Presents for children that aren't toys

[Littlebittiredoflife]

Both my 11 and 6 year old have birthdays very close to Christmas so will already have a lovely selection of toys. They already have so much Lego, board games, dressing up, arts and crafts stuff, games console, scooters etc. I'm not keen on them having loads of tech, they have access to a computer and a tablet and the oldest will get a low tech phone soon. But saying all that I love Christmas and often go overboard! Please does anyone have ideas for non-toy presents? In the past we've done tickets/ days out but they are very pricey and we are on a tighter budget this year! Other non toys hits have been favourite crisps/cereal in stockings, empty school notebooks (when much younger), socks/pjs with favourite characters and a disco light/speaker.

I notice you don’t mention books.

Boys or girls? I just got DD a nice nail varnish set.

Torch/head torch
Binoculars
Microscope
Metal detector
Toiletries
Electric toothbrush
Camera
Tools/tape measure
Kids cutlery
Hot water bottle
Drinks bottles
Rucksack
Bike accessories
Music players
Remote controlled lights or plug sockets for their room
Decorative things for their room

An annual membership to a zoo, science centre, theme park?

Or a comic/magazine subscription?

Apols - just noticed budget.

Comic subscription might be ok?

One year my boys got coverless duvets. I was really worried about how they would be received but they all absolutely loved them (including impossible to buy for autistic ds1).

What about the activity subscriptions you can get like mud and bloom. I'm sure there are lots of different ones, gardening, crafts and baking etc.

Or an activity day out - intro to climbing or a workshop.

I don't know if included in 'toys and games' but mine loved jigsaws

Books
Clothes
Do they do any hobbies? Items related to that?
A watch
A clock or something for their bedroom

Another vote for books. I get second hand books off Ebay which are in very good condition.

Or you could get some artwork for their bedroom. My son loves insects and I got some old school posters of insects for his wall.

Also National Geographic science kits are really great or Galt activity kits for the youngest. Activity books and craft kits.

Art materials (nice quality oil pastels and a pad of good paper)

Balaclava and gloves

Skateboard or roller boots

skipping rope

good quality yo-yo for doing tricks

supplies for making jam or fudge (needs supervision as quite dangerous!)

Clothes with branding or designs they like pants, socks, T-shirts or hoodies can all be gifted if there is a design on them. Fleecy hoody or dressing gown.
If they have an interest or hobby there is always things associated with that to get.

or activities that don’t cost anything like Pokémon Go or geo caching or low cost like a bird / tree / nature book and some binoculars. Gardening tools and pots and seeds if you have outdoor space or herbs to grow indoors if you don’t.

Some really helpful ideas- comic subscriptions, kids cutlery, torches, hoodies/onesies clock and watches have been a hits in the past. They don't seem to need any clothes at the moment. There are potential for hobby related items but tend to buy these as and when needed for the hobby as it's a long wait until the next birthday/Christmas.

Those who have mentioned books would not be mentioning if you knew me! We have already have three books shelves of tightly packed books already and visit the library about twice a month too. Books are a given for every gift giving occasion but we will have to make some space first.

Loving the ideas though, given me some more things to look into.

!😂😂
I can't seem to delete these faces^

Fun bath stuff/toiletries. Some interesting snacks - American/Japanese? Maybe a scrapbook or photo album they can add to. Some new cosy bedding/cushions/blankets? A little gardening set they can use in spring like sunflowers or something? Baking stuff? Crafts/colouring books? Actual books?

Lava lamp
Bath bombs
Science experiment kit
Oodies
Bed linen

A little video camera to make stop animations

I was going to suggest a camera too - a Polaroid?

How about a lovely beach towel - I got one of those aged about six and loved it.

Musical instrument e.g. a keyboard. Probably start from around £40.

How about a woodwork kit, you can get kids ones with proper little toys in.
A den kit?
An outdoor bag with stuff like binoculars, compass etc?