Finding a gift for kids that doesn't involve another screen can feel like a challenge, especially when tablets, video games and electronic gadgets seem to dominate every holiday wish list.
And don't get me wrong, I'm not against screen time. But as the mom of a six-year-old, I'm always looking for toys and activities that will keep my son entertained without having to hand over a tablet.
Luckily, there are plenty of options that are just as exciting as their screen-based counterparts. From audio players that let kids listen to their favorite stories independently to hands-on science projects, cooking kits and interactive pets, some of this year's best gifts encourage kids to get creative, learn something new or spend a little quality time with
family.
Even better, I've had the chance to try several of these products with my own son, and a few have already become household favorites. Whether you're shopping for a toddler, a curious elementary schooler or a hard-to-impress tween, here are five screen-free gift ideas for kids worth adding to your holiday shopping list.
5 best screen-free gift ideas for kids, according to a mom
1. Yoto
We've had a Yoto player in our house for a couple of years, but the new Yoto Mini Player 4 is a serious upgrade. We've also tried the Amazon Echo for kids and the Skylight Buddy (which is great for routines), and when it comes to portability, Yoto is still my favorite.
Yoto Mini 4th Gen Portable Kids Audio Player, Screen-Free Listening, Age 3+
Take screen-free entertainment anywhere with the Yoto Mini 4th Gen, featuring access to 1,000+ audio cards, up to 16 hours of battery life and a tougher, water-resistant design built for kids on the go.
Shop now at Amazon
The concept is simple: Kids insert audio cards to listen to stories, music and other content without needing a screen. It's incredibly easy to use, and my six-year-old figured it out almost immediately. It's become a near-daily fixture in our house, and adding new cards keeps things interesting. My only real complaint? Keeping all those little cards organized. We actually ended up using this kids' 3D printer to print a holder for ours.
For kids who love stories and music, it's a fantastic way to give them a little independence without adding more screen time.
2. KiwiCo
If you've got a kid who loves building things, experimenting or figuring out how stuff works, KiwiCo is practically made for them. The brand offers hands-on projects that combine science, engineering and creativity, with options for preschoolers all the way up to teenagers.
You can shop individual projects or sign up for a subscription, making this a gift that can keep the fun going long after Christmas morning. And USA TODAY readers can save even more with an exclusive offer: Use code UT50 to get 50% off your first KiwiCo crate through Dec. 31.
KiwiCo screen-free STEM toy kits
Keep curious kids building, experimenting and creating with KiwiCo’s hands-on STEM kits, with screen-free projects for preschoolers through teens and an exclusive 50% off your first crate with code UT50 through Dec. 31.
Get started with KiwiCo today
Here are a few KiwiCo projects to shop by age:
- Ages 3-6: Dinosaurs Project Kit — A dinosaur-themed hands-on project for younger kids.
- Ages 6-9: Motorized Spin Art — Combine art and engineering to create colorful spin-art designs.
- Ages 9-12: Delivery Bot — A robotics-inspired building project for curious kids.
- Ages 12+: Table Tennis Robot — A more advanced engineering project that brings a little competition into the mix.
3. Lovevery
Lovevery is already known for its thoughtfully designed developmental toys, and its newest collection makes screen-free play a little more portable. The brand recently introduced 12 Mini Kits, each priced at $50, designed to keep babies and toddlers entertained at home or on the go.
The collection includes kits specifically designed for airplane rides, restaurant outings, road trips and even stroller adventures. The On the Airplane kit, developed in partnership with Delta Air Lines, includes a board book with real-life photography to help little travelers prepare for their first flight. Meanwhile, the At the Restaurant kit features mess-free activities for keeping toddlers busy while waiting for their food.
Shop Lovevery at Target
There are also options for younger babies, including the Busy Baby kit for ages three months and up, which features wearable sensory playthings that won't constantly end up on the floor. As someone who's traveled with a little one, I can appreciate anything that makes getting through a meal or a long flight a little easier.
The Mini Kits are available through Lovevery, with select options also sold at Walmart and Target.
4. Raddish
This might be one of my favorite gift ideas on the list, especially for grandparents looking for something fun to do with their grandkids. Raddish is a monthly cooking subscription for kids, and after trying it with my son, I'm pretty happy with it and he's a big fan.
Raddish cooking kits for kids
Get kids excited about the kitchen with Raddish Kids monthly cooking and baking kits, featuring step-by-step recipes, kid-friendly tools and hands-on activities designed to build real-world skills through screen-free fun.
Gift a Raddish subscription today
Our first box was themed around Japan and included recipes for sushi, yakisoba and chicken teriyaki skewers, along with a sushi roller. We invited friends over to make the recipes together, and the kids absolutely loved getting to roll their own sushi. Each box also includes little games, conversation starters and activities that tie into the theme, so it's more than just following a recipe.
The subscription costs around $30 per month, and your first kit comes with an adorable apron. Each monthly box also includes an iron-on patch to add to it. One important note: You'll need to purchase your own groceries. I initially thought the ingredients were included, but the kits provide the recipes and cooking activities instead.
Our next box has already arrived, and it's India-themed, which we're really excited about. For families who enjoy spending time together in the kitchen, this is such a fun way to introduce kids to new foods and cultures while making some pretty great memories.
5. Bitzee aquarium
Remember Bitzee, the interactive digital pet that became such a popular toy? Well, the brand is back with a new underwater twist, and the Bitzee Aquarium earned a spot among USA TODAY's Best Toys of 2026. The best part? It's on sale right now at Amazon for under $30.
Bitzee Aquarium Interactive Fish Tank Toy & Digital Pet
Bring an underwater world to life with this interactive Bitzee Aquarium, where kids can nurture and collect 30 virtual sea creatures, play games and customize colorful LED lights through hands-on, screen-free play.
Get 25% off at Amazon
Designed for kids ages five and up, this interactive aquarium lets children feed, care for and bond with virtual aquatic animals without the responsibility of maintaining an actual fish tank. Think of it as a modern take on the virtual pets many of us grew up with, only with an underwater theme.
USA TODAY tester Jennifer Ciccarelli tried the aquarium with her six- and eight-year-olds, who were immediately hooked. They spent their time checking on their turtle, keeping the tank clean and interacting with their underwater companion throughout the day. Her family had previously owned another Bitzee Aquarium model and found this version more intuitive and engaging.
For kids who've been begging for a pet, this could be a pretty convincing compromise. And unlike a real aquarium, there's no water to change or fish food to remember.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 screen-free gifts my 6-year-old actually wants to play with
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