Are you struggling with gift ideas for that kid who has everything already, at least materially speaking? have you already bought every LEGO set out there? If you have more than a few kids in the family, be it your own, nieces, nephews or your friends’ kids etc, then chances are you have already bought all there is and it is now time to get them something different, something they will not only find interesting and stimulating, but will be like a gift that keeps on giving for years to come. The idea is to give them something that inspires, promotes creativity and learning, while also giving them something fun to play with. The idea is not to bore the kid to death with something they will neither enjoy or have any clue what it even is. Here are some ideas for you to consider and make your Christmas shipping a bit more stress-free this year:

Financial

Let us start with the easiest one: gift card to a book store or other stores where they can buy something other than toys. My preference would be for a book store to get them started or more interested in reading.

Cash rewards are the next obvious choice, where you can either give cash in an envelope, write a check, or even inquire about making a cash gift towards a kids’ existing education savings account (RESP in Canada, or 529 Plan in the U.S) . In fact, we strongly encourage the latter, since it will help with their education, while allowing it to compound in the process.

Want to stay with the theme of financial rewards while making it more fun? how about a see-through piggy bank, where you get them started by putting couple of bills and coins and gifting it to them with a head-start. You can make it fun and label it with the year you gift it to them (2021-???) and let them and the parent (if they are not your own kids) have a time saving goal in mind. In fact, you can go an extra step and promise to contribute to this bank every year for Christmas or their birthday. Giving them a clear (see-through) type of piggy jar will make things more and motivate them more as they see the money pile up. This as long as they are not short on patience and decide to open it the next time they want to buy something that their parents will not pay for!

And last, and this is more suitable for your immediate kids and family, you can even consider purchasing stocks on their behalf (since there is an age restriction on who can open an investment account and own stocks) . The idea is that they are young and the power of compounding will be put to maximum efficiency. If you give them even one stock of a reputable blue chip stock a year, from the time they are 1 through 12, these could compound tremendously and be worth a lot more by the time they turn 18.

Creativity

Most of the toys below, if not all, require no charging, batteries or involve much in the way of electronics. We already have enough of these in our lives with all the iPads, tablets etc., and the idea here is to be different. Another common theme below is the commonality of STEM-based functionality of these toys. The earlier you start engaging them with math, science and creativity, the better for their academic growth

Let us start with the easiest gift you can give them, one that won’t cost a lot either: a globe. This will help them learn about geography, explore new places, and make connections between places and other landmarks.

You can’t go wrong with a telescope either: depending on their age, you can start them with a basic one ($40-50) or go a bit more advanced where they can see things more clearly, thus stimulating their astronomical curiosity and interest. A future astronaut’s first steps towards that future is having a simple telescope.

Jigsaw Puzzles (250-500 pieces) is another great option, where it can not only be a fun group activity, it can also help with visual-spatial reasoning, as well as focus and concentration. Speaking of the latter, in our hyper-distracted lives today, anything that can teach a kid focus and concentration is a great thing!

Wooden building blocks may overlap with LEGO sets, but these can be different in that they are bigger and can make larger shapes, buildings and other ideas that mimic how an engineer or an architect would think

Finally, another favourite of ours are Magna-Tiles construction toy system. The pieces are plastic tiles of varying shapes that snap together magnetically, allowing users to build various geometric structures. Given their different shapes and the many ways you can piece them together, they are great for stimulating creativity and allowing the kids to approach an idea from different angles (how many ways can you build something?)

Experiences

While a child may be more thrilled with a toy, the luxury and enjoyment can only last for so long. With experiences on the other hand, it could give them a lifelong lesson and experience, or something they will remember and cherish for a long time. Here are some ideas to consider

Purchase them a pass to a program or camp such as coding classes, sports etc. For example, Code Ninjas is a popular kids coding business, where you start kids early with coding and programming, in a fun and class environment. Alternatively, you can buy them a pass to a camp or other sports programs. Karate, Soccer, Swimming and Volleyball are some of the most popular ones, but you can always check with the parents or he kids themselves on what they like. Check your local community centre for upcoming programs and activities.

Or make them feel responsible and empowered, by buying a gift card to their local grocery store, where they can take the parents for grocery shopping and pay for it themselves, giving them a huge lesson about money, accountability and being responsible and caring for others.

Last, if the kid has more altruistic nature and intentions, enable them to donate to charity or help in some other ways. Again, the experience and the lesson will be lifelong and extremely beneficial for their character-building.

At the end of the day, it may take time to find the perfect gift, or at least one that you know will put a smile on a kid’s face, but more importantly, keep in mind the long term implications for what it will mean for them. You want to strike a balance between the kid being happy with their gift in the immediate, while getting tremendous value in the long term, in terms of growth, learning and life lessons. And remember, these ideas can come in handy for a kid’s birthday as well.