish! As they’ve gotten older, our craft “stuff” has multiplied. The days of markers and crayons aren’t gone completely but interests change. My 10 year old is into making jewelry and these clay beads have become her latest love.
There’s something nostalgic about Perler beads. You’ll never forget the smell of plastic when you melt them together… my 5 year old loves putting the beads on the trays and doesn’t notice when (cough) Mom puts the beads back in the tub instead of melting them.
And, this.. this suitcase – it’s lasted FOREVER here. I can’t believe it.
2. STEM related anything is always welcomed into our house!
Who doesn’t love seeing their kids glow with happiness after seeing their creation come to life? Gah, it’s the best. Magnatiles (and their knockoffs because suckers are expensive…) are always fun to build with.
For older kids, have you heard of this SPHERO? It’s a mini robot ball — they use them at school to code and control by an app. Sounds fun!
3. Books, books, and more books.
Holy bananas, we’d drown in books if we didn’t utilize the library so much. My oldest is a reader and that warms my heart. ❤ She literally has 10 different books on her Christmas list this year… from the illustrated Harry Potters to the Jory John books. So many books. I’ll never complain about that!
If you don’t want the clutter or are always on the go, I’d recommend getting them a Kindle. Of course, you’d have to be on top of what they have access to through the Kindle store (no spice here…) but they’d have access to millions of books. Interesting thought.
4. Sports/Outdoor Equipment!
We’re a pretty active family, even if we’re not always doing organized sports here. Nature is the best no matter the season. Our kids have different interests so this is going to be kid-specific. Our youngest is so active. He’s always jumping, moving, running, etc. He loves this archery set and uses it all the time…
We also go out “hiking” quite often. To get them more engaged with that, I bought them fanny packs to put their treasures in and how much fun they have with those! In 2020, we installed a zip line in our backyard and I don’t think there’s a week that goes by that someone isn’t on it.
5. Games: Board, Card, Puzzles
Last year instead of getting a lot of different gifts, we put together a HUGE box of games for our kids. We use it alllll the time! In our box are hits like Poop Bingo, Guess Who, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, puzzles that aren’t too challenging, and more. This year, the Bluey Trouble looks like a fun addition to the stack!
6. Camera + accessories
Anyone else’s kid steal their phone simply for the camera? My 5 year old loves making videos and taking pictures. He desperately needs his own camera and I think I’m settled on this one with a stand! And my oldest has an Instax; however the film can be pricey so watch for sales!
7. A monthly subscription box
Like KiwiCo– my kids loved getting their boxes last year. We did a 3 month subscription. The oldest did the Atlas crate which took her all over the world and the youngest the kiwi crate that had him build things like musical instruments, etc.
8. Kitchen + Cooking supplies!
Get your kids excited to join you in the kitchen. My youngest will pull up a chair, grab an apron and kid knife and dig into helping me.
My oldest is getting more engaged- she loves going through recipes especially from the Food Network Kid Cookbook and Kid in the Kitchen. Start them young in the kitchen!
9. Legos, legos, and more legos.
They literally make cities, build magnificent creations, and can spend hours playing with them. I join in with them occasionally as well because why not!? Start with the basics then add on the special sets from there to whatever their interests are – Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars, Lego Friends, etc.. the list is truly endless.
10. Things for their room.
Twinkle lights, a fresh paint job, a big, comfy chair, a cool lamp/light, glow in the dark stars, a teepee, Squishmallows (the only stuffed animal you’ll find on any list), etc.
Experiences in this age group are plentiful and they would make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
I’d encourage you to consider the activity list because while you want to give them the world, it may be better make the memories, save your money, + savor the little things while you are able to. ❤
Simply Tamed 