Some kids have more toys than they know what to do with. That doesn't make shopping for them any easier, especially when you still want to give them something exciting to open. The trick is to look for gifts that offer something to do, make, learn or experience. A new hobby, a family outing or an activity they can return to might be more memorable than another toy added to the pile. These 13 gift ideas are especially well suited to elementary-school kids, roughly ages 6 to 10, with options for budding artists, scientists, readers and adventurers.
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I loved gemstones and rocks as a kid. One of my birthdays was at a gem mining spot, and one of my favorite memories as a kid was hunting for geodes in the creek bed. I always wanted a rock tumbler when I was a kid and never got one, so I'm including this for anyone who shares my childhood fascination with turning ordinary rocks into treasures. The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit comes with rough gemstones and polishing materials to get started. It takes some patience (and several days of tumbling), but watching those rough stones transform is part of the fun.
I'm The Chef Too combines hands-on baking with science lessons in themed kits designed for kids. One month might involve edible geology, while another explores chemistry through a sweet treat. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon together, with something delicious to show for it afterward. I've given the erupting volcano cakes as a birthday gift several times, and it's always a hit. Gift options start at one month, so there's no need to commit to an ongoing subscription if you don't want to.
In an age of screens, there's something fun and retro about taking a picture and getting to hold it a moment later. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 makes credit-card-sized color prints, perfect for documenting family outings, sleepovers or a favorite stuffed animal's daily adventures. Add a small photo album so they have somewhere to keep their pictures. Just remember that the film is sold separately and will need replenishing.
For the kid who knows every dinosaur by name, here's a science kit with a little extra drama. National Geographic's T. Rex Dissection Lab lets kids dig into a synthetic dinosaur to uncover glow-in-the-dark bones, then assemble them into a nearly 10-inch skeleton. There's even a refill pack so they can do the whole experiment again. A little gross, a little fascinating, and definitely not your average dinosaur toy.
A pair of roller skates is exciting enough on its own, but pairing them with a skating-rink outing makes the gift even better. The Roller Derby Trac Star skates adjust through several shoe sizes, so kids have room to grow. Wrap them with a homemade certificate promising an afternoon of skating, snacks and maybe a few arcade games. Don't forget properly fitted protective gear.
For kids who love drawing characters and making up stories, the Educational Insights Graphic Novel Kit helps turn those ideas into an actual comic. It includes a light-up tracing board, drawing pages and hundreds of images to inspire their stories. It's especially good for kids who already fill notebooks with sketches and invented characters.
7. Tickets to a Show They'll Remember
A magic show, musical, children's theater production or ballet can feel like a major occasion when you're a kid. Choose something that matches their interests and turn it into a special outing with a parent, grandparent or favorite aunt or uncle. Pair the tickets with dinner or dessert afterward, and you've given them a whole day to look forward to.
A metal detector turns a trip to the park, backyard or beach into a treasure hunt. The National Geographic Kids' Metal Detector is designed for younger explorers, with a lightweight build and adjustable sensitivity. It's a particularly fun choice for kids who love collecting unusual rocks, shells and other discoveries. Even an ordinary walk becomes more interesting when you're searching for hidden treasure.
A beautiful edition of a book they already love can feel like an entirely new gift. The illustrated Harry Potter series is a great example, with full-color artwork that makes familiar scenes worth revisiting. The newly released illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is particularly appealing for older fans, while younger readers can start with Sorcerer's Stone. The same idea works for other childhood classics, too.
This might be one of the simplest gifts on the list, but the results are beautiful. Kids arrange leaves, flowers or other objects on special light-sensitive paper, expose it to sunlight, then rinse it with water to reveal blue-and-white prints. The Sunprint Kit developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science is inexpensive, easy to use and a great excuse to go exploring outside before making something creative.
I had Labyrinth growing up, and I love the idea of introducing it to a new generation. It's one I would always pick when it was my turn to choose a game. Players navigate a shifting maze to collect treasures, moving the pathways around the board as they go. It's easy enough to learn without feeling too simple, and there's plenty of opportunity for clever moves and surprise reversals. A great addition to family game night.
For a child who loves music, a beginner ukulele can be the start of a hobby that lasts well beyond the holidays. A small soprano ukulele is manageable for young players, and the Donner Beginner Kit includes useful accessories like a tuner and carrying bag. Add a few lessons, whether online or in person, to help them learn their first songs.
A membership to a children's museum, science center, zoo or aquarium gives kids somewhere special to return to throughout the year. Look for one close enough that the family can use it regularly, and check whether it includes guest passes, reciprocal admission or special members-only events. It's an especially thoughtful gift from grandparents who might enjoy joining in on some of those adventures.
A great gift doesn't have to be another toy. Whether it's learning a new skill, creating something from scratch or spending a memorable afternoon together, these ideas offer kids something to look forward to long after the wrapping paper is gone.