60+ Non-Traditional Christmas Gifts – These Gifts Keep on Giving!
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of traditional gift giving.
What if this year, we think beyond the ordinary and explore the world of non-traditional Christmas gifts? While there’s no denying the charm of traditional Christmas presents, sometimes, it’s the unexpected that truly captures the magic of the season.
Whether you’re tired of the same old routine or simply looking to add a touch of creativity to your gift-giving, this post will inspire you to create unforgettable memories during this festive time of year.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and jot down some ideas for Christmas gifts for the busy moms, dads, and sweet children in your life.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Tips for shopping for non-traditional Christmas gifts
1. Start the shopping early.
Non-traditional Christmas gifts may require a little more thought and preparation so don’t wait until the last minute to get started. I like to start getting ideas for gifts in October even if I don’t do the actual purchasing until closer to the holiday.
2. Spread out the purchases.
Shopping for Christmas gifts can definitely get stressful as you see the credit card balances getting higher and higher. I try to spread my purchases out over a month or two. Seeing the balance go up gradually makes it less stressful.
3. Shop online.
Shop online! I can’t even remember the last time I bought a gift in a store. I love being comfortable on my couch shopping instead of in the midst of crowds in a store. Shopping online is quick, comfortable, and you get just as many deals as if you did your shopping in person.
4. Consider experience gifts.
The best non-traditional Christmas gifts are experience gifts. Experience gifts create unforgettable memories, instead of just being a forgotten toy causing clutter in the corner of a room. Experience gifts are also fun for the entire family. Experiencing a special outing with your child, and having photos to look back on creates lasting memories.
Non-Traditional Christmas Gifts for Parents
Those busy moms and dads are making sure the holiday is special for their children, but also deserve some special gifts themselves. These non-traditional Christmas gifts for parents cover categories such as subscriptions, classes, help with chores, outings, and travel. Some are even free!
Free gifts
Homemade baked goods
Moms are usually the ones doing the cooking and baking, so get the kids involved and make some homemade baked goods for her. Find some kid-friendly baking recipes, embrace the mess, and create some yummy goodies!
Artwork from the children
Artwork from the kids is another gift that Mom and Dad will treasure. My girls are so excited to make me drawings or even leave me little notes on post-its. Seeing one of their creations when I’m having a stressful day brings a smile to my face.
Coupon book
Options for coupon books are endless! Kids can make coupons for hugs and kisses, or to relieve Mom and Dad of chores. I know I would love coupons for some “me time” such as for breakfast in bed, a bubble bath, or a back rub.
Subscription gifts
Streaming subscription
A streaming subscription is great for parents who need to unwind after the kids are in bed. You used to only hear about Netflix, but now there’s Peacock, Hulu, Max, and more.
Book subscription
A book subscription is great for parents who love to read. Book of the Month is a great option if they love holding actual books. A Kindle Unlimited subscription is great if they read on a Kindle.
Audiobook subscription
An Audible subscription is great for parents who love to read but don’t necessarily have the time to sit down with a book. Audiobooks can be listened to while driving, folding laundry, or just relaxing.
App subscription
Self-care apps for moms can encourage moms (or dads!) to take some “me time”. Meditation, exercise, or yoga apps are great options to encourage parents to take some much needed time for themselves.
Self-care subscription box
Moms especially will love self-care monthly subscription boxes. These are gifts that keep on giving since each month moms will get surprised by the items included in their box, and have something to look forward to.
Wine club
If the mom and dad you know are wine lovers, they will definitely enjoy a wine club subscription. Wine of the Month Club has many different membership options such as all red, all white, or a mix.
Amazon Prime
I don’t know what I’d do without Amazon Prime. If the parents you know don’t have it already, get it for them! Between the free two-day shipping and being able to shop for just about anything from the comfort of your couch, Amazon Prime is a life-saver.
Coffee pod subscription
Most parents need caffeine to survive, I know I do! Atlas Coffee Club includes coffee from a different country each month and if you don’t love it, the next month is free! You can choose between coffee pods, ground coffee, or coffee beans, as well as the roast preference and amount of coffee each month.
Meal delivery subscription
Cooking dinner can be a stressful time of the day for parents. The kids are unwinding and restless and you just want to get dinner on the table. Meal subscriptions make dinnertime so much easier. I have a Home Chef subscription and especially love their Oven-Ready and Fast & Fresh meals. The ingredients are pre-portioned and chopped, and Fast & Fresh meals even come with pre-cooked protein.
Music subscription
A music subscription is great for anyone who wants access to an unlimited amount of music right at their fingertips. If the parents you know have Amazon Prime, then Amazon Music may be the ideal choice. Some other good options are Apple Music and Spotify Premium.
Classes for an interest
Cooking class
Parents are always looking for a break, so a class in a topic that interests them would definitely be a great gift. Cooking classes are great for parents who love to be inventive with cooking or learn new techniques and recipes. Major cities have in-person classes, but if you can’t find one, Sur la Table has online cooking classes!
Art class
Art classes are a great gift for parents who love being creative with drawing, coloring, or painting. PaintNite.com has in-person classes in many cities, but also has options for virtual classes with the supplies shipped too.
Exercise classes
It’s definitely hard for parents to do healthy activities for themselves, but exercise classes will encourage them to do exactly that. You can give the gift of a gym membership, or a subscription to an online workout platform so parents can exercise from the comfort of their home. I love the Peloton app. It has thousands of classes in exercises such as strength, meditation, yoga, stretching, cardio, cycling, running, walking, and rowing.
Photography class
Parents are constantly taking photos of their children, and if photography is something they really enjoy, a photography class can help them improve their technique. Many cities offer in-person photography classes, but if you can’t find one, the New York Institute of Photography offers professional online classes.
Gifts that help with chores
House cleaning
Parents can easily get bogged down with chores so giving a gift that can get some of those tasks off their plate will give them more quality time to spend with their kids. A house cleaning service is a great way to do just that. I have a cleaner come in every other week and they do a much better job cleaning my house than I could ever do!
Babysitting
Parents are in dire need of a date night. If you’re local, offer to babysit! If that’s not an option there are many local babysitting companies these days. You may want to check with the parents to make sure that’s something they’d be comfortable with first.
Family photo shoot
It’s rare that I’m in a good family photo. Most of the time I just take selfies with my kids. Treating the parents to a family photo shoot is a wonderful gift idea. They’ll come away with beautiful photos that they can treasure forever. I try to get at least one professional photo shoot a year so we have some nice options for holiday cards.
Yard services
My husband thought he would enjoy taking care of the yard. While it’s something he does enjoy, who wants to spend an entire weekend day mowing the lawn when they could be doing something fun with their family instead? We love having a professional landscaper come over weekly to take care of the majority of the yard work.
Private chef
Give Mom and Dad a night off from cooking and hire a private chef to cook them a gourmet meal. Take the kids off their hands too so they can have a relaxing and enjoyable date night at home.
Outings gifts
Spa day
I feel guilty choosing an outing that is just for me, and I know many moms feel the same way. That’s why giving a mom (or dad!) the gift of a spa day will force her to take that time for herself. Once they have that spa gift card, or the appointment is made and paid for, they will be eager to go.
Salon day
Similar to the spa day, it can be hard for a mom to make time for a haircut and/or color. Doing the legwork such as making the appointment and giving her the gift card, will force her to take that time for herself.
Manicure & pedicure
This morning my five year old asked me why I don’t have my nails done more. I was honest and told her that there always seems to be something more important that has to be done. Parents, especially moms, need that push to do something nice for themselves, so a mani/pedi gift card would help with that.
Dinner out
Treat the parents you know to dinner at their favorite restaurant, or give them a gift card for a new restaurant that they have yet to try. Parents will love having an excuse for a date night!
Movie tickets
Another great gift for parents is a gift card for a local movie theater. They can combine that with a restaurant gift card for a dinner and movie date night.
Concert tickets
Concert tickets are another great date night gift for parents. Who wouldn’t enjoy a night of live music? You can make things easier by offering to babysit too!
Travel gifts
Hotel gift card
If the parents you know have a vacation planned, I’m sure they’d appreciate a gift card to use at their hotel. You could also give them a gift card for a hotel chain with locations around the country, such as Omni Hotels and Marriott, to encourage them to take a weekend away if they don’t have one planned already.
Airline gift card
An airline gift card is another great gift for travel lovers. Most major airlines offer gift cards, such as Delta and Southwest, so choose a favorite airline!
Gas gift card
Gas prices can be crazy, so roadtrip lovers will definitely appreciate a gift card for gas. Most gas stations offer gift cards, such as Exxon/Mobil and Shell, so you will have options to choose from.
Non-Traditional Christmas Gifts for Children
Children have so many toys, so children (and parents!) will appreciate these non-traditional Christmas gifts that cover categories such as classes, activities, and outings.
Classes for an interest
Swim lessons
Swim lessons are a great gift for children who love the water. Goldfish Swim School has locations all across the country!
Dance classes
Dance classes are a great gift for children who have a love of the performing arts. There are usually options for a semester or just a class or two.
Gymnastics classes
Gymnastics classes are a great gift for children who love to run around and climb. Children will enjoy doing tumbles, flips, jumping on trampolines, and balancing on the beams. Similar to dance classes, there are usually options for a semester or just a class or two.
Art classes
Art classes are a great gift for children who love being creative drawing or painting. Many local studios offer one-time workshops or longer programs with multiple classes.
Sports team fees
Sports team fees are a great gift for children who have a love of sports. If the children you know already belong to a team then you could also gift them new sports gear.
Music lessons
Music lessons are a great gift for children who enjoy playing an instrument. School of Rock has locations all over the world!
Activity gifts
Book club
A book club box is a great gift for children who love to read. Literati is a book club for kids, where they receive five personalized book picks each month. There are also free unlimited returns so children keep the books they like and send back anything they don’t.
Board games
A board game is a great experience gift since families create memories each time they play the game, and they have fun while they’re at it. You can never have too many board games!
Art box subscription
A couple of years ago I was looking for a craft box activity for my daughter and me. I found Kids Art Box and we had so much fun with it! There are two options – “Create Together Art Box” for ages 3-7 where you make the art projects with your child and “My Artist Box” for ages 6-18+ where the projects are done independently. Supplies, printed tutorials, and videos are included with each box. We’ve made such beautiful projects together.
Swing set
Kids (and parents!) would love a swing set for the backyard. The kids will be busy and entertained outside on nice weather days. Kid Kraft has a lot of options over a wide range of prices.
Backyard pool
Who wouldn’t love a fun pool to splash around in on a hot summer day? The INTEX pool has a large bench seat with cup holders for Mom and Dad too!
Educational subscription box
Subscription boxes provide fun and developmental activities for children. Little Passports has many options starting at age 3. Each box comes with activities, games, and stories to help children learn about new ideas and places.
LEGO set
LEGO sets are a great way to keep children entertained for a long period of time. There are LEGO sets for just about any interest – Harry Potter, Star Wars, Frozen, and more!
Art supplies
Art supplies are a great gift for children to want to explore their artistic talents. My daughter has the VigorFun art kit and loves it! It’s a 240 piece kit that comes with an easel, sketch pads, oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, and more.
Treasure box
My daughters love picking up treasures when they are outside – shells, rocks, acorns, leaves, etc. I know they would love a treasure box to store their fun findings in. Treasure boxes are also great for storing some sensory stocking stuffers! The Let’s Make Memories keepsake box can even be personalized with a child’s name.
Sports set
If the children you know have a love of sports and play on a team, new sports gear is a great gift idea! Younger children will love getting to explore different sports with the Island Genius set.
Outings gifts
Zoo passes
Zoo passes are a great gift for animal lovers. Children will love seeing all of the fun animals and learning about them. Most major zoos let you buy day or annual passes online.
Children’s play place gift card
Parents are always looking to get their kids out of the house. There are many play places now where the kids can play and parents can enjoy a cup of coffee. Children (and parents!) would enjoy a gift card to spend there. Gift cards are also great non-junk stocking stuffers for kids.
Children’s museum passes
Children’s museums have so many fun activities to keep the family engaged all day, and everyone will be learning too! Most major children’s museums offer day or annual passes that you can purchase online.
Aquarium passes
Aquarium passes are a great gift for children who love ocean animals. Aquariums tend to have such fun shows too, like sea lions doing tricks. Most major aquariums let you buy day or annual passes online.
Movie tickets
Movie tickets are a great gift for kids. Getting the theater experience and snacking on popcorn or candy is such a fun outing.
Weekend at family resort
A night or weekend at a family resort, such as Great Wolf Lodge, will provide fun for the whole family. With an indoor waterpark, bowling alley, mini golf course, MagiQuest, and more, there is definitely something for everyone.
Escape Room outing
An Escape Room is a fun outing for older kids who love to solve puzzles and would enjoy the pressure of having to escape in an hour. There are many Escape Room venues throughout the country.
Day at an amusement park
Kids would love a day at an amusement park. Roller coasters, trains, flume rides, games, fun food, who wouldn’t love that?
Disney on Ice tickets
I don’t know who was more excited for our first Disney on Ice experience, my daughter or me! There is something so magical about a Disney show. I loved seeing my daughter get so excited about the different characters.
Indoor adventure day
An indoor adventure park, such as Sky Zone, provides fun and lots of exercise for the entire family. There’s so much to do – jumping, basketball, dodgeball, ninja course, even a toddler area. Sky Zone offers daily tickets or monthly memberships.
Outdoor adventure day
An outdoor adventure park with ziplining and ropes would be a fun outing for kids. They can climb, crawl, and swing while releasing lots of energy! There are many adventure parks throughout the country.
Sports tickets
A great gift for sports fanatics is tickets to see their favorite team play. There’s nothing like sitting in the stands on a beautiful sunny day enjoying a ballpark hot dog and cheering on your favorite players.
Children’s play tickets
Many theatres also have plays or musicals that are geared towards younger audiences. Kids will love getting to sing along to songs that they know and love.
Choose your own adventure day!
Children aren’t usually the ones in charge, although I know it can sometimes feel like they are. Treating a child to a “choose your own adventure” day where they get to pick the activities (within reason!) will let them feel special and important since they are making the decisions.
This holiday season, let the spirit of giving take on a new and exciting form by embracing the world of non-traditional Christmas gifts.
These unconventional presents offer the opportunity to surprise, delight, and strengthen the bonds of love and friendship in unique ways. From experiences that create lasting memories to thoughtful gestures that cater to individual passions and interests, the possibilities are endless.
Consider stepping outside the box and choosing gifts that reflect the personalities and interests of your loved ones. This Christmas, let’s break away from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary, redefining the art of gift-giving. Non-traditional Christmas gifts offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with creativity and joy.
4 Comments