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19 Exciting Gifts for Active Kids

Gifts for Active Preschool Kids

Ring Toss Game

The Ring Toss Game is fun for the entire family. After all if your kids are anything like mine, they adore throwing things. So instead of dealing with paper planes flying across the house, set up this ring toss game in the yard.

Encourage the kids to toss rings, calculate points, and have a great time outside. These make perfect gifts for active kids!

Trampoline

Encourage your kids to jump with this 3 ft Trampoline designed for 3-6 year olds. Just set it up in the house and let your bouncing babies to jump to their heart’s content. No more babies bouncing on the sofa, jumping off the ottoman, or leaping across chairs.

They’ll now have a fun, safe, and sane way to jump on the trampoline for hours.

Standing Easel

This Standing Easel is great fun for preschoolers and elementary kids. Clip paper onto the easel for painting. Pull out the chalk and draw silly pictures on the chalkboard. Hand your kids dry erase markers to draw on the dry-erase board.

Your active kids will enjoy doing artwork when they’re standing at an easel.

River Stones

Have your children ever tossed pillows on the floor in a desperate attempt to keep out of the lava? Mine certainly have! These river stones make the perfect gift for kids trapped indoors. Kids can pretend to cross lava, dance across rocks over a river, or create an obstacle course in the house.

Save your pilllows and gift your children with these river stones. Everyone will enjoy hours of fun.

Super Sand Digger

Do you have a child fascinated with construction? I do! My sons have spent hours digging in the sandbox pretending they were construction workers digging a ditch.

This super sand digger makes pretending even more real when the kids actually dig like they’re using heavy equipment to dig a foundation for a skyscraper or pretend they’re Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel.

Hopper Ball Bouncing Toy

Did you ever play with one of bouncing ball toys for kids from 3-6 when you were small? I don’t know about you but I spent hours of fun bouncing around on these balls. They’re perfect for cold winter days when the weather keeps you indoors. They are relatively inexpensive so can get multiple gifts for active kids in your life.

Instead of having kids bouncing around underfoot, let them bounce around the house on the Bouncing Ball!

Tootle Turtle Target Game

If you have a child who loves to throw, let them throw self-stick beanbags at this cheerful turtle target. Hold competitions to see who can score the highest number. Encourage your kids to count by throwing at specific digits.

The Tootle Turtle Target game is wonderful for active kids and teaching math at the same time!

Pogo Jumper

Give your children the gift of a pogo jumper this year. The Foam Pogo Jumper is a fun jumping toy for kids of all ages. Since it holds up to 250 lbs, you can even give it a whirl.

Learn to balance while you jump with the Pogo Jumper for a fun exercise which your kids will love.

Active Gifts for Elementary Kids

Rocket Balloon Set

If your kids love watching regular balloons shoot around the room, they’ll love Rocket Balloons! Pump up these reusable balloons up to 40 inches in length. Then let them go and watch them fly. These are an exciting outdoor toy!

This package of 85 balloons and pump makes an awesome gift for kids 8 and up.

Twister

Have you ever played Twister? It’s an old classic game that’s perfect for active kids. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing an exciting game that tests your flexibility. One child spins to find out which hand or foot goes on which color. The players’ challenge is to remain upright while moving their appendages from one color to the next. The last person stand wins!

My kids adore pulling out Twister and playing a round on a rainy afternoon.

Dodge Ball Tag

My boys love playing dodge ball every chance they get. Here’s a fun gift which allows them to play dodge ball with sticky balls! Each player wears an air mesh vest and carries 3 soft and safe balls. The goal is to stick your balls to your opponent’s vest!

Dodge Ball Tag is a great gift for encouraging kids to get off the walls and heading outside to run.

Walkie Talkies

Did you ever run around the neighborhood with your friends playing spy? Walkie Talkies are the toy to have. You can chat with your friends, keep in touch with parents, and have a great time playing around the neighborhood.

A Walkie Talkie set is a classic fun toy to give to active kids.

Marble Run

Have you ever played Marble Run? The goal is to build an elaborate creation of tubes and ramps. Once it’s built, drop the marbles, and watch them roll.

It’s a game that affords hours of fun play as the kids set up the runs and watch the marbles go! Marble run is recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Construction Fort

Instead of having your active kids pulling out every blanket, book, and pillow in the house to build forts, give them a Construction Fort. The kids build an interlocking frame on which to throw the canvas.They can create a castle, tunnel, tent, or fort. This is a fun gift for historical reenactment as well.

Aimed at 5 and up, this gift will give your children hours of fun as they create and play in custom designed forts.

Dueling Stomp Rockets

Stomp rockets are simple rockets which fly from air pressure. The dueling stomp rocket allows kids to challenge each other. Who can send rockets soaring higher in the air?

This is a great gift for siblings, no bickering over who gets to stomp first!

Active Gifts for Older Kids

Croquet

My parents had a croquet set. It’s a fun game where you attempt to knock the balls between the hoops in the correct order. The first person to hit the stake at the end of the course wins the game.

This is the perfect game for lively children as well as adults. Everyone in the family, especially those over 6, will enjoy playing croquet in the backyard.

Stilts

Stilts are awesome for active kids. They develop balance and coordination while your kids are having fun seeing the world from a higher height.

Give your kids a set of stilts to walk around on this year.

Frisbee Disc

Frisbees are a wonderful gift to give to active kids of all ages. Kids can play catch with the Frisbee. As your kids age and become more skilled there are all sorts of Frisbee games they can play such as Frisbee tag or Frisbee bowling.

Give your kids a Frisbee Disc to throw around with your friends!

Laser Tag

Laser tag is a fun game for older kids to play at the park. There’s no need to worry about Nerf darts hitting an innocent spectator. Everything is done with lasers.

Your kids will love playing laser tag with their friends.

With these amazing gifts for active kids, your kids will have hours and hours of exciting play throughout the year.

What is your favorite gift for active kids?

Christmas Blessings Giveaway!

Let us help you check things off your Christmas list for FREE! I’ve partnered with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you the Christmas Blessings Giveaway. We know the holiday season can be full of both joy and stress, and our hope is to ease that burden just a bit for a few families. Enter to win 4 $250 gift cards!

To enter, simply use the entry form below. We know it’s a long one, but each blogger personally contributed to make this giveaway happen, and your support means so much. Plus, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning one of the $250 prizes!

Wishing you a season full of peace, joy, and blessings!

Giveaway ends November 28th at 11:59pm ET.  Winners will be drawn and emailed the following day. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim the prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. You must live in the United States or Canada to be eligible to win. 

For more Gift Ideas for Kids, Check out these Gift Guides!

Gifts for Art Lovers

Gifts for Young Sewers!

The post 19 Exciting Gifts for Active Kids and A Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

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20 Awesome Science Gifts for Science Lovers

Science Gifts for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are always asking why. Why is the sky blue? Why does it rain? Why is the sun warm? Encourage your kids’ questions by giving science gifts so your kids can discover the answers for themselves!

Telescope
My First Telescope designed for kids 4-6 gives your kids a chance to take a close look at the stars! You can set it up on the porch, in the back yard, or at a window. It’s a focus free telescope with 10X magnification, perfect for small curious tots.

Microscope
My First Microscope is designed for ages 3-6, making it perfect for preschoolers. It has two extra large eye pieces to make it easy for your kids to examine various objects with the 8X magnification. Take a look at hair, leaves, and onion skins to explore a microscopic world.

Binoculars
These Kidnoculars were made for youngsters from ages 3-11. They’re focus free to keep life simple for little fingers. Your kids can take a close look at birds flying in the sky or trees on a distant hill with these comfortable large lenses. With 2X magnification, they’ll see more than they’ve ever seen before!

Science Lab Set

Pick up the Science Lab Set for ages 3-9. After all there’s nothing like actual hands-on experience to develop a love of science. Kids get to use durable plastic beakers, test tubes, magnifying glass, funnel, activity guide, experiment cards, and more!

Bugnoculars

Send your kids into the backyard to examine bugs close up with these bugnoculars designed for kids 3-6. The bug collection water-tight container has a snap-lock lid with air holes. You can collect ants, beetles, and spiders to examine. There’s also the opportunity to collect underwater life like tadpoles and fry to examine. Once you’re done, just release the critters back into the wilderness of your backyard.

Backyard Exploration Kit

There’s no reason to settle for the Bugnoculars. Also pick up the backyard exploration kit to explore the world in your backyard. This 18 piece kit is designed for ages 3 and up. It comes with nets, tweezers, compass watch, magnifying glasses, clip board, and more. Your kids will be ready for adventure and exploration with this kit.

The Big Red Dog Rainbow Science Set

The Big Red Dog Rainbow Science Set was designed with kids ages 3-10 in mind. There’s a lab tray, measuring cup, and test tubes. Kids get to join Clifford on an adventure while they learn all about rainbows.

Kids First Science Laboratory Kit

The First Science Laboratory Kit is aimed at kids ages 3-5. Preschoolers get the tools they need to explore the world around them. It even comes with a set of 10 experiment cards to get them started.

Elementary Age

Curiosity isn’t limited to just preschoolers. Your elementary age kids are just as fascinated with the world around them, so encourage them with one of these awesome science kits for kids.

Ingenious Machines

What could be better than a robotic building set for kids 6 and up? Your children can construct all sorts of different machines. The instructions begin with 4 different toys, but from there your kids’ imagination is the limit!

My First Mindblowing Science Kit

My first Mindblowing Science Kit is a 20 piece set created to let your kids explore basic scientific principles. You’ll be amazed at how much they learn as they discover the joys of science. It’s aimed at 6 and up with adult supervision.

Snap Circuits

Snap Circuits are one of my kids’ favorite toys, designed for ages 7 and up. It’s literally a blast to play with when you create a siren. In addition you can you can put together a fan, flashlight, and more! Kids explore circuitry without needing special equipment.

Glow in the Dark Terrarium

Build your own terrarium in your bedroom! The mason style jar comes with air vents and glow-in-the-dark stickers, resin figures, and a plant mister. Simply assemble the terranium together, mist it daily, and watch the mini ecosystem develop.

Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab

Go for a ride on the magic school bus as you learn explore the Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab! Make sticky ice, a milk rainbow, and bubble sculptures. Learn about density, acids, bases, and chromatography. Your kids will have hours of fun with the Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab designed for kids from 5 to 12.

Glow in the Dark Slime Science Kit

Let me ask you, what could be better than making your own slime? If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll adore learning the science behind making glow in the dark slime to gross out siblings and friends. It’s a wonderful gift for kids from 6 to 15.

Scientific Explorer Soda Pop Science

Let your kids learn all about making soda pop. How is it made, what is used and why! Aimed at children 6 and up, these kits develop a love and fascination with science.

Science Gifts for Older Children

Let’s face it, our older children are just as fascinated with the world around them as their younger siblings. Use these science gifts to ignite their interests into lifelong passions!

Microscope

A Microscope for older kids ages 8-11! Unlike the one for preschoolers which only magnifies 8X, this microscope magnifies up to 400X. There’s even a 26 piece scientific tool set and an activity guide to get you started.

Microscope Slides

Microscopes are a lot more fun when you have a set of slides to go with it. So don’t forget to get the basic prepared microscope slides! You’ll get a set of 25 slides which show insects, animal, and plant tissues for a biological education.

Disgusting Science Kit

Nothing is like a disgusting science kit to gross out your siblings. Aimed at children 8 and up with adult supervision, your kids will find out exactly what is growing on their body. Create a stinky intestine, slimy snot, and fake blog. Grow mold and bacteria. You’ll have hours of fun discovering new facts about the human body.

Insectoid Robot Science Kit

If the disgusting side of biology isn’t your thing, try building a robotic insect with this insectoid robot science kit! It’s easy to build and designed for ages 8 and up. Your kids will discover exactly how robotic movement works. They’ll have hours of fun building then playing with a robot insect.

Chemistry Set
This ultimate Thames & Kosmos Chem C300 chemistry set is for older kids, 12 and up. There’s a total of over 333 experiments for your children to complete. After using this chemistry set, your kids will be ready for high school chemistry!

Science kits make wonderful science gifts. Your kids explore and develop a lifelong interest in science while they concoct, explore, and construct.

It’s hard to believe that the Christmas season is here once again!  And with it comes the season of giving!  It is such a blessing to give to others and I, along with 25 other bloggers, can’t wait to bless one of you with $500 Paypal cash with the Christmas Blessings Giveaway! Whether you decide to use this money for fulfilling your kids’ Christmas lists, paying off a bill, or just saving for a rainy day, we hope to lessen the financial burden and/or brighten the day of one of our readers with $500 Paypal cash to use for whatever their family needs.

You can earn a lot of entries in the Rafflecopter form below.  I know it can seem tedious and time consuming to go through all the entries, but isn’t a chance at $500 worth it?  I think it is!  Plus, if all of these generous bloggers didn’t participate, we wouldn’t have been able to have such a big prize!  So I hope you will take the time to go through each entry.  Who knows, maybe you will find some new blogs to follow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run from Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, December 10th (ends at 11:59pm EST).  Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn.  You must have a Paypal account to win.

The post 20 Awesome Gifts for Science Lovers + Enter to win $500 Cash Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

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Top 12 Books for Christmas

These are some of the most highly sought after books in the country right now, selling out in record numbers! I’m not kidding! Some of these listed might be out of stock as you read. Luckily there are several different titles of each type of book so you won’t totally miss out.

You can create your own 12 books of Christmas countdown and wrap up 12 of these unique books to create a new family tradition. Don’t have a big budget? Contact me about having a Facebook party for you and your friends to get FREE book rewards!

#1 – Pull Back & Wind Up Books

Pull back or wind up the toys in these books and let them go on the build in tracks through the story pages! These interactive books entertain even the wiggliest reader.

#2 – Muddle & Match Books

Young readers enjoy mixing and matching the characters in these books to make up their own silly stories. When read normally, the short stories use alliteration to describe the characters and help children practice letter sounds.

#3 – Shine-a-Light Books

This inexpensive unique book is for flashlight lovers everywhere! Shine a light behind the page to reveal an image. Each book talks about different environments and is the perfect book to introduce young readers to non-fiction. These make the perfect gift!

#4 – That’s Not My Books

Touchy feely books are perfect for babies and toddlers, but these are classic! There are over 30 titles to choose from and quickly become children’s favorites because of the collectable quality of the books. Each page features a little mouse that little ones love to seek and find, plus the thick black outlines of the picture help little eyes see the drawings.

#5 – Activity Packs

Each pack contains 4 themed paperback activity books for hours of fun! These are perfect for travel and make wonderful Christmas gifts.

#6 – Stocking Stuffers

The perfect size for stockings and are an awesome value! You could make your own countdown with just these books. The beginner reference books are non-fiction for ages 4-12 and the pocket activity books are great for almost any age 6+. Even some adults like the doodle books for quick color therapy sessions.

#7 – Phonics Readers

Silly stories children can read on there own? There are SO many to choose from and the simple rhyming text is a great way to develop essential language and early reading skills. Guidance notes for parents at the back of the book help you teach your child.

#8 – Beginner Chapter Books

Billie B Brown and Hey Jack are the best chapter books you can get for beginners! They have no more than 50 words per page and graphics on every second page. If your child is an avid young reader or wants to read chapter books but gets overwhelmed, this is the series for them!

#9 – Encyclopedias

There is no doubt that an encyclopedia is a classic book to have in your home! You’ll be surprised by how much your children like looking through these amazing books and you will catch yourself getting lost in the full color spreads too!

#10 – Wipe Clean Activities

These books and cards offer hours of fun with puzzles, doodle, and beginners writing activities! Each come with a dry erase marker and are perfect for travel, at a restaurant, or anytime you need a quiet time activity!

#11 – Lift the Flap Books

There’s a reason lift-the-flap books are loved by children. The fine motor skills engaged while reading these types of books helps children remember what they are reading. Let’s just admit it, there’s something fun about guessing what is under the flap!

#12 – Slot-together Sets

If you have a little builder in your home, they will love these slot-together activity sets that come with a book and pieces that fit together like a puzzle to create a sturdy little playset.

You’re invited! The Usborne Black Friday Weekend Sale is coming soon! Join us on Facebook for a look at the top 12 Books on Everyone’s Christmas List! Or shop online starting Friday Nov. 27th at 12am for up to 60% off and specials on Shipping!

Here are some more great book gift ideas for your kids!

Find even more great gift ideas for your kids below!

The post 12 Books of Christmas For Kids Gift List! first appeared on True Aim.

Toys can be an important part of child development both physically and mentally and can truly inspire their imaginations. (My thoughts turn to all of the things that my son has built with his Lego set as I’m writing this!) But, kids crave quality time with their parents and loved ones and can benefit so much more from educational experiences and practical gifts!

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So, when the grandparents ask for Christmas ideas for the grandchildren this year, use this list to come up with some wonderful options that won’t clutter your home or get lost in the back of a closet or under a bed.

Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

As an added bonus, all of these ideas cost under $50, and most of them are significantly cheaper than that. So, they won’t break the bank, and they are either priceless experiences that will be treasured for years to come or items that will be used again and again!

Gift Cards / Tickets

• Bookstore or e-book store (i.e. Blue Manor, or Amazon)
• Museums
• Miniature golf
• Zoo
• Bowling
• Local ice cream shop
• Sporting event
• Train ride
• Theater play
• Horseback riding
• Concert
• Rock climbing
• Aquarium

Memberships / Subscriptions

• Zoo passes
• YMCA
• Children’s Museum
• Adventures in Odyssey
• Magazines (i.e. Answers in Genesis, Highlights)
• Educational or game websites (i.e. ABC Mouse)
• Sponsor a child

Lessons

(These can be more expensive, but you could always buy one month as a trial before making a longer commitment.)

• Instrument
• Voice
• Dance
• Martial arts
• Knitting / Sewing
• Cooking
• Sports
• Horseback Riding
• Art / Pottery
• Rock climbing

Outdoor Gear

• Camping (i.e. sleeping bag, flashlight, survival kit, etc.)
• Hunting (i.e. bow and arrow, slingshot, clothing, etc.)
• Fishing (i.e. rod and reel, bait, hooks, etc.)
• Pocket knife
• Winter clothing and accessories

Educational Gifts

• Books or e-books (Keep the Blue Manor e-books in mind!)
• Watch
• Craft or Science kits (i.e. Kiwi Crate)
• Basic tool set (Every little man needs one to help around the house!)
• Sewing accessories
• Art supplies
• Piggy bank
• Recipes and Cooking tools
• Magnifying glass or Binoculars
• Plants or Seeds
• Microscope
• Gardening tools
• Educational apps for phone, tablet, or computer
• Chalkboard or whiteboard

Christian/Inspirational Gifts

• Journal
• Bible
• Wall decor
• Bible cover
• Music (Useful for both Christian and academic education)
• Videos (i.e. Nest, What’s in the Bible?, Creation Adventure, Answers in Genesis)

My Dad made this sign in order for us to cherish a precious moment that my husband and son had while talking and praying at bedtime one night. My son’s face lights up every time he sees it and tells us what it says!

Practical Need Gifts

• Clothing (This could include dress-up items as well, though not as practical.)
• Bedding
• Favorite Snacks

Grandma combined practical and dress-up and got this guy a Spiderman sweatshirt. Here, he is SO excited because he is watching monster trucks with Daddy as a birthday present!

Fun Non-Toy Gifts

• Puzzles
• Family games

Homemade Coupon and Voucher Ideas

• Family camping trip
• Fishing trip with Mom / Dad
• Cooking time with Mom / Dad
• Family movie night with their choice of movie
• One chore performed by Mom / Dad
• Stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
• Trip to the library
• Special reading time with Mom / Dad
• Crafting or Project time with Mom / Dad
• Date night with Mom / Dad to restaurant of their choice

The coupons and gift cards for fun outings or experiences are my favorite options for both birthdays and Christmas! My children always end up appreciating our special times together or special time with grandparents so much more than toys, and they talk about them for years afterward.

I find that keeping the new toys to a limit each Christmas really helps with making sure that the holidays are truly all about the true Reason for the season and all that God has done for us.

Of course, remember to include something to unwrap with some of these ideas so that the kids have something to open that is more than just a piece of paper! For example, for the movie night coupon, you could wrap up some popcorn, or for a dance lesson, you could wrap whatever dance shoes may be required. You can be as creative as you want!

Do you have any great non-toy gift ideas to add to this list? Comment below! Please share any thoughts or experiences you and your family have had as a result of exchanging non-toy presents at Christmas as well.

The post The Ultimate Non-Toy Gift Idea List for Kids first appeared on True Aim.

This post contains affiliate links that help support this site. For more information read my full disclosure.

Here are 10 unique gifts for your little artists. These art supplies are so fun, you will definitely be temped to join in the fun!

Top 10 Gifts for Little Artists

Paint Sticks

Kids love paint and parents love that these paint sticks are so convenient! These solid tempera paints in a stick are super simple to use – no water, no brushes, no spills. They are silky smooth and dry instantly so you don’t have to work about mess! 3+

Smencils Colored Pencils

Make drawing a multi-sensory activity with colored pencils that smell like all of these things: Bubble Gum, Strawberry Cupcake, Grape Soda, Jelly Donut, Cotton Candy, Watermelon, Lemon Lime Fizz, Orange Lollipop, Rootbeer, Black Cherry. You can make writing fun too with the regular Smencils Pencils.

Foam Paint

This fluffy paint doesn’t  spill and adds depth and texture to children’s artwork. It drys fast and works really well for finger painting or hand print art.

Liquid Chalk Markers

These Chalkers contain completely non-toxic ink. This is the perfect dustless marker for glass, dry erase boards, and more.

Mini Blank Books

Encourage your artist to become an author with these little blank books. My daughter loves making stories and with these books they are a lot easier to save for keepsakes.

Watercolor Crayons

Add water to these crayons to create a watercolor effect without the mess. Do you see a theme here? Mess free painting is my favorite!

Kinetic Sand

This stuff is amazing! You don’t have to worry about it getting all over the place because it sticks to itself and not on you. No water needed. Perfect for little hands to experiment.

 Air-Dry Clay

Fast drying clay that your little sculptors will love!

Boogie Board

The next generation of doodle boards, the Boogie board is a this LCD writing tablet so your little artist can doodle away without wasting paper. Their drawing will stay indefinitely until, with the touch of a button, the image is erased.

Do you have any unique art supplies that you love? Please leave a comment!

Check out my Preschool Drawing Curriculum eBooks. Get them for FREE! 

Or if you like physical books, here’s one of my favorites!

Join our online homeschool Academy for more art classes and live clubs!

The post Top 10 Gifts for Little Artists first appeared on True Aim.

DIY Felt Gift Bags

To make the gift bags I used felt, this Gift Bag Template, black fabric paint, and a glue gun. If you have an older child, they could do this part for you because it is so easy. Trace around the template with chalk onto your felt and cut the shapes out. Use the glue gun to put the bag together. Add pompoms or use felt for the nose and mouth of the snowman. You could also add a decorative touch with a little embroidery thread on the edges. To fill my bag, I wanted products that are all natural. Ever since I was a teenager, I have used Burt’s Bees chap stick and lip gloss because I know the ingredients. Their products are never tested on animals and never contain any sulfates, parabens, phthalates or perochemicals. It’s their 30th year anniversary of making 100% natural products so, I went to Walmart where they have a big selection of Burt’s Bees products. My favorite product is the Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. After doing loads of dishes and laundry, it makes my nails look so much better! I know my teachers are going to love these gift bags, because I loved mine! What are you going to put in your gift bags? Please leave a comment!

DIY No Sew Felt Gift Bags first appeared on True Aim.