It’s that time of year, when generous family members start asking what to get your kids for Christmas. The gifts my kids receive that I, as a parent, appreciate the most are gifts that are useful and practical.
Reasons I love practical gifts for kids:
- Reduce the amount of stuff our home accumulates.
- Get kids moving, engaging, or learning.
- Help out the family budget.
Here are 5 practical gift ideas for kids from SCHEELS that not only are practical, but FUN!
1. Team Jersey
Building love for a favorite team together builds a special bond between a kiddo and parent, grandparent, or aunt or uncle.
Even though my daughter doesn’t care much about football, her and her grandpa have a special bond over the Packers that has carried on for nearly a decade all because he gave her a Packer shirt years ago. Whenever we pass by anything Packer related, she instantly thinks of her grandpa!
Bonus: Clothing takes up very little space!
Shopping Tip: Buy a jersey or sweatshirt one size bigger so it fits for a long time.
2. Snowboard or Sled
In winter, parents just want kids to go outside and burn off some energy!
Many snowboards can be slipped right over snow boots. This fun one can even be colored on to allow kids to create their own style.
I love that a snowboard, or any kind of winter outdoor activity gear, gets kids moving, laughing, and learning to love winter!
Bonus: Snow sport equipment can be stored in the garage or attic instead of taking up room in the house.
Shopping Tip: Make sure to buy any necessary safety equipment (pads, helmet, etc.) to go with it.
3. Crocs
I love to hate them. But this oddball footwear is the cool thing for kids and teens to wear these days.
Find a pair in their favorite color, their school mascot color, or their favorite sports team’s color. Pair it with a few fun Jibbitz (the unique charms that insert into the holes) to allow them to show their own unique style.
Are they going to wear Crocs in the winter, with socks, when they should be wearing boots? Probably. But, that’s a battle I’ll let them win.
Bonus: This is a gift that keeps on giving all year long as now parents won’t have to buy them another pair of lake sandals in the summer.
Shopping Tip: Instead of you picking a Jibbitz, include a gift card and let them shop for their own.
4. Dart Board
When it’s too cold to play outside, a dart board in the basement or the garage is a great way to entertain teens, get kids moving, and even learning teaching a little bit of math. (Okay, math might be a little stretch, but over a loooooong Christmas break even a little dart point counting counts!)
Bonus: Dart boards get all the siblings and family playing together, plus it’s small to store or can be kept on the wall instead of the closet.
Shopping Tip: Buy some extra darts. You know a few with get broken or lost.
5. Trendy clothing
My daughter (and okay, me too!) loves a great shacket (find our favorite shacket here!). So I personally highly recommend this fun clothing article.
But really, you can choose any interesting, trendy item.
Choosing a trendy piece for a holiday gift allows kids to have a little style fun, yet if in 3 months the trend goes out of style, no worries. It was a gift, not money taken from your family clothing budget.
Shopping Tip: Gift them a “shopping spree” and take them on a shopping date just you and them. Get quality time plus fun trendy items!
Extra: 4 Useful Stocking Stuffers
Need a few small practical gift ideas to add in with a larger one?
Snowball maker. Again, gets them outside and moving plus is small and seasonal for storage.
Water bottle. They are always getting left behind at school or practice so having an extra is always helpful. Throw in a few fun stickers for them to decorate it with.
Crazy socks. They can wear them with their funky colored Crocs! And kids are always, always in need of more pairs of socks.
Gift card to the SCHEELS candy store. The most fun part of candy is getting to spend time in awe over all the fun and unique options and flavors. Candy tastes even sweeter when you spent time choosing a special piece.
Your gift will be extra appreciated by all when practical aligns with fun!
Stroll the aisles at SCHEELS to find many more practical gift ideas for kids or shop online using their holiday gift guide!
