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junk food uses

Creative and Practical Uses For Junk Food

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When I made the switch to eating whole foods over a decade ago, I realized I had a lot of food I no longer wanted to eat lurking in the pantry. If you’re making the switch or need to clean things out, here are some creative uses for junk food!

I compiled a list of ways to use these for other household purposes. I hate to waste as much as the next person, but I finally had to realize that my body is not a garbage can. And I refused to use things just to finish what’s in the house. 

When we switched to a real food diet, I donated all of the unopened non-perishables. That still left all of the opened packages of flour, sugar, oil, etc. to deal with. Instead of just pitching it, we used it for some fun projects and around the house.

The kids had a blast (and I got pampered) while we used up the rest of our “junk food.” I’ve divided them up by categories, but some of the recipes use up several different ingredients. These were my solutions:

1. All-Purpose Enriched Flour

I’ve certainly changed my stance and outlook on things over the years, especially when it comes to grains. I avoided them completely for many years while I was healing my autoimmune disease. Now I’ll eat certain grains, like white rice and organic flour (especially sourdough) in moderation. 

One thing you’re not going to find in my pantry though (at least not anymore!) is bleached, enriched, white flour. Here are some ways to use it up.

Make Play Dough

A win-win situation. You get to spend quality time with your kids and use up the leftover flour in your pantry. If you don’t have kids, this could be fun for grown-ups too… consider it stress relief. And if you need a gluten-free playdough version, I have one here. 

This playdough uses up flour, vegetable oil, Koolaid or food dye, and iodized table salt. 

Playdough Recipe

A basic playdough recipe that uses ingredients from your pantry for endless fun.

Author: Katie Wells

  • Combine water and salt in a large pot and heat over low heat until the salt is dissolved.

  • Stir in the flour until well combined.

  • Add the vegetable oil and cream of tartar, mixing well.

  • Keep stirring over low heat until it thickens and pulls away from the sides into a ball. If it’s too sticky, keep stirring over low heat until it thickens.

  • Remove from the heat and let it cool until you can handle it.

  • Add the Kool-aid or food dye for color.

You can also add some essential oils to give your dough a nice scent and some aromatherapy benefits. 

Have some more food dye you want to use up? Mix it with some yogurt for finger paint. Just be sure to take a picture of your kid’s art project before throwing it away! 

Paper Mache Paste With Flour

Mix equal parts of white flour and water to make a glue-like paste. Let your kids use their hands and some old pieces of newspaper to make creations. Once it dries, it’s much like a sculpture. 

As kids, we used to blow up balloons and put paper mache over them. When they dried, we popped the balloons, cut them in half and painted them to make masks.

Polish Stainless Steel

Oh the fingerprints! Stainless steel shows smudges… a lot. After normal cleaning, pour or rub some all-purpose flour onto the stainless to make it shine and remove fingerprints or water spots. 

The oils and fiber in the flour buffs the tiny grooves in the steel. It also helps pull out dirt and grime that a regular cleaning cloth can’t. 

2. Sugar

I’ve written a lot about sugar over the years and why I ditched it. While I’ll still have natural sweeteners in moderation, I quit bleached, white sugar. Sugar is a humectant that makes for a great skin scrub though! Here are several different sugar scrub recipes to try. 

You can even use a sugar syrup to wax body hair. Here are instructions for how to make and use a sugar wax.

Kill Unwanted Ants

For many of us, warmer seasons can mean ants in the house. Instead of using noxious pesticides, you can easily tackle the problem with a little sweetness. Humans and ants alike both love sugar.

To make a simple ant trap:

  • Mix 2 parts sugar with 1 part borax (which is great to have on hand for cleaning).
  • Put it in a little container or jar that ants can crawl in and out of. Make sure your kids can’t get to it.

Borax is poisonous to ants, but they can’t resist sugar. It won’t kill them immediately, but they’ll take it back to their nest where it will eventually kill all of them. I’ve used this twice to get rid of ants in our house. Killing ants=good use for sugar!

3. Vegetable Oil 

You might have noticed more conversations around seed oils and vegetable oils lately, even from mainstream sources. Vegetable oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fats and are linked with a whole host of health issues. These include corn, canola, and soy. 

Here are some ways to use up the rest of the vegetable oil in your home. 

Clean Your Wood Naturally

There are natural ways to clean any type of floor, and that vegetable oil lurking in your pantry makes an awesome hardwood floor cleaner.  Rather than letting it skew your Omega-3 and 6 ratios, use it to make your floors shine. 

Mix 1 cup of vinegar OR lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Use this mixture to clean your floors. Be sure to patch test an area first. You’ll have less inflammation, and your floors will have a nice shine!

You can also mix vegetable oil with vinegar to make a DIY dusting spray for wooden furniture. 

Canola Oil in the Garden

Some sources say canola oil can work well as an insecticide and fungicide in the garden. It kills bugs by suffocating them and helps prevent powdery mildew by providing a barrier between the plant and fungi.

To use it, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 tablespoon liquid soap to 1 gallon of water. Spray on plants to kill bugs and prevent powdery mildew. Just be sure to try and avoid the good bugs!

4. Use Up Rice

Rice is one of the foods that I ditched for years that I’m now fine with on occasion. You might be surprised to hear that I opt for white rice instead of brown rice though and here’s why. If you have non-organic enriched rice or are avoiding it for gut healing purposes, here are some ways to use it up. 

Dry Out Wet Electronics

Electronics and water don’t mix, or at least they’re not supposed to! My kids dropped 3 of our cell phones in water by mistake (and one I dropped myself). Three out of the four were saved by rice. 

Keep a jar of rice on hand and when an electronic gets wet, put it in the jar and close the lid tightly. The rice will absorb the moisture and pull it out of the gadget. Unless there’s structural damage, this usually works. It can take a few days or even a couple weeks, so be patient.

Rice Water For Healthier Hair

Asian cultures have used rice water for luxurious locks for many years. Rice is full of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, protein, and other nutrients that are great for hair health. Here’s how to make and use rice water for softer, stronger, and shinier hair. 

5. Oatmeal For Skin Health

Oatmeal can cause blood sugar spikes for many, and it’s often contaminated with glyphosate. Here’s how to use up some of that extra conventional rolled oats in your pantry.

For a relaxing facial, powder oatmeal in a blender or food processor and add warm milk to make a paste. Rub it on your face, let it dry, then wash off. It tightens pores, removes blackheads and moisturizes.

6. Coke For Serious Cleaning

I swapped out my coke and other sodas for healthier (and tastier in my opinion) fermented drinks. If you have some still sitting around, coke makes a great cleaner for tough messes. It contains phosphoric acid that breaks down rust and hard water and softens burnt food. And the citric acid is great for soap scum and grease. 

It can even take the rust off of a car bumper. Imagine what it does to the intestines??

Clean Your Toilet

Toilet dirty? I’m sure yours isn’t, but mine sometimes is. Pour a can of coke in a toilet and let it sit for an hour. Use a brush to remove the stains and flush for a shiny clean. 

I even tried this on a 30-40 year old toilet in a house I remodeled. It worked (and that toilet probably hadn’t been cleaned in 30-40 years). Here are some more ways to use coke for cleaning. 

  • Remove gum from hair- Soak hair in it for 10 minutes and gum comes right out. 
  • Unclog drains –  just pour in the coke and wait.
  • Clean car batteries – Pour coke on a gunky car battery or use a cloth soaked in coke to clean it with. 
  • Clean grout – soak a sponge in it and use to clean grout stains. 
  • Remove grease stains – Soak grease-stained clothes in coke, then wash as usual. 
  • Oil stains on floor – Remove oil stains from your garage floor or concrete driveways. 
  • Clean pots and pans – Soak burnt pans in coke to dissolve stuck on food. 
  • Shine metal jewelry – Soak metal jewelry briefly in coke to clean. Do not do this for jewelry with precious stones.  
  • Banish rust – Coke removes rust from everything from bathroom fixtures to car parts. 

7. Table Salt

I’m actually a big fan of salt and consume a lot of it everyday. I’m not a big fan of regular, iodized table salt though for several reasons. If you have table salt that needs used, here are some ways to do that. 

Weed Killer

Make a weed killer for driveways and sidewalk areas. For every 1 gallon of white vinegar add 1 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Fill a spray bottle or pump sprayer to use on weeds. Be careful not to spray in areas (like a garden) where you want some plants to grow. 

Salt Cleaning Hacks

Salt also makes a great natural cleaning scrub. 

  • Use salt to clean cast iron skillets, pots, and pans (double check the manufacturer cleaning instructions for any non-stick pans)
  • Add salt to a coffee stained mug to help remove the dark stains
  • Massage salt and lemon juice into a wooden cutting board to freshen it. Rinse and air dry.

And for a fun project with the kids, try these 3 ingredient salt dough ornaments! The recipe is similar to play-dough, but they dry hard and you can paint the finished creations. 

Final Thoughts 

I hope this gave you some alternate ideas for that junk food that might still be lurking in your pantry. If you haven’t already, consider swapping them out for whole foods. Ingredients like organic flour, grain-free flours (like almond and coconut), grass-fed butter, olive oil, raw honey, and natural maple syrup are some delicious alternatives.

Do you have any other ideas for ingredients like these? Tell us about them below!

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unique gifts

Creative & Unique Gift Ideas (They Don’t Already Have)

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I’ve shared my holiday gift guide, but many of you have asked for a gift guide of unusual ideas that aren’t the normal kitchen gear, clothing, and toys. This list of gift ideas is just that… a compilation of unique and creative ideas that your recipient likely won’t already have!

All of these gifts are practical, healthy, and usable, so they won’t sit on a shelf. Give them for a wedding, birthday, or just because. As a bonus, if you live in the same house as your recipient, you can also take advantage of the health benefits of these gifts!

Food and Drink

Chemex With Coffee

I have two rules when it comes to coffee… I don’t drink it every day, and I only drink good coffee. My Chemex is one of my favorite ways to make coffee. It’s a pour-over coffee maker that makes coffee without any trace of bitterness or acidity. Plus, it’s beautiful.

Pair it with some healthy, delicious coffee from Four Sigmatic coffee or Purity coffee. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.

Camel Milk 

Years ago I got to try camel milk at a conference and was surprised to learn how nutritious it really is. It’s more similar to human breastmilk than cow or goat milk and it doesn’t have the same proteins that many are allergic to. This also means you can freeze it and the texture stays the same.

If you don’t happen to have a camel dairy in your neighborhood, here’s where you can buy frozen camel milk. 

Barukas Nuts

A totally different type of nut, Barukas nuts have a unique nutritional profile. They’re found only in South America and are wild-harvested. Barukas are thought to be the healthiest nut thanks to their high protein, fiber, minerals, trace elements, and antioxidants. They’re roasted to neutralize anti-nutrients and increase absorption and taste great in recipes or as a snack.

CSA Box

A great way to support local farms and give the gift of fresh veggies all year. CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” and it means the member is essentially sharing in the yield of the farm that year. We’ve been a member of several different CSAs over the years and loved them all. 

You can find products like dairy, meat, fruits, veggies, and even fresh-cut flowers, depending on the farm. Search here for CSAs in your area to find one near you.

Cacao Calm

An absolutely delicious and healthy hot cocoa drink! This one also makes a great stocking stuffer. Cacao calm is expertly crafted by my friend and chocolatier Jonathan Pantalis to have a beneficial amount of stress-relieving adaptogens. I love drinking this before bed!

Clearly Filtered Water Bottle

I’ve bought (and used) several different water bottles over the years, but this one from Clearly Filtered is certainly unique. It’s stainless steel and has a built-in filter that eliminates up to 99.99% of contaminants without removing beneficial minerals. Plus, you can refill it from practically anywhere for fresh, filtered water.

Nature Lovers

Mountain Rose Herbs

One of my favorite places to get high-quality, ethically sourced herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs is my go-to for bulk herbs, but they also have essential oils, tinctures, teas, and bath and body products. Give them some ready-made products or some ingredients to make their own DIY projects.

Flower Press and Glass Frame

Many people love to decorate their homes with fresh flowers, but flowers don’t last that long. With a wooden flower and plant press though, they can preserve nature for years to come! Once they’ve pressed a variety of leaves and flowers, they can arrange them in a beautiful display with this hanging glass frame.

Mushroom Log

You may have heard of mushroom growing kits that come in a box, but these fungi come with their very own log. They can grow organic shiitake mushrooms in just 10 days from inside their own home. They don’t even need to have a green thumb since these mushrooms are guaranteed to grow. Each box/log can grow two crops of mushrooms.

Kids

Kids Daylight Computer

It’s like an iPad but so much better. I love my Daylight Computer and use it when I need to take notes before bed. Their kids’ version is similar, with no blue light, no flashy colors or videos that overstimulate, and features calm learning apps and experiences. 

The Kids’ Daylight Computer values curiosity and growth and can even be used outside in direct sunlight. 

Talkbox

Know some kids (or their family) who want to learn a foreign language? Talkbox is unique in that it approaches language in a natural progression. First, we hear a language, then we see it, then we learn how to speak it. 

I also love that it’s designed to be used in real-life, everyday situations, and the whole family is involved!

Puzzle Boxes

These beautiful Japanese puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids and adults to keep valuable items safe, and they’re fun to learn. They’re handmade and require creativity and problem-solving. Or gift a Money Maze Puzzle Box with cash inside. This way they get the fun of a puzzle plus cash to get whatever they want. 

Balance Bike

This one is only recommended for the 5-and-under crowd on your list. It’s a fun approach to a training bike. No training wheels or pedals here, just an ultra-light bike that teaches balance. The best part? Kids can carry it, put it away, and move it on their own.

Bodycare

Red Light Facemask

This one can look a little weird when you’re wearing it, but the benefits are well worth it! For anyone who wants targeted red light therapy on their face to help with inflammation and aging. The red light face mask works at a cellular level to rejuvenate cells. 

Hard Lotion

I started making lotion bars years ago and have quite a few recipes on the blog. You can also add any skin-friendly essential oil you want to the base recipe here. And if you prefer not to DIY, MadeOn makes great hard lotion bars that meet my standards. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.

Red Light Toothbrush

I recently switched to this red light toothbrush and I’m loving it! It combines two of my favorite things: oral health and red light therapy. The near infrared and red light help to calm gum inflammation and promote circulation. And the sonic vibrations stimulate and massage.

Ice Roller

I’ve been known to dunk my face in ice water for some facial cold therapy. Not everyone wants to do that though, so an ice roller is the next best thing. It helps depuff the skin, drain lymph, and tighten and tone skin. I love the mint ice roller from Skinny Confidential.

LED Teeth Whitening

Ditch the whitening strips with this LED teeth whitener. This option does not use peroxide or other chemicals that can cause irritation, burns, and enamel erosion. Instead, they use a natural whitening gel with remineralizing hydroxyapatite, charcoal, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. And the LED system uses red and blue light therapy to target bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Red Light Hat

Is your recipient looking for fuller, healthier hair? BON CHARGE has a new red light therapy cap that uses 650nm red light to stimulate hair follicles. It takes just 10 minutes a day and they can easily wear it while doing other activities. 

Rest and Recover

JOOVV Go light

I bought one for my mom years ago and she loves it! Red light therapy helps improve skin, boost collagen, and improve mitochondrial function. The Go Light from Joovv is a mini version for on-the-go red light therapy. I also have a Joovv Combo light, a modular option. So your recipient can purchase more panels later on for a more full-body experience.

Trigger Point Massage

A Trigger Point Massage Tool looks like a cane but works for self-massage. It hits hard-to-reach spots and is great for releasing tension in the back. I love to use this while watching a movie (bonus if you’re sitting on the yoga ball chair too!).

Myobuddy Massager

I got the Myobuddy Massager as a gift and it’s one of my favorite things now! It’s basically percussive massage meets myofascial release meets infrared heat. It feels like a mixture of deep tissue massage and fascia massage, and I find it so relaxing! Use the code wellnessmama for a discount.

Sauna Blanket

There are so many benefits to daily sauna use, and an at-home one is the easiest way to accomplish this. We have a two-person Clearlight Sauna and I love it because it’s my “quiet box” where I go to sweat, listen to a podcast, and get a few minutes of me time.

The sauna blanket from BON CHARGE is an affordable, portable option. Use code wellnessmama20 for a discount. I also like the sauna blankets from Higher Dose. Use code wellnessmama15 for a discount.

Pranamat

Improve sleep, relieve tension, and increase relaxation in just a few minutes a day. The Pranamat has thousands of acupressure relief points that increase blood flow to muscles in your back and neck. This can help reduce inflammation and pain while releasing endorphins. It also boosts circulation and helps muscles breathe a sigh of relief!

Unlike other acupressure mats, Pranamat uses natural fibers like untreated cotton, linen, and buckwheat hulls for pillow stuffing. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.

WAVwatch

I got to try the WAVwatch at a conference and I bought it on the spot! It uses restorative frequencies to target specific organs and areas in the body. The WAVwatch comes preloaded with 166 frequency sets that address everything from sleep issues to reproductive health to headaches and more. Use code wellnessmama for a discount. 

LeelaQ Energy Products

You don’t have to understand quantum mechanics to harness its power. LeelaQ offers their quantum blocks, which harmonize energy and help protect from harmful energies like 5G and other radiation. They offer a variety of quantum energy products for every budget.

Mini Trampoline

Great for the lymphatic system, as an easy way to exercise, and just plain fun! A mini trampoline (also called a rebounder) will fit in most houses, and jumping on it is a great daily practice. They’re great to keep in the living room while watching your favorite shows or for small brain and movement breaks during the day.

Balance Chair

Have someone on your list who works at a desk for part of the day? Many companies are fine with switching out a chair for a more ergonomic chair, even if they won’t go for a standing workstation. This balance chair combines a yoga ball and a rolling chair for a desk chair that engages the core and negates some of the harmful aspects of sitting.

Full Spectrum Lamp

For anyone who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder or daytime sleepiness, a sunlight lamp may be the answer. It has a bright full-spectrum bulb that simulates daytime, even indoors, and even in the winter. This is the one I use to keep my cortisol levels healthy.

Everything Else

Magic Wallet 

Not just any wallet. This magic leather wallet is like a magical illusion and is fun to use. It’s also made by my favorite leather company, Saddleback Leather. Made from full-grain leather and comes with a 100-year guarantee. 

Daylight Computer

I started using the innovative new Daylight Computer after sunset because it’s more circadian-friendly. There’s no blue light, so it won’t mess with your hormones and can be used even in direct sunlight. It has a fast, paper-like display to read, write, take notes, and use your favorite apps. The first computer that’s more nature and human-focused for a distraction-free digital experience. 

Pet Probiotic 

Have a pooch-loving friend or family member who would love a gift for their pet? Get healthy probiotics for their cat, dog, or horse here. It contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes for better digestion and happier pets.

Probiotics For the Home

It turns out our homes have a microbiome just like our guts, mouths, and skin. We can improve our gut bacteria in many ways, but we can also support our skin and gut microbiome by interacting with probiotics in our environment. 

These beneficial bacteria may also help ward off mold and odors in the home. Homebiotic is probiotics for the home environment that the super-crunchy person on your list may just love!

Personalized Photo Book

I make a photo book for each of my kids every year with special memories from the past year. Use Mixbooks to customize the design and size and get hardcover or lay-flat options. Record memories from a special trip or event in your photo book for your recipient to cherish.

What are some unique gifts you’ve given or gotten over the years? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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Christmas gifts kids

Creative Christmas Gifts for Kids (With Stocking Stuffer Ideas!)

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At Christmas time, our family focuses on the real joy of the season, like spending time together, giving to those in need, and finding small ways to serve others. But that doesn’t mean we skip gifts! I still love choosing thoughtful Christmas gifts for kids that bring joy without adding clutter or plastic waste.

If you’re shopping for kids who have everything, this list will help. These are the best Christmas gifts for kids. You’ll find gifts big and small, for girls and boys and many that aren’t toys in the traditional sense. Many are unique, personalized, and even free if you get creative. A few are cheap but still meaningful, and several make perfect birthday or special-occasion gifts too.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids

Finding the top gifts that last can be tricky. I prefer options made from natural or eco-friendly materials that encourage imagination, creativity, or movement. Over the years, I’ve found that the most loved gifts aren’t the latest fads but the ones that invite connection and discovery.

Some of our family favorites include art supplies, a balance board, a personalized apron for kitchen helpers, and an “epic backyard” (according to my ten-year-old!). These are great for kids who like to fidget or move. For girls who love to create, a simple craft or jewelry kit is always a win.

Gifts That Give Back

Each year, our kids help choose a way to give to others in need. From donating toys to making care packages or volunteering together. These moments remind us that some of the best gifts are those we share. Giving time or kindness is always free, yet it creates the biggest impact.

Sometimes the small things are what children remember most. A homemade coupon book for extra bedtime stories, a family game night, or kids cooking lessons can mean more than anything store-bought.

Whether big or small, cheap or unique, the most meaningful gifts aren’t always wrapped. This year don’t forget to focus on what matters most, connection and the simple joy of giving. The best presents for kids often aren’t toys at all, but memories that last a lifetime.

Christmas Gifts For Teens 

As my kids have gotten older (and even become adults!) their tastes in gifts have changed. These gifts encourage creativity and movement and minimize screen time. 

  1. Magnetic Pen – This fidget toy pen helps them write their thoughts and make their own unique designs. 
  2. Bonsai Tree Kit – They can grow their own Bonsai trees and care for them. 
  3. Vintage Record Player – Old school vinyl is back in style. Gift them a few records to go along with their new player. 
  4. Embroidered Corner Bookmark – A beautiful (and personalized) way to remember what page they’re on. 
  5. Ninja Creami – What kid doesn’t love ice cream? They can make their own healthy ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, and more with this machine.
  6. Book light – This rechargeable book light encourages reading. Plus it can block blue light for better sleep. 
  7. Large Backrest Pillow – Great for lounging in bed to read, color, or just relax. Can also be used on a couch or even the floor and has pockets.
  8. Adult/Teen Lego Sets – These detailed sets are popular among teens and adults alike with dozens to choose from. This orchid lego set is beautiful, or they can create their own Da Vinci flying machine. 
  9. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching, journaling, or even putting stickers in.
  10. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. This spiral bound “adult coloring book” is very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing. Or this pack of 10 offers more design options. 
  11. Japanese Puzzle Box – These beautiful puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuable items safe and they’re fun to learn.
  12. Kindle – All the books they could desire at their fingertips. Unlike tablets, Kindle uses warm light and isn’t harsh on the eyes.
  13. Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Take notes, use apps, write… all without blue light. 
  14. Mushroom Growing Kit – They can grow their own organic mushrooms with this kit. 

Gifts For Tweens & Big Kids

A wide variety of gifts that will appeal to both boys and girls who aren’t quite into teenhood just yet. Many of these are also good for elementary age. 

  1. Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with water (it evaporates and you can paint again).
  2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza– Say what?? This wacky game for kids is a hit with my tweens. They also have a holiday themed version.
  3. Spa Headband set – For teen girls. 
  4. Whirly Board – A fun balance board for better agility and to help engage full body strength. 
  5. Book light – This rechargeable book light encourages reading. Plus it can  block blue light for better sleep. 
  6. Pindaloo – This wacky looking game helps teach motor skills as kids try to keep the ball moving. 
  7. Tabletop Hockey – This tabletop version of hockey uses elastic to sling pucks towards your opponents goal. 
  8. Gaga Crazy ball – This modern twist on dodgeball is a fun game the whole family can play. 
  9. Archery Set – My kids have loved these GBG archery sets and these sets are created for kids by kids. They have some helpful videos on their website as well!
  10. Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching, journaling, or even putting stickers in.
  11. Rubik’s Cube – The 1980s called, but we told it we’re keeping the Rubik’s Cube. Older kids love learning to solve this retro puzzle.
  12. CrateJoy Subscription Box – You can find dozens of different subscription boxes from CrateJoy from music to stickers, to art, to aliens, or baking.
  13. Build Your Own Programmable Robot Kit – This building kit was a favorite with my oldest. Build a robot and program it!
  14. Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. This spiral bound “adult coloring book” is very detailed and studies show coloring is relaxing. Or this pack of 10 offers more design options. 
  15. Boogie Board – Reusable board that encourages doodling and drawing.
  16. Kindle – All the books they could desire at their fingertips. Unlike tablets, Kindle uses warm light and isn’t harsh on the eyes.
  17. KiwiCo – These subscription boxes offer a variety of learning (and fun!) activities. For tweens and teens pick from options like art, design, and STEM.
  18. Runaway Alarm Clock – Does your teen have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and keeps making noise until caught!
  19. Natural Makeup Brushes – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!
  20. Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses to a tiny size, unlike some bulky backpacks.
  21. Slippers (for teenage girls) – Super comfy, barefoot slippers that are still stylish.
  22. Cash inside a Money Maze Puzzle Box – Give money so they can get what they like, but make it fun by hiding it inside this puzzle cube.
  23. No Crease Ponytail Holders – These are really popular right now. They’re gentle on hair and don’t leave a crease. Or I hear that Scrunchies and banana clips are back in style!
  24. Travel Hammock – Have an outdoorsy teen? These travel hammocks collapse small and are awesome. They’re also quite popular on some college campuses.
  25. Become a Beekeeper Course: This is an amazing Introduction to Beekeeping Course. It will help teach them everything from buying bees to harvesting honey. Use code WELLNESS for 25% off!
  26. Kids Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Write, use apps, draw, all without blue light. 
  27. Backyard Bags (also called Cornhole) – This is always a fun game for the backyard. Whether you have guests over or it’s just the two of you, this has been a family favorite in our house.
  28. Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance, gross motor skills, and coordination. Plus it’s hours of fun.
  29. Piggy Paint – Non-toxic nail polish in fun colors. 
  30. Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but my kids just think it is fun!
  31. Talkbox.Mom – Do your kids want to learn another language? This is a fun way to do that at home and is great for kids of all ages – even the littles!
  32. Water Bottle – Upgrade their water bottle game with these colorful water bottles. It’s what we use to keep liquids cold (or hot) for days.

Best Gifts for Younger Kids

Gifts for kids ages preschool through elementary. Games, crafts, sensory play, audio players, and more. 

  1. Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – My kids’ favorite Christmas gift of all time. It’s a gym that mounts in a door frame and they use it every day.
  2. Snap Circuits – A really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, a radio, etc.
  3. Yoto Player – This screen-free player is designed especially for kids to listen to books, podcast episodes, music, radio, and more by simply inserting a card in. There are over 1,000 options or you can make your own cards. It’s rechargeable and the Bluetooth is optional so you can leave it off.
  4. Art Kit – A favorite among my girls. This art supplies kit contains markers, crayons, colored pencils, and more for arts & crafts.
  5. Personalized Storybook – This personalized gift features your little one’s first name throughout their bedtime story.
  6. Kinetic sand – Perfect for squishing and building with for sensory play.
  7. Flower Press Kit – Kids can create their own stationery, cards, and more with a flower/leaf press.
  8. Mini Trampoline for Indoor Play – We’ve had a trampoline in our house for years and it’s great for cold or rainy days. Rebounding (bouncing) is also great for adults!
  9. Spinkpong Mini Game – Bounce a ball off of a tiny net and try to catch it in the cup. Great for kids to play on their own or with siblings/friends.
  10. Sherwood Player – This player gives kids unlimited access to over 5,000 wholesome audiobooks, podcasts, low-stimulation shows, and books that encourage creativity. Use the code wellnessmama10 for a discount.
  11. Knitting Loom Kit – Kids can make their own cute animals with this craft kit. 
  12. Kids Daylight Computer – A tablet that’s easy on the eyes. Write, use apps, draw, all without blue light with their tablet for ages 3-7. 
  13. Amazon Fire – An affordable tablet with a lot of capabilities.
  14. 3-D Pen – They can design and create what they want with this 3-D pen and DesignPad mat. 
  15. Wooden Twig Colored Pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from twigs. Good size for younger kids just learning to write and draw.
  16. Wooden People and Craft Supplies – My kids loved making their own little wooden dolls and figurines with these.
  17. Grow and Make – They have kits ranging from gardening to making your own box of chocolates.
  18. Natural Paints – Made from natural earth pigments for all your arts and crafts projects.
  19. Microscope Kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt, and all kinds of other things in this microscope. STEM toys (science, technology, engineering, and math) like this one are educational toys but can also be super fun.
  20. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath time crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old and up.
  21. Doll House – This Melissa & Doug doll house is great for 4-year-old to 8-year-old kids. Fits smaller dolls.
  22. Little Passports – This subscription service tailors to your child’s age and the collection they would most be interested in. (For parents, you can filter by your budget!)
  23. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans  – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours! Get a food play set to go with it.
  24. Beginner Piano Keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to get the kids started with music.
  25. Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.
  26. Kendama Game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.
  27. Weighted Blanket – Not just for kids, but a soothing gift that helps kids get into a restful state and has demonstrated benefits for sleep.
  28. Sensory Swing – If you’re looking for a sensory swing to help your child relax and de-stress, this is the swing for them. The swings are made of quality, comfortable materials your child will want to spend hours in.
  29. Kids Cook Real Food e-Course – Give the gift of quality time and kitchen skills to boot! This course was life-changing for our family.
  30. Trampoline – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of jumping! This makes a great outdoor toy, but we also have a small one inside our house.
  31. Swing – My kids loved this backyard swing.
  32. Logic puzzles or games to develop problem-solving skills (Logic Links and Kanoodle are two of our favorites)
  33. Word games or board games for the next family game night. (We like Boggle, Apples to Apples, Story Cubes, Madlibs Jr.)
  34. KiwiCo – From the toddler stage to preschool, to teens, they offer fun and educational subscription boxes. Choose from a variety including craft kits, science kits, geography kits, and more.
  35. When I Grow Up I Want to Be.…. book. This book is designed for kids and children to answer five or six fun questions to record their interests, talents, strengths, and achievements, and can be a fun career journal. My kids have fun reading what they wrote in their journals years ago!
  36. Playsilks – It’s a cape, it’s a scarf, it’s a dress… it’s playsilks. 
  37. Tinkerlab Book – A guide to using everyday items to create their own inventions, creations, and art projects with help from grownups.
  38. Wildcraft Herbal Board Game – A cooperative game where players learn about herbs and natural remedies. 
  39. Kids Musical Instruments – Made from natural wood to encourage rhythm and movement. 

Baby and Toddler

And of course we can’t forget the littlest ones! These gifts are appropriate for babies and even into the preschool years. If you have an older toddler, be sure to check the gifts for younger kids section above for more ideas. 

  1. Eco-friendly Baby Clothes– There aren’t many things cuter than a baby in organic dino footie pajamas. Check out all of my favorite organic brands for the best baby (and kids) clothes.
  2. Magnetic Drawing Board – Also perfect for traveling. 
  3. Natural baby toys – My favorite brand of baby toys with a wide variety of options. 
  4. Building Blocks – This wooden building set has colorful blocks that encourage building, stacking, and imagination.
  5. Scooter Board – Toys that help with movement are always a big hit around our house. This wooden scooter board is great for toddlers through elementary-age kids.
  6. Personalized Storybook – This personalized gift features your little one’s first name throughout their bedtime story.
  7. KiwiCo – From the toddler stage to preschool, to teens, they offer fun and educational subscription boxes. Choose from a variety including craft kits, science kits, geography kits, and more.
  8. Beeswax Crayons – Jumbo crayons made of natural beeswax. Or try your hand at making your own!
  9. Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans  – My daughters used to play kitchen with these for hours! Get a food play set to go with it.
  10. Wooden Train Set – Let their imaginations run wild with this 100 piece train set.
  11. Rock Crayons – Cute crayons for little hands to hold. Come with a drawstring storage bag. 
  12. Bath Tub Crayons – These beeswax bath time crayons for toddlers are handmade in New Zealand with New Zealand beeswax and food-grade, non-toxic pigments. The jumbo crayons are perfect for toddlers, kids, and children from 2 years old and up.
  13. Wiggle Car – My little kids loved this ride-on toy and they’re great for kids of all sizes.
  14. Wooden Blocks – They can build what they want with this set of 100 natural wooden blocks
  15. Wooden Animal Toys – Adorable and durable wooden animal toys.
  16. Canopy Nursery Air Purifier – This compact and cute air filter is specifically designed for baby’s room.  
  17. Wooden Shape Sorter Garden – An adorable Montessori shape sorter where your toddler can plant their own pretend garden.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

  • Little Hero’s Journal for Kids – I’ve used these for years with my kids. I’ve also shared how I use journals to communicate with my daughters as they tend to open up more through writing.
  • Beef jerky or beef sticks (we love this brand)
  • Hot chocolate (I put homemade mix in a small jelly or mason jar with their name on it). A pre-made option is this amazing Cacao Bliss mix.
  • Lotion Bars – These Beesilk lotion bars are amazing for the wintertime and a fun stocking stuffer. Use code wellnessmama for a discount!
  • Lip Balm with natural essential oils in delicious scents and flavors. Check out their seasonal versions!
  • Bubble bath (or you can mix up your own DIY bubble bath in minutes with a few simple ingredients!)
  • New Toothbrush, Strawberry toothpaste, or Floss picks
  • Vitamins that taste great without added sugar or any of the junk
  • A coupon to stay up an hour late
  • Movie night with favorite dessert coupon
  • A coupon to pick the meals for a day
  • Mini photo book with family memories and inspirational quotes
  • Movie tickets or gift certificates
  • Fun Scrunchies
  • Fun plates or cups from Ahimsa. They’re plastic-free and my kids love them!
  • A card game or dice game of any kind – Zobmondo is a hit with the older kids in my house.
  • Crochet kit for kids
  • Give them “coal” in their stocking with this charcoal soap bar
  • Cash or gift card inside a Money Maze gift box
  • Hiya Vitamins – My kids love their tasty vitamin subscription and I love that it’s free of junk and fillers. 

What Christmas gifts for kids have your family enjoyed? Are there any you would add to this list? Leave a comment and let us know!

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