Inside: Here you’ll find a clutter free list of pandemic friendly minimalist gift ideas for kids to help you give more intentionally during this holiday season. *For your convenience, this post contains a few affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
One of the biggest mindset shifts we made when we became a minimalist family was to focus less on accumulating of stuff and more on collecting memories, moments and experiences. We did this by, becoming more present in our ordinary moments, reducing decisions, simplifying our days, eliminating clutter, prioritizing generosity, and gifting experiences instead of things whenever possible.
All of these changes have helped make our entire family more excited to do something exciting than to buy something new.
In fact, for the most part, we’ve even been able to get extended family and grandparents on board as well. Year after year, we’ve put an emphasis on quality time, new adventures and unique experiences.
Enter 2020.
This year however, most experiences are off the table right now. Many of the ideas I’ve shared in the past just aren’t safe or available options right now.
On top of that, we’re stressed out, uncertain and overwhelmed. Many of us haven’t had a chance to visit family members nearly as often. Grandparents are missing their grands and our kiddos are missing out on school, sports, socialization and many of the activities they love. Put all of this together and you’ve got a recipe for some serious retail therapy and next level impulse shopping.
So, what does that mean for gift giving this year? Should just say, “Forget it!” and take a year off from this minimalist Christmas thing? I say no way. I know it may feel good in the moment to give an overabundance of stuff and watch our kids open endless piles of presents on Christmas morning. It may even make us forget, even if just for a little bit, that 2020 hasn’t taken so much from us. But remember, that feeling never lasts. When it’s all said and done, you’re going to have more to put away, more to manage, and more clutter to trip you up, literally and figuratively.
Minimalist Gift Ideas for Kids
On that note, I’d like to share a few ideas to get you thinking about giving intentionally this year to the people you love. Remember, there is no such thing as a “minimalist toy” or the perfect minimalist gift. It’s all clutter if it doesn’t serve the people you’re giving too.
Virtual Music Lessons
My daughter takes virtual ukulele lessons from Sigh Studio of Music. Sigh Studio also has piano, voice, guitar and music theory lessons as well.
We love our Ohana Ukulele from Elderly Instruments.
Break-Out Room Home Edition
Memphis Escape Room has $10 home escape room kits for all ages. All you need is a printer (or a friend/neighbor willing to print your kit for you) scissors, and twenty minutes to set it up.
Universal Yums
This is a monthly delivery of snacks from around the world. Each month you’ll receive a snack box from a different country.
Large Family Gift
- Gaming System
- Trampoline
- Future family trip
- Swing Set
- Tree house
- Ping pong table
- Zip line
Outdoor Activity Gear
- Kayak
- Paddle board
- Butterfly net
- Gardening gear
- Fishing gear
- Scooter
- Roller Skates
- Ice skates
- Sports Gear
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Bike
Life & Whim Capes
My girls adore these sweet capes by Life and Whim in Traverse City, Michigan.
Craft Supplies and STEAM Toys
- Kid Made Modern Art Library & Crazy Craft Case
- Shrinky Dinks paper
- Acrylic paint and a canvas
- Entry level sewing machine
Dribble Up
We bought the basketball version for our son last year and he LOVES it. Note: You’ll need a compatible iPad to use it.
Cash
Never underestimate the power of gifting a child a shoe box full of one$
Imaginative Toys
Dollhouse
Wooden marble run
Paint peg dolls
Wooden blocks
Dress up clothes
Board Games
Pandemic
Scrabble
Uno
Clue
Monopoly (for the record, my husband plays this with the kids. I don’t have the patience).
Rush Hour Jr. (Ages 5+) and Rush Hour (Ages 8+)
Books:
My kids’ top five favorites from this year:
Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling
Never Girls, by Kiki Thorpe
The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt
Love Does for Kids Devotional by Bog Goff
Cindertoot by John Mashni (newly released)
I’d love to hear any minimalist gift ideas for kids you may have. Let’s reduce the clutter, and ultimately our work load, by giving with intention this holiday season.
For more resources for giving holiday gifts with intention read:
100 Gifts Ideas For Minimalists of All Ages
20 Experience Gift Ideas + Companion Gifts to Give This Year
A Minimalist Christmas: Our Before and After Story
How to Help Family Stop Giving Too Many Christmas Presents
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