“They have everything,” is a line I hear myself say often. As soon as the holidays roll around, friends and family begin asking for gift ideas and I never know how to respond beyond “let me think about it.” We definitely live in a material world and I don’t always feel the material girl vibe (you know what I mean?). I’ve put together 12 simple gift ideas beyond “stuff” for myself (and you, too)! Some of these ideas are geared towards kiddos – but many of them are flexible for any age!

Simple Gift Ideas #1: I’m the Chef Too!

Looking for a way to spend some time in the kitchen with the kids and end up with a tasty, creative treat to boot? I’m the Chef Too offers a themed box each month that will delight any little chef. We are monthly subscribers and I have been impressed with the theming, ease, and organization of each kit. The subscriptions are a great way to give throughout the year!

Simple Gift Ideas #2: Zoo/Aquarium/Museum membership

Almost every zoo, museum, and aquarium across the country offers annual memberships with some other great benefits for pass holders (like decreased or free admission to other locations. Our kids love visiting the museum as they have exhibits for all ages and interests. Again, an annual membership provides opportunities for yearlong adventure.

Simple Gift Ideas #3: Tickets to a play

Experience gifts are the best gifts (in my opinion). Check out your local community theater or event center for a variety of musical and theatrical shows. Most theaters have shows geared towards children and youth as well as adults/seniors. Whether you take the family to Disney on Ice or snag the grandparents tickets to a Broadway series, you can’t go wrong with gifting an experience.

Simple Gift Ideas #4: KiwiCo Crates

KiwiCo Crates are geared towards kids and a monthly box filled with STEM centered science activities and experiments. I love the idea of a monthly subscription because the kids look forward to checking the mail and are always so excited when their box arrives! Not to mention, the activities and experiments are educational AND fun – which is a huge win in my book!

Simple Gift Ideas #5: Universal Yum

If you think Universal Yum sounds like something delicious, you would be correct! Universal Yum provides a monthly subscription snack box. But wait – these aren’t your average snacks! Each month includes snacks from a different area of the world! So, you’re not only snacking in style but you’re learning about the life and experience of folks across the globe. This can broaden even the pickiest eater’s edible horizons (which is always a good thing)!

Simple Gift Ideas #6: MEL science

Okay – I know – am I really throwing out another science kit? Yes, yes I am. For so many reasons! You can never encourage learning through hands on experience enough. This science kit provides monthly subscriptions focused on physics and chemistry. Learning opportunities and fun run amok with MEL science kits!

Simple Gift Ideas #7: Stitch Fix Kids

Stitch Fix may sound strangely familiar to you and if it does, it’s probably because the company provides a monthly style box for adults (in case you need a little help pulling together an outfit). Stitch Fix Kids with piece together adorable outfits for kids of all ages – which may be easier than going through the racks at the department store if you’re looking to gift comfy and stylish clothing to the littles in your life!

Simple Gift Ideas #8: Little Passports

Little Passports markets themselves as a delightful monthly box for curious kids of all ages. Now, I don’t know about you, but all of my kids are curious. The Little Passports has themed activities that focus on different areas of the world, animals/nature, and young explorers. I think it goes without saying that these subscription boxes also provide you an opportunity to learn and grow alongside your kiddos – which is pretty cool.

Simple Gift Ideas #9: Owl Crate Jr.

OwlCrate Jr. is one of my favorites! This is a monthly subscription box for young readers that includes books and bookish goodies. I love to encourage a love of reading in my kids and this box is the perfect way to do just that! From picture books to chapter books – there is a book box for every age and interest. I fell so in love with this that I’m considering signing up for the adult version!

Simple Gift Ideas #10: Groovy Lab in a Box

Groovy Lab in a Box is exactly what it sounds like it is – a box full of groovy science experiments and activities that center on science, technology, and engineering to keep those curious minds busy and expand critical thinking skills. There are boxes for every age group with supplies, instructions, and extras delivered each month right to your door. Kind of like a visit from Santa and the elves once a month!

Simple Gift Ideas #11: We Craft Box

I have several crafty kids and they are always looking for ways to imagine, create, and play (some of them messier than others). We Craft Box is yet another company that offers a subscription box filled with materials for artsy crafts that will keep those hands busy! There’s nothing quite like watching kids create (unless they decide to paint your slate floors with paint you accidentally left out over lunch…) and I love the idea of a crafty-centered box for all the little artists in the world!

Simple Gift Ideas #12: Sensory TheraPlay Box

We have a few sensory seeking kiddos – one who is autistic – and I’m always looking for ways to provide sensory soothing activities/items that help make our home feel like a haven away from a world that is often on sensory overload. Designed by an occupational therapist, the Sensory TheraPlay Box is filled with sensory soothing toys, fidgets, and manipulatives for a sensory experience that is both comforting and fun. Want to gift a single box without signing up for a subscription? You’re able to do that with all of the subscription boxes I’ve mentioned above!

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not bashing anyone who shops for “stuff” this season (I know I do). But every year, I become more cognizant of how little “stuff” really means and the different impact a creative, activity-based gift can have on my kids and myself. I hope you find gifts that will give you and the people you love incredible memories. As always, peace, love, & light (after coffee)!