Memorable gifts for children that are better than toys

Whether it's for your own kids or somebody else's, don't settle for what’s on store shelves. Check out these memorable gift ideas for children that are even better than toys.

You can transform gift giving from a one-time moment of fun to an experience that will be remembered for years by both parent and child for years to come! Here are some great gift ideas for children that are even better than toys.

Don’t want to give a toy that’ll soon be broken or forgotten? Instead of shopping for an item, why not put together a special outing for your child?

• Your child loves science? Purchase tickets to a nearby science or natural history museum.
• Art lover in your house? Visit an art gallery or sign her up to take a painting or drawing class.
• Sports fan? Attend a professional or local sporting event.
• Burgeoning chef? Take a cooking class together!

By giving an experience, you show your child you understand what he or she enjoys and that going out and doing something new is both fun and valuable.

No budget for tickets or classes? Don’t underestimate the value of simply spending time with a child. Take a day or even an afternoon and devote it exclusively to the kid you love—no interruptions allowed!

• Pack a picnic basket and head to a park.
• Spend time curled up on the couch watching your child's favourite movies and eating snacks.
• Bake some favourite cookies and write your child's name on them with icing.

Whatever you choose to do, the time together will be remembered fondly—and that makes it a great gift for children.

If you want to give a gift that’s really going to make an impact, consider donating to a charity in honour of your child.

• To really make the donation meaningful, choose an organization that gives farm animals, plants, blankets, books or other basic supplies to developing countries. To make it fun, as a token, give your child a small stuffed toy animal, a book, or comfy personalized blanket.
• No matter what gift your child chooses or which project he or she wants to help fund, you can rest assured knowing that your contribution is going to make a positive impact—on both the gift recipient and your child.

It’s easy to forget what each of us has to offer the children in our lives. Instead of buying something new, look back over everything you already own—like books, mementos and photos—and find something you can pass along to the next generation.

• Write a card or share the story of why you wanted your child to have the item you selected, and why that item is so meaningful to you.

You’ll be preserving a piece of your own history while creating a new, memorable moment!