18 Useful Christmas gifts for kids (that they won’t hate!)

There are less than 10 Fridays until Christmas. Can you believe it? Before you know it we will all be making our list and checking them twice to make sure we haven’t forgotten someone under the tree. But before you head out to get the toys and clothes and gadgets they absolutely need (until a month from now when the novelty has worn off) check out these 18 Useful Christmas gifts for kids – that they won’t hate! 

1. A charging pad for their tech. They’re forever losing their charging cords, plus, they will think it’s cool. 
2. “Sonicare toothbrush” – because your smile is forever. – Elise O.
3. Fill their stocking with practical items like character bubble bath, body lotion/wash, fun bandages etc. 
4. For traveling families: “a scratch off map of the US or World so kids can track their travel.” –Wagoners Abroad 
5. Art supplies. These can be used later for fun crafts or as part of class projects.
6. Storage Boxes. These can be super cute and personalized. They’re great for crayons, legos and puzzle pieces. If you’re looking to amp up the excitement, put one of the exciting items inside.
7. “A paper journal. It helped me learn to write, but it was life-changing because it taught me to value my words!”– Kristin Winet
8. Their first wallet or purse. Another good practical gift is their first watch. 
9. Musical instruments.
10. “A dry erase board. It helped me teach the kids to write and I’m still using it to help them with their math.” – Choya Porter
11. Something that cultivates a passion: A dancer? Dance Gear. Cook? A “meal” kit that includes a new recipe. Photographer? A camera. Just make sure the item is age appropriate. 
12. “As a bookworm I wish I had recieved more books growing up. It’s never a bad time to inspire a love of reading and it usually begins with one special book.” – Ashley M.
13. Luggage. If your family loves to travel as much as mine, your kid will be excited for new character or personalized luggage. 
14. Travel Packs. Hitting the beach in the near future? Fill a tote bag with sunglasses, sunscreen and a beach towel. Heading overseas? Pack a map, journal and guide/translation books. 
15. “A coin bank that counts your money, so you can see the value of saving (for travel)!” – Cacinda Maloney
16. Lessons: Music lessons, dance lessons, karate lessons, photography workshops, horseback riding lessons. You get the idea.
17. Clothes. At the rate kids grow these are always a necessity and with a little effort these can be a fun practical gift. Right now Super Heroes are all the rage with boys and girls. Many clothing stores carry pajamas and t-shirts that include capes with their favorite super hero emblazoned across the chest. 
18. Donations to their college tuition fund. Programs like Scholarshare make it easy for anyone (Kris Kringle, parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles, friends) to contribute to a child’s college fund. You can find out more about saving with a 529 college plan here. 

I am sharing this information as a ScholarShare Ambassador, however all opinions remain my own.