Christmas is right around the corner. If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve struggled with what to get them. Toys are great, but tend to over take your house, and let’s be honest they usually only last a few months before they are broken or lost. And if you have older kids that don’t do toys anymore, what do you get them? Then, there are your parents and/or in-laws. Hopefully our list of unique gifts will help you this Christmas shopping season.
(some affiliated links included)
FOR THE KIDS:
- Universal Yums is a monthly or yearly snack subscription box for the whole family to enjoy. Each month you will receive a box of snacks from a different country. There are three options: the YUM box with 6 snacks, the Yum Yum box with 12 snacks (which is what we receive), and the Super Yum box with 18 snacks. The snacks included are a variety of sweet and salty snacks. Some are so good we end up fighting over the leftovers, and some are so bad we laugh at the faces we make when we try them. It has opened my kids up to trying new things and realizing that the world outside of our own backyard is vast and different. Each box also includes info on the given country, trivia questions and games, and depending on which size box you order may have recipes and other info. You can also purchase 1, 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions. I recommend at least 6 so you can get the full experience.
For $5 off your subscription, you can use the following link: https://www.universalyums.com/?uy=k4waca7m6z
- KiwiCrate is a monthly subscription box for all ages. They have something for everyone from infants- elderly. The boxes offer a range of activities from early development exploration and fine motor skills, to art & crafts, geography and STEM activities. Over the years, my children have received the KiwiCrate, DoodleCrate and TinkerCrate. They loved being able to create something each month. This year, we will be trying the MakerCrate and/or EurekaCrate. Most of the activities can be done alone, but some do require adult help.
Just the follow this link and start the fun today: https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=DaynaM6
- Osmo is an educational gaming accessory for the iPad or KindleFire. Many kids have been exposed to this system at school, but having one at home helps keep them engaged in the fun. Osmo offers a bunch of unique kits and add-ons. When first purchasing the system, one of the starter kits is the easiest way to go. The Genius Family Starter kit is the best bang for your buck. It provides you with a stand for your device (iPad or KindleFire) and NINE games! The games range in ages starting with letter and number recognition games and then progressing to Math and Coding games. My kids really enjoy the MindRacers game and PizzaCo. I highly recommend this for all ages as it grows with the child and can be used with multiple siblings.
Here is the link: https://www.playosmo.com
- green kid crafts is another subscription that offers 4-6 science or art projects to be done at home. The boxes are great for ages 2-10 and are geared towards STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). The variety the box gives allows kids to engage in a number of educational activities.Think homemade volcanoes, painting with marbles, and outdoor activities as well. My kids loved all the different activities each month.
Here is the link to get started: https://www.greenkidcrafts.com
- Bitsbox is a subscription that teaches coding. There are three subscription types available; Digital only, Basic BitsBox (includes a binder, cards, stickers and access to a coding website) or the Deluxe BitsBox (everything in the Basic BitsBox and trading cards and a mystery toy). Your child will need access to a computer, but if they are interested in coding at all, this will keep them busy. We receive the Deluxe BitsBox, and the toys included are always interesting. The last one we received was a small crank music box. My son was fascinated with it. There is also a Grown Up Guide included if you want to follow along. This is a great way for kids to play and learn.
Here is the link to get coding: https://bitsbox.com
- Highlights for Children offers a variety of magazines and activities for children of all ages. Of course they still have the “Hidden Pictures” Magazines but there are so many new ones to choose from as well. Our two favorites are the “Which Way USA” and “Top Secret” sets. The “Which Way USA” set focuses on two states each month. Since we like to take road trips, this was perfect for my kids to read before and after trips. The “Top Secret” set focuses on solving puzzles and a “whodunit” all while learning about different countries.
To get started with highlights, click here: https://www.highlights.com
- Focus on the Family offers a wide range of gifts for children. There are multiple magazine subscriptions and other things available, but I recommend the Adventures in Odyssey series. My kids really like the Audio Stories on CD. There are also 3 book series available. Focus on the Family also offers all the VeggieTales merchandise including videos, books and music CDs.
Check out: https://store.focusonthefamily.com for more info.
- NatGeoKids Magazine can be given as a gift for an affordable price. It is for kids 6 and up and offers kids a fun way to learn about different animals throughout the year. 12 issues are just $20 or you can get 20 issues for $34.
You can check it out here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/subscribe/kids-magazines
- Wildlife Collections offers a number of animal themed gifts. They have two different styles of bracelets, the turtle and the elephant, that allow you to follow an animal in the wild with the purchase of a bracelet. There are also save the Orcas and Sharks items, but you are not able to follow one in the wild.
Turtle Bracelet: https://www.wildlifecollections.com/collections/save-the-turtles/products/the-journey-bracelet
Elephant Bracelet: https://www.wildlifecollections.com/collections/save-the-elephants/products/expedition-bracelet
- 3D Printers are the new thing now. Kids are able to create all kinds of things. There are a variety of options that allow you to draw with a 3D pen or just print out an original creation.
Beginning pen set for ages 6+: https://amzn.to/379SqLT
Pen set for older kids: https://amzn.to/3q7Lszu
Filament (“ink” for pens): https://amzn.to/2HGEtMN
3D printer: https://amzn.to/2V89c8s
FOR THE TEENS:
- Bungee Chairs are great for any teen bedroom. I originally bought a set for my classroom reading corner and my students loved them. When I quit teaching, my kids inherited them and they LOVE them. They make a great reading or gaming chair. And if your kids have ADHD, they can bounce up and down while ‘sitting still’. I highly recommend them for any teen.
Here’s a link for a great one: https://amzn.to/36arQD9
- Record Players are a hit again. My teenage son asked for one last year and now his friends are getting them. This Crosley one is the one we have and uses bluetooth connectivity for speakers. It’s a great retro gift for any teen. There are also some links included for vinyl records.
Crosley Record Player: https://amzn.to/3l6qbm5
Michael Jackson’s Thriller: https://amzn.to/33mpCia
Guardians of the Galaxy: https://amzn.to/36bt158
Imagine Dragons: https://amzn.to/3fQcirv
- Hair Dryer/Straightener is a must for any teen girl. This dryer allows you to straighten your hair while giving it volume. I own one and love it. I am very uncoordinated when it comes to doing my hair and this is super easy to use. I would recommend it for ages 10 and up. I just got my oldest daughter this one as well.
Revlon One Step Dryer and Voluminzer: https://amzn.to/36ajbRd
- Mini Fridges are a great novelty gift for a teen bedroom as well. I just purchased this one for my son. While he doesn’t really need it, I thought it would be a fun addition to his room. It holds about 6 cans and can be used at home or in the car. This particular one also has a built in bluetooth speaker.
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3laptVc
- Polaroid Instax Mini Cameras are also a great retro gift any teen would love. In the age of digital selfies, this brings back the nostalgia of days past. Teens can take pics of their friends and immediately get the pics for display. Both of my girls have one of these and love taking pics with it. You can even get film with different borders.
Blue Camera Bundle: https://amzn.to/39kFx48
Pink Camera Bundle: https://amzn.to/2V4eh1J
FOR ADULTS:
- Lobster Gram offers top rated seafood to your door. You can browse their seafood selections online and choose from a variety of gift baskets, as well as surf & turf combos, live lobsters, sides and even desserts. While I have not yet purchased a LobsterGram, they came highly recommended from a friend who sent her son one. You can even choose your delivery for tomorrow or months in advance.
Check them out: https://www.lobstergram.com
- Established Titles offers everyone a chance to become a Lord or Lady in Scotland. So long story short, my parents 50th anniversary trip to Scotland was canceled this year due to Covid. I was looking for something to help numb the pain of not getting to go and I found Established Titles. You basically purchase ONE square foot of land and gain the title of Lord or Lady. A tree will be planted in your name and you can either print out the Lord/Lady certificate or elect to have them send it to you.
So elevate your friend or family member to a Lord or Lady: https://establishedtitles.com
- Alehorn provides drinking horn vessels like the Vikings used. These are made from “100% ethically sourced bovine horn.” Each ‘drinking vessel’ is unique and can be engraved. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes. There really is something for everybody. They of course have horns for drinking ale, but also have some made specifically for coffee and other hot beverages. I just ordered some for family members and can’t wait to get them. They also have super customer service and are very helpful.
Check them out here: http://i.refs.cc/DykN7pA4?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo2NjU2NDY1MTN9
- Shiatsu Massagers give the feel of a deep tissue massage from the comfort of your own house. With added heat, you will start to feel relief quickly. I have one similar to this one which was gifted to me and I love it. This one comes with arm straps to help you keep it in place.
Highly recommend for any adult: https://amzn.to/2Jez7c6
- Canvas Prints are always a great gift for anyone. There are of course your traditional canvas prints that can be made from any photo, but there are also some novelty ones that offer up a good laugh. YOu can create a caricature of your family as if they were on The Simpsons. You can also get a cute canvas of your dog as a general, king, queen, or anything else. Check out this unique canvas prints:
Simpsons Caricature: https://turnedyellow.com
Pet Portraits: https://crownandpaw.com OR https://paintourpaws.com Normal canvas you can check out: www.easycanvasprints.com , www.canvasprints.com, or www.Shutterfly.com