15 screen-free gift ideas for children

Why choose a screen-free gift?

A screen-free gift can encourage the child to manipulate, create, build, read, or invent their own play scenarios.

It can also encourage more independent playtime, provided the activity is easily accessible. A visible book, crayons within reach, a well-organized building set, or a pre-set-up creative space can make a child more inclined to start an activity spontaneously.

The goal is therefore not to systematically oppose screens to other leisure activities, but to offer children enough interesting alternatives to naturally vary their activities.

1. A drawing or coloring set

Crayons, felt-tip pens, pastels, paint or coloring books allow the child to create freely and start over as many times as they wish.

For children who draw a lot, beautiful creative materials can be a simple but much-used gift.

2. A creative table

A table adapted to the child's height can create a real space dedicated to drawing, coloring, building or crafts.

The aim is to leave the equipment easily accessible and to allow the child to set themselves up when they want to.

At Drawin'Kids, the Imagin'table is designed for children aged 2 and up, while the Drawing table is intended for children aged 3 and up.

3. Modeling clay or clay

Shaping, crushing, rolling or assembling requires both creativity and manipulation.

For older children, more elaborate modeling kits can also be used to create objects or characters.

4. An easel or a painting

An easel allows you to vary the drawing and painting surfaces.

The board can also become a medium for drawing, writing, playing school games, or inventing stories.

5. Building bricks

Construction games allow for the creation of an almost infinite number of scenarios.

Depending on age, you can choose large bricks that are easy to handle or smaller formats for detailed constructions.

6. A space dedicated to construction

For a child who already has a lot of bricks, it may be more interesting to improve their play area than to give them a new box.

A building board or a suitable table allows you to build, leave a creation in place and then come back to it later.

The plateaus Play&Build Drawing Kids were designed with this logic in mind, with a MAXI format for large bricks and a MINI format for the small bricks.

7. A puzzle

Puzzles remain an excellent screen-free gift idea.

They exist for all ages, from the first inset puzzles to much more complex models.

The choice can be made according to the child's passions: animals, space, maps, characters or illustrations.

8. A book

Novel, picture book, comic strip, documentary or game book: a book is one of the easiest gifts to adapt to a child's age and tastes.

For younger children, interactive books, touch-and-feel books, or books to manipulate can be particularly interesting.

9. A subscription to a youth magazine

A subscription allows you to extend the gift for several months.

The child regularly receives new content, creating a little ritual throughout the year.

10. A game of imagination

Miniature kitchens, shops, dollhouses, figurines, costumes or miniature worlds allow children to invent their own stories.

These are games that can be used for a very long time when the child likes to create scenarios.

11. Costumes

Costumes allow you to become, in turn, a doctor, explorer, cook, knight or imaginary character.

They can be used alone, with siblings, or with friends.

12. A board game

Board games make a particularly interesting screen-free gift for sharing a moment with family.

Today there are games adapted for very young children, and then increasingly strategic formats for older children.

13. A creative activity to share

Painting, cooking, pottery, DIY or manual activity workshop: offering a moment to experience together can sometimes have more value than a new object.

This works particularly well for children who already have a lot of toys.

14. An experiment

Shows, museums, wildlife parks, nature outings, sports initiations or workshops can become wonderful screen-free gifts.

The experience can also be offered by grandparents or family as a joint gift.

15. A designated play area

A small reading nook, a creative desk, an accessible library or an activity table can transform part of the bedroom or living room into a real independent play space.

The child then has an identifiable place where he can find his books, crayons, building games or activities.

Creative gifts

Creative gifts are especially appealing when the child enjoys making, drawing, or inventing.

You can choose art supplies, creative hobby kits, modeling materials, an easel, paper, stamps or a dedicated creative space.

A good creative gift doesn't necessarily have to give a single instruction. The more freedom it gives the child, the more different ways it can be used.

To learn more, also check out our guide: What creative gift can I give a child?

building games

Construction toys have the advantage of being able to evolve with the child.

Younger children handle large, simple bricks, while older children can create more precise and complex constructions.

For a child who already owns a lot of bricks, a well-designed building block stand or storage solution may be more relevant than a new set.

If your child loves building, also discover Our gift ideas for children who love LEGO® or DUPLO®.

Books

Books remain a safe bet for a screen-free gift.

The choice depends mainly on the child's age and tastes: short stories, documentaries, comics, novels or activity books.

Creating a comfortable reading corner can also help the child access their books more easily.

Imagination games

Imaginative games allow children to create their own rules and scenarios.

Figurines, costumes, small kitchens, garages, animals or miniature houses can be used in many different ways.

It is often the simplest objects that allow the most freedom.

Activities to share

Some gifts only take on their full meaning when they are shared.

Board games, cooking, DIY, drawing, construction or workshops allow children or adults to share common moments together.

For siblings, choosing an activity that is open enough for everyone to participate at their own level can be particularly beneficial.

Are you looking for a gift to share between several children? Discover our gift ideas for brothers and sisters.

Creative furniture and play areas

Furniture can also become a gift.

A child-height library, a reading corner, a creative table, or a well-organized storage space can transform the way a child uses their daily activities.

When a support is visible, accessible and adapted to their size, the child can more easily sit down on it alone.

This is one of the principles of Drawin'Kids tables: to offer a support that can be used for several different activities depending on the age and desires of the child.

How to choose according to age?

From 2 to 3 years old

Opt for gifts that are easy to handle: board books, large bricks, simple puzzles, suitable modeling clay, drawing, role-playing games and child-height furniture.

From 4 to 5 years old

Creative activities, construction games, dress-up, figurines, simple board games and dedicated drawing spaces are particularly suitable.

Ages 6 to 8

Children can begin to enjoy longer activities: complex constructions, beautiful art materials, novels, board games, experiments or creative projects.

After 8 years

It may be interesting to start more from the child's passions: drawing, reading, sport, science, construction, music or manual activities.

And if you're looking for a Christmas gift idea?

To discover more ideas based on the child's age, interests, or play style, consult our Christmas gift idea guide for children aged 2 to 8.

Faq

What screen-free gift can I give a child?

Books, building sets, creative activities, board games, costumes, puzzles or experiments are good screen-free gift ideas.

See our article: What gift should I give to a child who loves to draw and color?

What screen-free gift is suitable for a 2-year-old?

At 2 years old, favour books, manipulative games, large blocks, simple drawing, imitation games and activities adapted to his size.

What screen-free gift is there for a child who loves to create?

Drawing materials, paints, modeling clay, an easel or a creative table can be particularly suitable.

What screen-free gift can I give to several children?

Board games, construction sets, creative activities or shared play areas allow several children to play together.

What screen-free gift would be suitable for a child who already has many toys?

An experience, a subscription, creative materials, or support that allows for a different use of the toys he already owns may be better options than a new object.

Screen-free everyday use
Our customers regularly share photos with us of their children drawing, building or playing around their table.

Photos published with the permission of our clients