When Drake was a baby, I spent hours researching all the latest, greatest, and cutest toys for him. I loved walking down the brightly colored aisles at Toys R Us looking at all the adorable toys, reading reviews online, and comparing prices. As Drake grew our playroom became more and more cluttered, until one day I realized he really didn’t play with toys much. Luckily Juliet came along and she loves toys, but I have started to think of alternative gifts for Drake. Since his birthday is about a month away, these are some non-toy ideas I have been considering.
1) Experiences – I took Drake to his first movie in November and since then we have both been pretty hyped up about Finding Dory, which is going to released right around Drake’s sixth birthday. Drake has loved the Nemo franchise for several years and this movie comes at the perfect time for him as he is just starting to get the idea of sitting through a movie For his birthday he is choosing to visit the Please Touch Museum in lieu of a party. We are so lucky to live in a place where we have access to many fun and exciting places including zoos, The Liberty Science Museum, Six Flags, NYC with all of its offerings, as well as local ice cream shops and the beach. Drake loves special events and trips and it’s a great way to get out more and spend time together too.
2) Popsicle Maker – Mrs Tricycle has a toddler very similar to Drake and when she mentioned this popsicle maker, I knew how much Drake would enjoy it too. He likes being in the kitchen with me baking, though he gets bored with the waiting once everything is in the oven. With summer coming I’m sure I can find all kinds of fun recipes we can make and enjoy in a relatively short amount of time.
3) TV Episodes – We use Amazon Prime for screen time. Once in a while Drake will discover a new show that either isn’t offered for free with Prime or a season of a show he likes that isn’t free and will ask to buy it. We usually reserve this for rewards, but maybe for his birthday we will allow him to buy a new season of a show.
4) Kiwi Crate Boxes – Drake has received Kiwi Crates on and off through the years from my mother, and whenever there are some deals I buy a box or two. Drake always loves the projects and looking through all the little extras Kiwi Crate has been known to put in their boxes. They are great for rainy afternoons or when I am busy tending his sisters to keep him occupied. I like that he can create something uniquely to his own taste, as well as learn something new in the process.
5) Science Kits – My friend bought Drake this science experiment kit for Christmas and he and Mr Chocolate spent a weekend doing all the experiments together. Drake is a very inquisitive little boy and often asks a lot of interesting questions for his age, many to do with the world around us. Mr Chocolate being a science nerd himself as a physics teacher loves this, so I thought maybe some more science inspired projects might be up Drake’s alley including this crystal kit (which looks fun even to me), a telescope, and this Magic School Bus science kit .
6) Books – My old stand by is always books. Luckily for me Drake loves them too. I love finding new and fun picture books to share with him.
7) Rody Max – For Christmas my SIL and BIL gave Drake this bouncy cow and it became an absolute hit for Drake. All day long he bounces from room to room or bounces in place when watching TV. It’s a great form of indoor exercise! Mr Chocolate feels Drake is getting too big for the little cow and wants to upgrade Drake to a larger friend. I have been unable to find a cheaper version of the original Rody Max the toys are marketed after, so Drake might just have to get the original if we are indeed going to size up.
8-10) Art Supplies – Drake is a consummate artist. Our home is filled with drawings and his portfolio of saved pieces is bulging to the point that we bought a second folder for him. On any given day Drake is always drawing with something from his Magnadoodle to chalk to good ole pencil and paper. When in doubt Drake always appreciates more markers, paints, and crayons.
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I love this list! Saving some of these items now. Our little guy is only 13 months, but it seems like he already likes everything else besides regular toys. (“helping” from his kitchen stool, dog leashes & bowls, spatulas, books)
cherry / 110 posts
Great ideas! The science stuff is great since you aren’t the one having to do the experiments and explain stuff. I admit, we received a science kit one year as a gift and I’d only gotten around to doing like one experiment. It’s not something my son can do on his own, and so generally, it collects dust because I don’t have the time and I can’t answer his questions about what’s going on anyways.