When kids are stuck inside the enticing pull of screen time is almost irresistible. Watching TV, playing video games, or tinkering with apps all typically rank as a favorite thing to do among kids, teens, and tweens. But despite what they tell you, there are plenty of ways to have fun without an electronic device. Check out these interactive and engaging screen-free gifts for kids.
Animal Instincts
Do your kids run around pretending to be lions, tigers, and dinosaurs? Now they can really get in character with a Wild & Soft animal cape. These plush costumes let kids dress as their favorite members of the animal kingdom in a comfortable, cozy way.
Twist Your Words
Maybe you think they’ve seen every word game out there. Jabuka puts a new spin on things, and it’s letters that do the spinning. In this fast-paced game, H’s can be Y’s. L’s are V’s. G’s are B’s. And M’s are W’s or E’s. You better move fast or your R will become someone else’s J.
Models That Move
For the future engineers out there, we have just the thing. UGEARS assembles laser-cut wooden pieces to create an interactive final product. With difficulty levels for all ages, kids can create tiny submarines, mini helicopters, and even a full-blown locomotive. All aboard!
There are some gifts for kids you see that you just need to try. Pindaloo is one of those toys. It looks simple—a u-shaped tube and a ball. But give it a try and you will find it is as challenging as it is addictive to play. There’s no feeling like getting caught in the loop.
We’re Big Fans
Kids love forts and now they can have one on demand. Airfort hooks up to a standard box fan and inflates in seconds. It gives kids a screen-free space to call their own and you might even climb in when you need a breather, too.
Block It To Me
Off To The Races
A cuddly way to burn energy, Ponycycle gets its giddy-up from kid power. It’s easy to move and steer and can provide endless fun for little riders who will get a thrill from galloping around indoors or outside.
Fairy Tale Come True
Children’s stories are like rocket fuel for the imagination and with Storytime Toys, a kid has a place to bring to life whatever comes to mind. Inspired by famous fairy tales, these interactive play sets allow kids to continue the story or even take the characters on a whole new adventure.
Roll With It
Kids can unroll and play the Rock And Roll It flexible piano anywhere around the house or even on the go. It features multiple keyboard tones and demo songs, and kids can even record and play back their mini masterpieces.
Play Ball In The House
We know, we know—you don’t want them playing ball in the house. But if it’s Ollyball, you’ll be OK with it. This bouncy, floaty ball was made for super fun and super safe indoor play. And when kids are done hitting it around, they can use it as a spherical coloring book.
Puzzle It Out
For the kid who loves puzzles and mind-bending brain teasers, there’s Shashibo. The ever-evolving shapes keep kids mesmerized for hours, but they can up the challenge by adding more cubes into the mix. It’s a STEM lesson they didn’t even know they were getting.
Find Your Balance
TrueBalance was created as a rehabilitative tool to help hone fine motor skills—and it does it in the most fun and challenging way. The objective? Stack the disks. Sounds simple, but it takes concentration and coordination to get them to line up just right.
From tinkerers to creatives to the super active, these screen-free gifts for kids will keep them happily busy and entertained—and disconnected.