Top 10 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Columbia Kids

We’ve all seen the article, the list of 100 things to give kids that aren’t toys. Yes, I love this idea. But, in reality, the list included so many things out of a reasonable family budget. Tickets to Disney on Ice? A hotel room for a night? A weekend away? What?!? I would love to give these kind of experiences but it’s just not in our budget. This lead me on a search for affordable, non-toy gifts for local kids and families. These experiences will bring joy to kids without breaking your holiday budget.

For the Animal Lover

Purchasing a full family membership to Riverbanks Zoo may not be within your budget, but a zoo adventure tour is a great way for kids to get up close with their favorite animals at an affordable price. Adventure tours are $27 each ($22 for members) and offer a glimpse into the lives of the big cats, elephants, penguins, reptiles, turtles or tropical water animals. The ages for each adventure vary but children as young as 3 can participate in the penguin excursion. If you are looking for a more frugal gift, purchasing a child’s one-time pass to the zoo is as little as $11.50 each.

For the Budding Artist

Bring kids to get messy and create a work of art without the clean up! Located at 4517 Forest Drive, Tag It Art has open studio time for $6 per hour. You could buy a child 2 hours of fun for $12, easily the cost of a toy. Open studio hours are Monday-Thursday 2-6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10-2 p.m. It is recommended that you call ahead for Fridays and Saturday open studio times as they may have private parties booked. Workshops are a bit more expensive at $22 but still rather affordable and make an exciting gift.

For the Active Child

For the gift giver to the more active child, Plex Indoor Sports has a variety of options for non-toy fun. With locations in Irmo and Sandhills, Plex is worth the trip to the suburbs. Plex Irmo has public ice skating hours for $10 (weekdays) and $12 (weekends) for the budding ice hockey player or figure skater. Plex Sandhills offers roller skating ($8), Jumping Jacks inflatables ($6) and the hi-wire trampoline park ($12). All active kiddos (and their parents) love an energy-burning gift.

For the Truck Lover

Coming in February to the Colonial Life Arena is Monster Jam. Tickets for children can be purchased for $7 per ticket in some locations. Adults are $27 but this is an affordable family gift for the truck-loving children among us.

For the Amusement Park Enthusiast

Columbia is blessed with mild temperatures, so we are able to spend more time outdoors, even in December! Take advantage of the weather here and provide kids with an option to get out the house and burn some energy at our local year-round amusement park. Frankie’s Fun Park allows you to purchase activities a la carte so you can treat the special kiddo in your life to a round of mini golf, car racing, bumper boats, laser tag, ($7), the funhouse ($8), the batting cages ($2), or the drop zone ($4).

For the Pottery Painter

If your little one is more creative side, you can take your sidekick to The Mad Platter. Studio fees are $6 for adults and $4 for kids and pottery pieces range from $3-$85. Set up time for a date day and take your time picking out and painting a pottery piece together.

For Those Who Prefer Puppetshows

Kids love puppet shows, and the Marionette Theater takes it to a whole new level. With state of the art puppets and a building that looks like a castle, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. The Frog Princess premiers in January. Tickets are $5 at the door ($5.75 if you order online in advance). Shows are every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You could buy a family of four tickets for $20, easily comparable to some of the toys on today’s market.

For the Basketball Lover

The South Carolina Women’s basketball team is trying to hold on to their #1 ranking. What better way to support our local women’s team than to give a young athlete a ticket to a game? Adults tickets start at $9.75 and youth tickets are $6.75. See a nationally-ranked collegiate sports team for an affordable night out! You could gift a mom and a daughter a night out for less than $20! If men’s basketball is more your speed, tickets are available for $14 for upper level general admission.

For the Baseball Lover

If the child in your life is a bigger fan of America’s past time, the Gamecocks baseball season is right around the corner. You can watch some of the next hopefuls of Major League Baseball for $10 per general admission ticket. Add some peanuts and cracker jacks, and you’re set!

To Beat the Outdoor Temperatures

When the winter months seem long, indoor activities are cherished by moms trying to keep the littles engaged and active. Buying a child and parent admission to EdVenture is the perfect winter gift. One-time tickets for parent and child are $23 and can provide a much needed day out for mommy and cherub. If you aren’t limited to purchasing general admission, you could also consider adding to the experience by including one of their many classes available in your gift purchase.

Buying gifts for the little people in your lives doesn’t have to break the bank, even when trying to find memorable excursions. And, more importantly, it is possible to give the gift of experiences and memories without adding to the pile of toys.

Tell us your favorite experience to give!