Alternative gifts for kids isn’t to replace the traditional toys and fun things – just some help to the parents who are in a mild panic about the influx of toys soon to invade their household! After all Christmas is a magical time for children and watching their faces light up after Santa has visited is just amazing. So I’d never take away the magic of Father Christmas bringing kids items from their list.
But, (and I mean ‘but’ in a practical way not a bah humbug way!) I do worry about where I’m going to put even more toys… The house is bursting already! So I have some simple solutions as well as some alternative gift ideas for the precious little monkeys in your life.
Firstly, tackle the toy clutter – take a bin bag and be ruthless! Put in any toys that your child has outgrown or hadn’t played with in months. Taking the toys to a charity shop, Women’s refuge or food bank is a great way of knowing the toys are going to someone who needs them. Check google for places near you.
Secondly, think about storage such as toy boxes, shelving, canvas toy bags etc. I picked up the orange and white one below in TK Maxx for around £15!
Once you’ve had a good clear-out, you can see the space in your child’s room or nursery and what décor could make it a fun place to play in! If you can find something that can both be stylish and help your child learn then you’re onto a winner!
This Animal Map of the World from Maps International is a great alternative gift idea. Printed on silk art paper, it’s durable and vibrant.
Each continent highlights the animals which originated there and is a fun way for Children to learn about the world and all the different animals in them. It’s certainly sparked my little one’s imagination, and he now knows where tigers come from! This map in particular has just been reduced by 76% from £25 to £5.39 so now is a great chance to buy one!
And here are some other alternative gifts for kids – they have a décor slant and I hope you like these ideas.
1. Magnetic 3D art frame from GLTC £16 | 2. Set of 3 cloud hooks from GLTC £15 | 3. Cloud paper mobile from The White Company £25 | 4. Personalised wooden letters from Notonthehighstreet.com £12 | 5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar cushion from John Lewis £12 | 6. Fabric letters name from Notonthehighstreet.com £12 each | 7. Red stripe storage bag from The White Company £35
Natalia xo
*Prices are correct at time of writing but please check individual sites for changes to pricing
