I absolutely LOVE giving gifts. I love dreaming up the perfect ideas, shopping for the deals, and even beautifully wrapping them. Yeah, I’m that girl who has lists and even purchases months ahead of Christmas or celebrations. I can’t help myself. It’s just so fun for me.

But I know not everyone feels this way, especially when it comes to kids gift ideas that are meaningful and build faith.

Can you relate?

Shopping for kids can be tricky. Kids gift ideas are often messy, break easily, or build bad habits. Plus, the catalog is huge and it’s hard to know where to begin. I remember when my kids were little, I used to dread the holidays for this reason. Everyone wanted to bless my kids, and I wanted them to, but it was difficult to balance practical gifts we could actually USE with the cheap toys that ended up in the back of the closet.

When it comes to gifts for kids, they should say,

“I care about you and I KNOW you.”

I want to buy something that will show my kids how I feel. (Can you tell gifts is one of my love languages?) To me, the perfect gift shows you thought about the other person. For example, I’d rather know you thought about me because you bought my favorite candy bar than receive a $1000 gift you bought on a whim because you didn’t know what else to get.

I think this applies to kids just as much as it does adults. I can’t remember a single Christmas as a child where all I really wanted was a HUGE pile of meaningless presents that I didn’t really need, like, or use. But I do remember plenty of times when my mom bought specific things I needed or wanted that I could truly use.

Like our stockings. (Ok, truth be told they weren’t stockings at all.) They were giant brown bags full of all kinds of “fancy” shampoos, make-up, and other things my mom bought that she knew we liked.

Yes, I seriously got shampoo, shaving cream, and lots of toiletries for Christmas and I seriously loved it. I loved it because my mom knew the kinds I loved and she spent the extra money to buy those. My kids love it, too. Every year they look forward to the same things as I’ve carried on this tradition.

I know you might be shaking your head right about now, but don’t miss the beauty in such gifts. I got shampoo for Christmas! Never once was that wasted, thrown into the back of the closet, or unused six months later. As if that’s not compelling enough, I actually LOVED it.

Now don’t hear me wrong, I’m not against toys, nor am I saying you should buy only shampoo for your kids. Many toys are incredible, fun, useful, and even practical.

I’m just against gifts that are meaningless or mindless. We ought to be super purposeful about the way we gift both to our kids and to those around us. No one needs meaningless clutter in their lives.

Kids gifts ideas should ADD to their lives…

not take away or overstuff them!

The best gifts educate…

stimulate their minds…

and grow them into amazing adults.

The best gifts compel, inspire, and cultivate.

Doesn’t that sound more like something you want for yourself and for your kids? Sure beats a giant toy catalog filled with things you never knew you wanted in the first place. Of course, I could give you ideas upon ideas to fill up your list, but first, let me share with you six of my favorite kids gift ideas from the Not Consumed shop!

 

Kids Gift Ideas

#1 Bible Study kits

Coming in at my absolute favorite this year, the Bible Study kits are perfect for helping build faith while also growing life skills and character. The kit starts with an in-depth Bible study on some of life’s most important issues:

• watching what you say
• learning to obey
• becoming content with what you have
• guarding your heart
• making wise choices

Continue the learning by traveling on an adventure with Patch the Pirate (younger kids) or the Lamplighter Theatre (older kids). These supplemental CDs will become household favorites as they reinforce the concepts learned in the Bible study.

Last, but quite possibly my favorite, each study comes with an armband with the perfect verse and phrase to keep your mind focused both during the 4-week Bible study (included) and after you’ve finished. We’ve found this to be one of the keys to helping kids change habits as they grow in Christ.

#2 Sibling Bundle

If you have more than one child, you’ve got sibling problems. Everyone does… that’s because navigating a relationship with another person is hard! I feel the pain as an adult even with people I love and adore. It’s even harder for kids because they are still learning a lot of the things we’ve figured out as adults (hopefully). We have to help them, equip them, and cheer them on as they tackle what is certainly one of the hardest relationships they will face.

The Sibling Bundle provides all the tools you need to do just that! It all starts with My Brother’s Keeper, a 4-week Bible study equipping kids to understand God’s way of dealing with siblings. Kids will also love the super soft tees and the armbands to help them remember what they are learning both before and after they’ve completed the Bible study.

Once you’re ready to keep practicing the principles learned, the Sibling Challenge Journal is the perfect fit. It offers pages to write ideas, journal through problems, and a weekly checklist of ways to love your siblings.

#3 JOY Prayer Cards

Tired of rote prayers? The JOY Prayer Cards are a simple and beautiful way to encourage your kids to have a deeper prayer life, plus they are super fun to use. The sturdy gift box doubles as a great place to store all 28 cards. Designed for years of use, the cards are divided into four main categories: my family, my community, my country, and my world.

Each day children pray the JOY formula.

J– adoration and praise to JESUS

O– a specific way to pray for OTHERS

Y- a character trait you need to grow in YOURSELF

The cards have a versatile design making them perfect for all ages!

 

#4 Bible Study Pack

Feeling frustrated over the bad attitudes, disobedience, and fighting in your home? I’ve totally been there, too. It’s what we can expect out of our flesh. BUT- God intends to get to our hearts.

What I want most for my kids is to help them grab hold of an authentic faith that equips them to navigate the waters of selfishness, pride, sibling rivalry, and yes, obedience. The Bible Study Pack is the tool to help us get there.

Now I know this might not feel like a gift to you, but what better gift could you give your kids than to help them with the biggest struggles in their lives?

To make it fun, wrap it in a cool new bag or backpack they’ve been wanting (my kids love these). I also bundle things like this with inspirational jewelry (pictured below) or super fun new pens. It’s incredible how much boys and girls alike love pens!

#5 Pew Pack Bundle

The Pew Pack Bundle is another way to help your kids with one of their biggest struggles. We forget how difficult it is to transition into “big church.” The sermons are directed at adults, the music may be different, and it’s easy for a child to get lost in the shuffle. Help them bridge the gap with the Pew Pack Bundle. You’ll find a fun and engaging sermon notebook in two different age levels. You’ll also find a CD full of beautiful hymns and super fun pens to jot down those notes.

I give these to my kids when they graduate from children’s church, but it’s a great gift anytime!

#6 Inspirational Jewelry

One thing the Israelites taught us is that we all need reminders. A LOT of reminders. How quickly we forget the goodness of the Lord! I’ve learned to pay particular attention to where I focus my mind, and love having visual reminders of God’s truth! You can probably already tell that from the t-shirts and armbands I’ve listed above.

In fact, when my son was diagnosed with cancer, I wore my #NotConsumed t-shirt to every doctor’s appointment, MRI, and hospital stay. It was such a wonderful reminder of God’s promises.

Both the Tune Thy Heart necklace and the BOLD dog tag are perfect for reminding us of these truths while also being fun to wear!

Share Your Kids Gift Ideas with us!

I pray these ideas have been an inspiration to you as you think outside of the box when it comes to gifts for kids. One thing I’ve noticed is the more excitement I bring to a gift, the more excited my kids are. It’s funny how that works!

Do you have a favorite kids gift idea? Share it with us by leaving a comment below. I can’t wait to see your ideas!