Gift Ideas for Gifted Kids
Each November, the annual Grandparent Christmas Gift Inquiry begins. The conversation used to go something like this:
“Are you sure that is what she wants?”
“Yes, Mom. She said she wants a big box of office supplies.”
“I saw a <fill in the blank with the latest craze toy>. How about that?”
“No, Mom. Office supplies. Load a box up with paperclips, pens, pencils, pushpins. Don’t forget the tape. Lots and lots of tape. Oh, and a new wastebasket was on the list, too.”
“O-kaaay…but what kind of kid wants office supplies for Christmas?”
Yeah, it was not quite the norm, but neither are my kids. Bless my mom, she sent a big box of office supplies that year – and lots of tape. It was a Merry Christmas.
My mom no longer questions unusual gift requests other than from pure curiosity. (“Rope? What are they going to do with rope?” What won’t they do!?) My mom now realizes my kids are a little different, and that it is ok.
Unfortunately, it does sometimes make gift shopping difficult, even for me. I know I am not alone. Every year during the holiday season I see “gift ideas” requests on various forums and lists for parents of gifted kids.
Just what do you get kids who are underwhelmed at Toys R Us?
Games and Puzzles
There are endless options for games appealing to all, but especially gifted kids. Standard strategy games, like chess or Risk, are often great choices, but new and interesting games are regularly being released, including those with new twists on old classics. Gobblet, Blokus, Cathedral, Mastermind, and Set are some my kids have enjoyed in the past. Also look for solitary games and puzzles, such as Rush Hour or Rubiks cube. Give games with a promise to establish a tradition of a weekly Family Game Night!
Books and Magazines
Voracious readers can never have enough books. Each year my kids ask for books or a gift card to buy books. Magazine subscriptions are a great gift that continue year around. It seems there is a magazine available for just about any interest (cooking, science, photography, etc.). Cricket publishes a variety of quality magazines for kids.
Construction and Engineering Toys
Look for those which require more creativity and can build multiple structures. Simple wooden blocks or large cardboard bricks are perfect for younger kids. One of the best investments I made was a huge set of wooden building planks, called Kapla. My teens still play with them, often with the goal of using every single plank in their increasingly complicated structures. ZomeTool sets are often popular with gifted kids, especially those interested in math. Marble runs and K’NEX sets are great because builders must consider mechanics for their structure to work properly.
“School” Supplies
Consider dipping into your school budget for some special gift items. There is an abundance of science kit choices that check both the educational and fun boxes. A nice microscope would be cherished by the science loving kid. I heard of one family buying their math lover a graphing calculator. One year my kids requested the Story of the World audio CDs to appear under the tree, and I was happy to comply. I am more likely to splurge on something my child would really enjoy if the item can also fall under the “school” category.
Theme or Interest Focused
Take an interest or theme and build upon it. One year I decided my kids needed a way to burn up energy indoors during the cold winter months. I purchased large therapy balls, a mini trampoline, some fun kid exercise DVDs, a balance board, a KikaFlik, and a number of other items encouraging movement. Each item by itself might have seemed a bit odd, but together they made a fun and well-received gift. Take interests to a new level and try to think of splurge items. If your child has taken up knitting, purchase some unusual or more expensive yarns and interesting patterns. Include needles of all sizes and maybe throw in some lessons. An acquaintance shared that she purchased her bird-loving son a Birdsong Identiflyer, which could be included with some binoculars, a nature journal, and some related books for a nature lover.
DIY Kits
What everyday household items is your child constantly tinkering with? You could make up an electronics kit, complete with old appliances, for the child always wanting to take things apart to see how they work. Building materials, such as wood scraps, screws, and nails, along with some simple tools makes a great construction kit. Are there common items you just cannot seem to keep stocked in the house or continuously find hidden in a certain child’s room? Whatever the item, gift them a huge box of it! You might be surprised at the smiles that come forth upon discovering a huge box filled with tape of their own.
Hopefully the above will get those creative juices flowing for all the gift recipients on your list, and especially those quirky kids! Come back next month for ideas for last minute gifts requiring no storage!
