Still searching for that perfect birthday gift? Read on for a little inspiration.

Trying to find that perfect gift for your little one isn’t always easy. With so many toys out there on the market, not to mention the amount of toys, playthings and bits and bobs they probably already have stuffed away in their bedrooms already! Whether you’re buying for your own children, or for your honorary nephews and nieces, it’s difficult to find the right gift.

You could consider an investment piece – you could buy gold or even put together a savings account for them to benefit from when they’re old enough. But for now, I’ve collected 5 of the most popular children’s gifts that aren’t toys! Enjoy!

A dressing up box

Your little one might already have some dressing up outfits – their favourite princess or even superhero – but I’m talking about real dressing up clothes. Head to your closet and see what you can find to donate – old pairs of shoes, jackets, dresses, jewellery, hats, bags, trousers, even aprons and accessories, then put them all in box and gift them. It’ll really help stoke their imaginations and get them away from their screens for a while. If you’re struggling for things to donate, head to a local charity shop and see what you can find, you’ll be amazed at what you can find!

A magazine subscription

This is the gift that keeps on giving! Kids love getting things in the mail and gifting them a magazine subscription is perfect for keeping them ontop of their reading skills! If your little one has a particular interest then you can gift them a subscription to compliment it. Or just something for fun that comes with a free gift every month!

Lessons

Does your little one have a hobby? Or are they in the marker for a new interest? Well, gifting them some classes or lessons in a new subject will make their world a little bigger as well as getting them making new friends! A boost in confidence, as well as enjoying new experiences such as local and even national competitions will certainly broaden their horizons. Dancing lessons, cookery clubs, acting, dancing, gymnastics, horse riding, even painting or creative writing…the possibilities are endless!

Your time

You know what they say, there’s no greater gift you can give a child than your time. So, why not make a day or a weekend that’s specifically dedicated to them and everything they want to do. Let them take the reins and plan the day (within reason of course) and enjoy spending some time together. You could even make it a regular thing!

A yearly pass

Perhaps your recipient has a favourite place to go on the weekends. Maybe the cinema, a wall climbing centre, a swimming pool, a particular theme park or attraction – well, why not treat them to a yearly pass? Of course they’ll need an adult with them, but the idea of being to go to the place they love the most as often as they want? You’ll certainly earn points there!