Unlock the Joy of Last-Minute Gifting for Kids
1. Craft Subscription Boxes
The DIY Kids Crafts Kit from Cratejoy is an award-winning option that keeps on giving. With a subscription, kids can enjoy monthly art and craft sessions without the hassle of finding materials or coming up with ideas. As Leah Ingram suggests, "This is a great hands-free option that takes care of all the dirty work for you." The Humble Homemaker also praises subscription boxes, stating, "All the work – the planning, the ideas, the instructions, and even the supplies – are all in the boxes for me."
Subscription boxes offer a wide range of options, ensuring there's something for every child. Whether it's painting, drawing, or other creative activities, these boxes provide a fun and engaging way for kids to express their creativity.
2. Reading Subscription
The Epic Reading Subscription on getepic.com is a perfect gift for bookworms. With over 40,000 titles to choose from, this app sends books right to a phone, tablet, or laptop, ensuring that reading material never runs dry. As The Daily Mom says, "Reading Eggs is an e-learning platform for kids ages 2-13 that makes learning reading and math fun through interactive games and activities."
For new or reluctant readers, the "read-to-me" option is a fantastic feature. It highlights each word as it's spoken, helping kids hone their phonetic and comprehension skills and build their reading confidence. USA Today praises the app, stating, "Completely searchable by age and grade, they can easily find books that are right at their reading level and that will pique their interest."
3. Games
Playing games together is a wonderful way to connect as a family and create lasting memories. Birmingham's Mom shares her experience with different games, such as "Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel," "Trouble," and "Sleeping Queens." These games are not only fun but also help with various skills, like math with "Sleeping Queens."
Another popular game is the Guess in 10 card game. As This Is Our Bliss mentions, "It's like a trivia card game and will be great for travel or game night. There are tons of other options as well." Jenga is also a classic favorite, especially in its mini version. CNET adds, "This mini version turns all the fun into a portable package and comes with 18 mini wooden blocks for engaging fun at any event."
4. Ride-On Toys
Bikes, scooters, wagons, and tricycles are timeless toys that kids love. For rainy days, the PonyCycle Official Riding Horse Toy is a great indoor option. As Birmingham's Mom describes, "It functions like a horse and rolls forward on wheels like a bicycle. Our daughter has had hers for four years and still plays with it regularly."
A foldable trike is a portable choice for on-the-go. A reviewer from Buzzfeed writes, "This three-wheeler will grow with your toddler and is ideal for travel and apartment living. It folds up easily and is a solid two-year investment." For younger kids, the Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker is perfect. Today adds, "Crafted with soft plastic for indoor and outdoor play, it can be used to cart around whatever your toddler needs."
5. Online or In-Person Classes
Make a child feel special with a class related to their interests. Parents Together suggests, "From cooking to painting to dance or sports, there are classes on almost everything." USA Today recommends the Magic 101 course from Uncommon Goods for older kids who love magic tricks. "In this one-hour class, students will get an intimate show and learn sleight-of-hand secrets," they say.
For creative kids, a drawing class is a great option. Everyday Reading adds, "This drawing class includes 75 super interactive and engaging lessons by Sarah Jane Wright. It's great for kids 4-11 and they can take it at their own pace."
6. Craft Supplies
Investing in a child's creativity is always a good idea. Birmingham's Mom recalls her daughter's favorite gift – a plastic bin full of crafting goodies from her aunt. "Kids love to use their imaginations to create fun things. You'll be amazed at how much fun they can have," she explains.
You can also create a box of interesting household materials for a maker in the family. Parents Together suggests writing a simple prompt like "Create a made-up animal" and filling the box with supplies like straws, tissue paper, and more. "Just make sure the supplies are safe and age-appropriate," they add.
7. An Annual Membership
An annual membership to a child's favorite place or activity is another gift that keeps on giving. Care.com states, "From the zoo to the local inflatable playground, most places have online memberships available. It's an easy-peasy gift that provides endless fun."
Parents Together shares, "No matter what a child is interested in, there's a museum, aquarium, or zoo where they can explore further. A membership allows for quality time together and the opportunity to take in local sights." USA Today adds, "An annual pass to a local museum or science center is appreciated. It gives a more rewarding experience than a toy and is something the whole family can enjoy. Most children's museums and science centers are reciprocal, offering free or discounted entry to other museums nationwide."