10 Engaging, No-Screen Gifts Kids will Love
| $ = under $30 | $$ = under $60 | $$$ = under $90 | $$$$ = $90 and up |
Mondrian Blocks ($)
Mondrian Blocks are the ultimate no-screen game. For kids 7-100. Seriously. I love playing this game. I also love the compact design and latching system that keeps all components neatly and safely within the box it comes in. Each game comes with 88 challenges (four difficulty levels). You can do them over and over. There are also 4 editions of the game, indicated by the color of the box. Same game, same difficulty levels, but 88 new challenges when you get a different color. So, if you want to get one for each kid or grandkid- get them different colors so they have even more challenges to complete.
Marble Runs ($$$)
Here’s another one that spans a wide range of ages. Marble runs in general are probably good for ages 4+. These Hape marble runs are a bit more challenging to put together, and I’d put them about a 6-100. Hape makes great quality products that will last forever. We have two different sets and join them together to make the ultimate marble run. Best done on a hard floor (as opposed to carpet). Hours of creating, testing, racing fun!
Humpback Whale Puzzle ($)
I love a good puzzle. This is especially great if you have a space you can just casually leave the puzzle out, maybe with a few pieces put together. Before you know it, the kids will be glued to the thing, and it was “all their idea.” Hape, again, great quality brand. And have you ever seen a more adorable whale? Recommend this one for ages 7-12.
Lifelines Flow Art ($)
Great gift for the artist or creator on your list. Or someone that needs a little more zen in their life. These line and dot pattern notebooks are a calming, stress free way to create beautiful art. The simpleness covering each dot with a color becomes meditative, and before you know it, you have a beautiful piece of art. Perfect for the tween or teen on your list!
Yoto Player ($$$$)
Yoto players are a perfect, screen-free way to access stories and music. You purchase Yoto story or music cards, stick them in the top of the player, and it plays the audio of what you put in. There is a Yoto player, and a smaller version, the Yoto mini. We went straight to the Yoto mini, which can be played over the built in speaker in the house or with headphones on the go. Recommended for ages 4-12.
Yoto players are similar to the product Toniebox. I prefer the Yoto cards to the Toniebox figurines, but both are great products with an extensive and varied library.
Air Toobz EVO ($$$$)
Have you seen those ball or scarf air tubes that are popular at children’s museums? My kids play at those things forever. This is that, but in your house! Kids put together tubes or courses, start the fan, and send the foam balls racing, hovering, gliding. Then switch things around and go again! They have accessory packs for more fun down the road. Lots of possibilities for little engineer brains. This one is good for kids 3-8.
Bilibo ($$)
Okay. Let’s get more movement into these kiddos! This screen-free gift is versatile, high quality, and has endless possibilities. There are 3 sized Bilibos (mini, midi, and classic). Getting a pack of bilbos, in at least 2 sizes works best. What are they? What AREN’T they? They’re stepping stones, chairs, hats, drums, buckets, scoopers. They can be used in the house, in the sand, in the tub, in the snow. I LOVE how simple, yet versatile this toy is. Great for kids 2-6.
Skate Swing ($$$)
Keeping with movement, here’s something for kids a little older. The skate swing is for kids 5-10. It’s fun, while working on balance and core strength. Perfect to get kids off screens and outside in the fresh air!
Jumpin’ ($)
A simple game with endless fun. This small, contained logic/puzzle game will keep kids (and adults) endlessly entertained. Recommended for 7+. I LOVE it, and I’m 42. Could be a good one for a retiree who likes puzzles as well. Great for travel, quiet time at home, in the car, whenever! Can be played alone, or shared with a friend.
Slackline Kit ($$$)
Saving my favorite for last, this slackline kit is screen-free, outdoor fun for all ages. Slacklines are simple, fun, and versatile. They work on balance and strength. This one is a 2 inch wide line, which is beginner friendly. Set one up low to the ground and with a training rope up above for kids as young as 4. As they grow and build skill, move the line higher and take the training rope away. Fun to do alone or with others. Make sure you have trees near by that can accommodate this kit.