Some kids are easy to buy gifts for. You can walk into any toy store, pick up virtually any toy, stick a bow on it and you’ve got a happy kids. So many kids though want more than just the average toy to keep them busy. They want something that fosters their creativity and allows them to play in multiple ways.
This is why kids like my son would play with LEGOs all day but quickly get bored with a puzzle. He wants to follow the instructions to make something cool once. But then he craves the ability to make his own inventions, which doesn’t work with toys that can only really be played with one way.
So here we have it, gift ideas for creative kids. This post has affiliate links.
I already mentioned it, so I figured we might as well start with LEGO. There are few things my son wants in life that aren’t LEGO. We play with it all day every day. I love getting him these huge boxes of them, they come with a book of building suggestions, but also loads of pieces so he can create what he wants.
TEGU blocks are another great gift that allows kids to play in an open-ended sort of way. They are a bit expensive for my taste but still a very loved toy! The magnets in the wooden blocks add another dimension to the educational aspect of building toys like this.
Related: gifts for kids who love math
Making your own coloring book is always a fun (and thrifty) option for a child’s gift. If you are giving the gift to an older child you could even teach them how to make their own personalized coloring sheets so they can get creative with their coloring AND with the creation of the coloring sheets.
This trifold art and easel set has everything a crafty kid needs to get started! Art supplies and a manageably small easel to do their art work on. I love that this can all be folded into a simple case for easy storage.
For older creative kids, this book teaches how to draw various animals. The instructions look simple enough that kids can learn the basics and then expound on them to make even more creative art pieces.
While each sheet can only be played with once, these Melissa and Doug scratch pads are amazing! I love the colors and patterns that come through when the kids get to scratching out their art!
Related: Gifts for kids who need sensory breaks
Dress up is one of the most creative ways to play! I love this Heroes and adventure dress up trunk! It would be fun for boys or girls to play with the different characters. This superhero capes and masks set has 4 characters so it’s great for multiple siblings or for your kids and their friends!
We haven’t purchased Brain Flakes yet, but we’ve played with them outside our house and they are SO FUN! Even though my son loves them, I’ve never been able to really get excited about LEGO. This is something I can get on board with though. Also, those colors!!! They also SEEM like less of a choking hazard than LEGO, so it’s a good option if you have younger kids and older creatives to manage.
Related: Minimalist gifts for STEM
Washable finger paint is another great gift idea. Every age loves to paint with their hands! This brand is also very washable. My youngest has covered herself head to two in it (as well as our walls and table) and it all cleans up with a swift wipe-down with a wet rag.
Do you have favorite gift ideas for creative kids? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED: See more gift guides for elementary aged kids here
oniry says
Brain flakes seems awesome. Happy new year 2018!
Russell K. McCormick says
Happy new year Oniry! I know it is too late ;P I too liked brain flakes. You can make the most creative things out of those. Also,because it has so many colors, it looks amazing.
Kim Stone says
TEGU blocks also seems to be good idea. This is quite a wonderful thing to let kids play with. This will bring out the creativity in them, unlike some other toys.