Gift Guide - Healthy Gift Ideas for Kids
Every year (twice a year for each child!) I face the same question...what in the heck should I buy my kids for Christmas and for their birthday this year?
We have SO many toys, and I know they will get more toys from friends and family. So I try and think outside the box a bit. If you are trying to think outside the box too, then this is the gift guide for you!
With something for EVERY child on your gift list this year, you are sure to find more than enough ideas to finish your holiday or birthday shopping. Or maybe you have a little one in your life that has a birthday near the holidays - no worries! This gift idea list is sure to be unique enough that you can finish all your shopping while also inspiring creativity, learning, movement, and pure FUN!
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For the families that get snowed or rained in over the winter
Pure Fun Mini Trampoline - no springs!
Parents and kids will love this mini-trampoline as a gift. Parents will love it because their kids now have a great way to release some energy when outdoors is not an option. Kids will love it because, well...kids love to jump!
Also - no nasty springs to get fingers and toes caught in! Recommended for ages 3-8.
SkyBound 7ft Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline
Did the previous trampoline look a little bit small? Perhaps you have children who just need a little more bounce? Let's take a more serious look at this one then...
We bought this for my 2nd son when he turned 3 so we could survive the long Minnesota winters indoors with all of his energy coupled with his 6-year-old brother's high energy levels too! It turned out to be the best idea ever. 2 boys + one trampoline = happy parents + 2 tired boys + easier bedtimes!
In the summer you can take it outdoors (or not) but it fits inside most rooms. We had 8-foot ceilings and it was just fine. Recommended for ages 3-10.
LittleTikes EasyScore Basketball Set
If you have young children (or even older children!) and you have a spare corner of a room you need this! I can't tell you how many hours of fun my kids had with this indoors! Yeah, you can definitely use it outdoors as well but if you live in a place that has a lot of snow or rain in the winter, then get this for your kids this Christmas!
Indoor Playground
Do you feel like your kids are climbing the walls? Why not help them out a bit?
An innovative way to keep kids active while confined indoors, this indoor playground is like a mini Ninja Warrior set for your 3+ year old! Super easy to install with no need to drill or make holes in your walls.
Franklin Indoor/Street Hockey Goal Set
All right all you Minnesotans, where are you?? I know you are out there and this one is for you! I'm a Minnesotan born and raised so I know that the love for hockey is no joke. But you don't have to be from Minnesota to enjoy this great indoor/outdoor activity!
When it's cold or raining outside you can set up an exhilarating game of hallway hockey. Close the doors and get your kneepads on, it's going to be a wild ride...
iPlay, iLearn Hopping Horse
If your little one is a little too small to jump on the trampoline with the big kids or play an intense game of hallways hockey, then this is just for them! They can even happily jump away while being an enthusiastic spectator.
Recommended for ages 2-7 (So if you have more than one child in this age range I highly recommend getting one for each of them! Let them "horse" around a bit and get all that couped up energy out!)
For the Active Kid (or for those who you want to inspire to be active!)
CamelBak Kids Mini M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
Kids will love getting outdoors with their own pack! Great for hiking, biking, and getting to those secret hideouts that no one knows about 😉. I swear my kids will hike four times as far with us when they have their own "special water pack". They will even get excited about putting a few small items inside like binoculars, trail maps, snacks and all the special treasures they find during their adventure in nature.
Getting your kids to carry their own water and snacks will be a gift to your aching back as well...
Green Toys Jump Rope
Yup, it's old school but it's still awesome! I kind of figured that this sort of exercise would improve circulation but I had no idea that it could improve concentration. They never taught us about those perks back in the day.
Get your kiddos moving more, outdoors more, and all without the help of a screen. Don't forget to teach your kids the jump rope rhymes that go with the jumping. Oh, you don't remember? Maybe throw in this book of jump-rope rhymes then...
Adjustable rope recommended for ages 5 and up.
Kids Pocket Running/Sports Belt
While this is marketed for kids who have medical devices like epi-pens or insulin pumps it is also great for kids to use as a sports/running belt because it is made to fit snugly on the waist and not bounce around.
Kids can throw in a cell phone, money, or anything else they may need while going for a jog, bike ride, or hike. It's also great for travel.
Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat
Sometimes, all it takes to encourage calm is a cute little owl. Kids will go crazy over these adorably designed yoga mats by Gaiam (check out all 7 designs here) and a downloadable yoga class specifically designed for kids is included with your mat purchase to help get your little one started!
After they've taken that class, head over to Cosmic Kids Yoga (a free YouTube channel) for some Star Wars, Frozen, Halloween, Pet the Cat and more themed yoga classes! My kids have loved taking her free classes for years. She also does guided meditation for kids and more. It's pretty amazing. Start them young on these healthy habits!
Garmin vívofit jr, Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker
They have come a long way with these fitness trackers. Kids really love wearing these smart devices and guess what? Parents love them too! Why? Did you know that beyond encouraging exercise and movement in kids, you can monitor their sleep (and possibly get clued into a child that isn't sleeping as well as you thought they were), and manage and reward chores??
So many things with one little watch. Made especially to fit little wrists and comes in 3 cool designs.
Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock
The WEKAPO inflatable hammock makes an awesome gift for kids (or anyone) who loves to spend time in the Great Outdoors.
With the WEKAPO Air Couch Sofa, you can enjoy the great outdoors anytime, anywhere; This inflatable couch is a folding chair, hammock, picnic blanket and a pool float chair all in one, while saving you the hassle. It won't leave you blue in the face from trying to blow it up. Simply unfold, scoop air into it and roll and buckle.
For the Child you Want to Inspire to Eat Healthier
LunchBots Extra Small Snack Pack
Perhaps you want to give a gift that keeps on giving this year. Something eco-friendly, non-toxic, and reusable? Something that encourages healthy eating habits in a fun way?
Then this is the gift! Any family would love to have these heavy duty, easy to wash stainless steel containers for their kids. It can be used to pack snacks or even as a lunch for the small eater (young kids and preschoolers).
Buy this Small Protein Packer or find other sizes of LunchBots items on Amazon.
The PlanetBox Rover
IMHO - the BEST lunchbox out there (you can see my obsession in my Lunchbox Gallery - full of ideas to pack a healthy lunch in one of these!) Although a bit pricey, we have had ours for more than 4 years now. I worked it out that the cost per day for us (after 4 years) is about $0.07 and goes down every year! Well worth the investment. Buy yours here.
Silicone Toddler Suction Plate
I just can't get over how cute this plate/placemat is! It almost makes ME want to use it!
Any toddler would be overjoyed to be served a healthy meal or snack on this silicone suction plate that fits most highchairs and easily goes in the dishwasher. It comes in bright orange as well!
Divided Plate - Half Veggies!
Now, this is a sneaky but fun way to encourage any child to eat more veggies. This fun plate gives clear messages to kids in a cute and indirect way. Even better...none of the foods are touching (which is a BIG deal for so many young children!)
Silicone Mini-Popsicle Molds
My kids will eat anything when it's made into a popsicle! You can have fun making them with the kids (I use my trusty Vitamix to make all my popsicles) and then they can have fun eating them. Best thing yet, you can sneak some spinach or other healthy foods into these popsicles and the kids will still love them!
These are the perfect size for babies through about Kindergarten but could still be enjoyed by any age.
Washable Chalkboard Placemats
How cool is this?? Kids can draw on their placemats while their dinner is getting finished and then...you just wash and reuse!
Buy on Amazon. Don't forget the chalk or dry erase crayons too!
Zoku Slush and Shake Maker
How cool is this?? The Zoku Slush & Shake Maker can make refreshing slushies, milkshakes, and healthy fruit smoothies in as little 7 minutes right on your countertop. (Note to parents - it also makes frozen alcoholic drinks, so maybe get more than one!)
What a fun way to entice your little one to try a green smoothie or enjoy some freshly juiced veggies and fruits.
11-Piece Kids' Chef Kit
Wondering how to get your little one into the kitchen? Get them excited to join you with this adorable 11-piece little chef's kit.
Comes in two other colors as well.
Cheese Making Kit
Everything you need except the milk! This is tons of fun to do with your kids while sneakily teaching them all about how cheese is made.
Note - many of the reviewers say you do need some gloves (like these) to handle the mozzarella while it is hot.
Plant a Pizza Garden
Genius! Get kids excited to grow food and them cook it! Kids can nurture their own garden from seed germination through harvest. Start a garden with this grow kit, and transfer to a larger planter to watch your basil, tomatoes, oregano, and peppers grow! Once you have harvested your pizza garden, turn them into a tasty homemade pizza - recipe included!
Everything included, just add water!
Non-Toxic Gift Ideas
Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons
For the child who just might nibble on a crayon or two! With these handmade Honeysticks beeswax crayons using 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and Food Grade Pigments for Color - you don't have to worry! They are safe for infants, kids and children of all ages. Contains no paraffin wax or cheap fillers. Buy on Amazon.
For the PlanetBox Lunchbox Fans
PlanetBox Custom Magnets
Are you already a fan of PlanetBox like me? Now you can add a personal touch to your child's lunchbox!
Design completely personalized magnets by uploading your own pictures and adding text and background color. Can be made for any of the PlanetBox lunchboxes (Shuttle, Launch, and Rover).
Go to PlanetBox.com and go to Accessories → Custom Magnets
You can also get some adorable and hilarious lunchbox notes & jokes to go with the new lunchbox! Check out this pack of 180 (this is a digital product that you print out at home.)
For the kid who has everything - except this!
Personalized Wall Art
It's getting harder and harder to find gifts for the kids in your life, isn't it? It seems like all the cool ideas I come up with...they already have it!
That's why I love these personalized wall art decals by Mabel's Labels. These custom wall decals are made from a removable material to make it easy to change styles as your child’s interests change. Simply peel them off their backer and stick them onto any smooth, clean and dry surface. The wall decals are available in a choice of 4 beautiful designs, with an option to customize with 4 unique frame styles.
Kids Cook Real Food e-Course
Grandparents or friends love to give this e-course as a gift!
This is what you do to give an e-Course gift:
Purchase the course at whatever age level you wish.
When you are asked to register for the course, don’t do it. Just forward the email from Kitchen Stewardship with the subject “Claim Your Order so You Can Get in! [eCourse]” to the family who will be using the course.
That person can then set a username and password, and they should immediately change their email in the system so that if they ever forget their password, they get the reset email and not you.
They’ll send a certificate that you can print and wrap!
That's a wrap!
I hope this list helped you find some healthy gift ideas for kids! I would love to hear some of your ideas that were not listed - leave a comment below.
And don't forget to share this list with grandparents, uncles and aunts, and friends who may be looking for gift ideas. You can be sneaky and share this list so your kids are inspired to be healthier this year.
-Leah
P.S. You can get more healthy gift ideas for kids in My Lunchboxes Shop too.
What to read next:
Check out my other gift guides as well - Gift Guide: Healthy Gifts for Foodies, Gift Guide: Gifts for Mom that Inspire Health, Self-Care, and a Simpler Life
