If you’re struggling to find a gift for a creative child in your life, focus on gifts that support their talents and hobbies rather than toys or clothes. Many creative people don’t find toys and clothes interesting or exciting but would much rather have a gift that stimulates their imagination or supports their favorite hobby. In fact, too many toys may actually be bad for children. Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for creative children.
Paper and Drawing Materials
Most creative kids enjoy drawing, and this is a great option for younger children who may not yet be able to handle more complicated crafts on their own. Preschoolers and elementary-age kids love large sheets of paper, so consider purchasing a large roll of craft or art paper. These rolls can last for years and because they are so large, can be used for pictures, banners, and other projects. For example, many kids enjoy tracing themselves on a large piece of paper and then decorating themselves. Include a variety of drawing materials such as colored pencils and markers to make this gift complete.
Older children who enjoy drawing will also appreciate a gift of special art papers or sketchbooks as well as specialty pens and pencils. Many of these children are dedicated journalists who write every day, so journals are also a great gift option.
Craft Kits
Craft kits can make a great gift idea for creative children, especially if it’s a new craft they haven’t tried before. Since kits come with all or most of the supplies needed, the recipient will be able to get started right away. Kits are also a great idea for children who don’t know if they’re going to enjoy a specific craft. Since the kit only makes a limited number of craft items, it’s easy to move on to a different hobby if they want.
Classes
If you’re searching for a gift for a creative child, consider signing them up for instructive experiences, such as a watercolor class, pottery class, or woodworking class. Many studios offer classes for a specific number of weeks or months as a gift option near the holidays. Other studios provide gift certificates that can be used to pay for classes or supplies.
Box Subscriptions
Box subscriptions are another great gift idea for creative children. When you purchase a box subscription the children will receive one box a month from the subscription service. Depending on what subscription you use the boxes could be focused on science topics, crafts, engineering, or other topics.
The best part of this gift is that it can last for several months to a year, bringing a new surprise each month. While a box subscription can be expensive it’s a great idea for a gift that won’t just end up as a forgotten toy in the corner of the bedroom. Best of all, every single month the child is reminded again of your love for them.
Craft Magazines
Like a box subscription, a magazine subscription is a gift that keeps giving all year long. For a child who loves crafts, art, or any other creative endeavor, a magazine on the topic of their interest is a great gift idea. Many of these magazines contain actual craft ideas or instructions such as patterns, as well as other information and inspiration about the topic.
Art Supplies
For a child who already has a favorite craft or art hobby, a gift of supplies is very appreciated. Art and craft supplies can become expensive and most children with a dedicated hobby would appreciate receiving supplies that support their craft.
If you choose to go this route, make sure that you know which brands, colors, and types of supplies they prefer. There can be a huge difference between, for example, different brands of colored pencils, paint, yarn, or clay.
Online Lessons
Another great gift option is online lessons. If the child lives where in-person lessons aren’t available, or if they’re too expensive, online lessons can be a great option. These can take the form of live online class sessions or prerecorded video courses. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Live classes are more engaging and allow for immediate questions and answers. Students can also get direct guidance relating to their own projects or skills as they go along. On the other hand, online lessons that are pre-recorded usually allow the student to rewatch the videos as many times as they want until they understand.
When choosing online lessons for a child make sure that they’re age-appropriate and at the correct skill level. Also, make sure you know whether the classes can be made up later if a lesson must be skipped for some reason.
Gift Card
If you’re unsure about the perfect gift or which hobby the child may be interested in, a gift card to one of these options is always a great idea. Consider a gift card to a favorite craft store, a local art studio, or an online company that offers a variety of classes on many different topics.
Conclusion
While purchasing gifts for a creative, talented child can be a challenge, their numerous hobbies are usually a great place to start. Most creative people would rather receive gifts related to their hobby and always appreciate supply donations since many craft hobbies can become expensive over time.