For Kids (and Adults)
Because let’s be honest, the lifespan of a shiny, plastic toy is short. Let’s give our kids gifts that inspire creativity, get them moving and challenge them to learn something new.
Color Changing Markers
We discovered these markers by ooly on an unplanned, extended stay at the airport. Our kids and teenage nieces and nephews all enjoyed coloring with these. You can color with the base color, then use the switch on top to change up the design! The switch can also be used first as a hidden message pen!
Mortar and Pestle
After reading Sophie Mouse books by Poppy Green, my daughter was inspired to make her own paints with things she found in nature, just like Sophie Mouse. Mashing the flowers and leaves became much easier with a mortar and pestle and has lead to the discovery of several new paint colors!
CRKT Nathan’s Knife Kit
Let your kids build their first pocket knife! Although it is made of wood it is still a blade, so make sure you supervise this cool hands on way to better understand how pocket knives are built. I think I may get myself a kit this year.
Rite in the Rain Notebooks
These notebooks come in several sizes and will inspire you kids to write anywhere and everywhere. There may not be a lot of times when they actually get to write in the rain, but if there is water, children will find it and this notebook will survive the adventure!
Watercolors
Watercolors are one of my favorite ways to encourage my kids to slow down and enjoy the details of all God created. Initially they would only paint for 10 minutes or so, but now frequently my four and six year old have to be told to finish up after 45 minutes of painting outside. The Ikea Mala watercolor box is ideal to take with you because it has two water cups that fit into the larger base to lessen the chances of spilling.
Watercolor Postcards
A fun way to paint and practice letter writing all in one!
Knot Tying
There are several books to introduce you kids to knot tying. They are a great way to encourage creativity while they develop a lifelong skill.
How To Draw Books
They have several in this series, animals, woodland creatures, under the sea and more! Our six-year-old has loved learning to draw using these books.
Multi-Tools
Talking with moms the age range for when to give your kid a multi-tool is very kid specific, but when you have determined your kid is ready, these are such a fun way to help them engage with nature. They learn which sticks are more brittle, just how tough knots in wood are and they develop a new sense of responsibility. Cabela’s Multi-Tools are only $5.99 and come in six different colors!
Flower Press & Picture Frames
There are several flower presses at different price points online (or you can always use some large books if you think this activity may not hold their attention!) Please be sure to teach your kids only to pick a few for projects like these!
Pick out a fun picture frame for them to display their work and to protect their fragile creations.
DIY Stuff Sack Kits
Everything you need to make your own stuff sack to start, nothing will get your kids excited for adventures in the woods like making their own gear. While they work on these – plan a trip!
Sun Print Paper
Go on a nature hunt to find leaves, flowers and the like. Lay them out on the paper and leave in the sun (make sure you are sheltered from any wind, so the items don’t move around). Remove the items and you will have a one-of-a-kind piece of nature art!
Mud Kitchen
Make your own mud kitchen – grab a bucket and some utensils from your nearest thrift store!
Tools
Real tools (appropriate for your kids ages). Let them begin to build with wood and tools in the backyard!
Wood Burning Kits
There are several wood burning kits to choose from and once you kids get some practice, they will be searching for their own materials outside with which to create!
DIY Camping Hammock
The Nestless Hammock Kit, gives you all the pieces you need to make a hammock for your next adventure – and you get to pick the color too! Your kids will be so proud when they get to cozy up with a book in the hammock they made!
makedo Cardboard Construction Kit
Cardboard boxes are already a kid favorite – enable them with a few new tools and see what they can make!
If you have any artsy and outdoorsy non-toy gift ideas – please send them my way!
emily emmons 
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