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Screen-Free Gifts for Ages 5-8

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Engaging, screen-free gift ideas for younger elementary-aged children

With only 4 days left until Christmas, I have put together a quick top 10 ten list of favorites for ages 5–8 tried and tested by my own kiddos!

Hape Quadrilla Stack Track Bucket Set

Compete in a marble race with this fantastic Quadrilla Stack Track Bucket Set from Hape! Build the track yourself then send the marbles rolling down through all the twists, turns, holes and ramps. Even the bucket becomes part of the track! We found that this was challenging even for my 8-year-old, so having a parent or older sibling on hand to help with the first build is helpful. You can find the Quadrilla Stack Track Bucket Set on Amazon.com.

Hape Underground World Puzzle

Journey to the center of the earth with the Underground World Puzzle! Find out how many fossils and geological marvels are underground as you journey from the Earth’s crust to its core. Featuring an LED light representing the Earth`s core and a double-sided poster, this 36-piece puzzle is perfect for encouraging a love of geology and the natural world. You can find puzzles from Hape on Amazon.com.

Bake & Explore STEM Activity Kits from BaKIT Box

BaKIT Box is a global baking kit that combines STEM learning with the fun of baking! Each kit includes pre-measured ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions and an interactive STEM booklet – all put together in sustainable packaging! There are multiple global recipe kits to choose from but the Holiday Peppermint Trees, Koulourakia Cookies and the Japanese Matcha White Chocolate Cookies are ideal for the holidays! You can find BaKIT Box on Amazon.com.

LOVEVERY Reading Skill Set

A phonics-based learning set that makes learning fun and enjoyable! The Reading Skill Set is a 3-part learning system that features a unique, play-led approach to developing fundamental skills for a lifelong love of reading through phonics. Featuring child-led games and self-correcting activities, books that focus on skills introduced in the games/activities, and a play guide that leads through each skill; it is Lovevery’s goal is to make learning to read approachable and fun for parents, and engaging, motivating, and confidence-building for children. 

Found It! Outdoor Scavenger Hunt by Skillmatics

Get kids outside and engaged with Found It! Outdoor Scavenger Hunt by Skillmatics! This exciting outdoor game helps children learn as they go on a scavenger hunt with prompts like Can you find…”Something that is heavier than a leaf? Something round?” etc.. Players must shout “FOUND IT!” as soon as they get their hands on the object. The first one to win 7 cards wins the game! Skillmatics can be found on Amazon.com.

Skillmatics Foil Fun

A magical, mess-free activity! Let your child’s imagination soar with this fun foil art and craft activity. They can create stunning pictures featuring lions, horses, whales and more, sparking hours of creative play! Choose from Animals, Dinosaurs, Space, Dress-Up, Holiday Magic and more!

GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw Cup

Whether at home or on an adventure with family this season, the GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw Cup is perfect for little hands and big squeezes. GoSili reusable cups are made with 100% European grade platinum silicone and feature an embedded stainless-steel ring that prevents the cup from collapsing when gripped. GoSili cups are incredibly durable, can grow with your child, and are meant to last a lifetime…which is kind of the point! It’s an easy, sustainable solution to kicking the single-use cup habit whether at home or on-the go. All components of the GoSili cup are dishwasher and microwave safe and can be boiled to sterilize. GoSili Straw Cups come with interchangeable lids meant to work with 8oz, 12oz, 16oz and 24oz cups. Mix and match all day long! Sustainable, recyclable, stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and is free from BPS, phthalate, PVC, and lead. GoSili can be found on Amazon.com.

Yoto Player

One of the hottest gifts this holiday season, the Yoto Player builds independence & inspire imagination in kids from 3-12+. Used at home or on-the-go, all content is safe & has been specially chosen & created with children in mind! Yoto offers a world of stories, music, learning and adventure in a safe, kid-friendly way. Simply pop in a Yoto card and let the fun begin—anytime, anywhere! We also included the Yoto Player in our Best Gifts for Ages 2-4 as we have found it be a hit with our younger son, too! You can also find the Yoto Player on Amazon.com.

Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth with Straw Cap

The Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth with Straw Cap is a stainless steel water bottle that is the perfect insulated bottle for everyday hydration. Tuck one in their stocking! The straw cap makes sipping easy, and the double-wall stainless steel construction keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Available in bold colors, including Goji, Seaspray, Anemone, and Grass. Hydro Flask is available on Amazon.com.

ChappyWrap Snowfall Midi Blanket

Cozy movie nights, winter forts and snuggled up for bedtime stories, the Snowfall Midi Blanket from ChappyWrap is a fantastic gift this holiday season! The perfect backdrop to the crystalline beauty of a snowflake, the baby blue of this design celebrates the quiet magic of a winter squall. ChappyWrap has blankets in various sizes with gorgeous, timeless designs for every age!

About the Author

Ms. Johnson is a Mom of 4, a Seasoned Freelance Journalist, Publicist and Lifestyle Expert with a career spanning almost 20 years in the industry. She is passionate about fitness, health and wellness. She has written her own website, Tiny Green Mom, since 2010, which highlights parenting and all things ‘green,’ from tips on living a healthier lifestyle to the latest eco-friendly products for the entire family.

As a Freelance Journalist, Ms. Johnson has written for a multitude of publications, including Medium, SheKnows.com, Tiny Beans, and more! In addition, she can be found on TV stations across the country as a Lifestyle Expert, speaking about all of her favorite brands and companies. 

You can follow her on Instagram and X at @TinyGreenMom.

*Companies generously gifted samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own. This post contains affiliate links*

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Gifts for Her

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Whether you are shopping for your mother, bestie, tween or teen daughter, or favorite aunt, these are my favorites to gift her this holiday season!

Hydro Flask Custom Water Bottles

Pick your product, select your colors and add engraving – it’s that simple to create a custom Hydro Flask Water Bottle she will love! With a variety of styles to choose from, you can design her own unique water bottle to help her stay hydrated in 2025. My personal favorites include the All-Around Travel Tumbler and the 20oz or 24oz Wide Mouth. Reusable, easy to clean, leak-resistant and splash-resistant. Hydro Flask can be purchased on Amazon.com, as well.

Leatherman Micra

Small but mighty, the Leatherman Micra packs 10 tools into a compact product. Perfect for keeping in pockets, purses or on key rings, the Micra includes a knife, spring-action scissors, flat/Phillips screwdriver, ruler, nail cleaner, tweezers, bottle opener and more. Plus, it can be personalized through Leatherman’s Custom Shop! Add engraved messages and names, fun patterns and unique artwork to truly make this a one-of-a-kind gift. I love the Pink and Cherry! Leatherman can be found on Amazon.com.

Wacoal

This holiday, prioritize comfort with Wacoal undergarments. Combining Japanese craftsmanship with American design, their bras and panties are cherished worldwide. Treat the special women in your life to delicate lace chemises or soft pajama sets. Wacoal’s sister brand, b.tempt’d, offers playful styles for the modern woman. The b.Active Sport Bralette will also be a favorite for the fitness-loving mom or friend! Wacoal can be found on Amazon.com.

France Luxe Grab n Go Pony Disc Pack

Experience French luxury without leaving home this holiday season with France Luxe. Their high-quality barrettes, bobby pins, and headbands exude elegance. Beyond hair accessories, they offer upscale home essentials like silk pillowcases and shea butter laundry detergent, all made in France. Their classy Grab & Go Ponytail Holders Disc Pack make an excellent stocking stuffer for your tween or teen! Find the Grab n Go Ponytail Holders on Amazon.com.

Caitlyn Minimalist Tiny Dream Necklace

Caitlyn Minimalist is a boutique jewelry brand that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and personal connection. Founded by Kate Kim, Caitlyn Minimalist specializes in creating delicate, minimalist jewelry that tells a story. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and personalized, from custom name necklaces to birthstone rings, allowing customers to carry their most cherished memories close. Known for its elegant designs and attention to detail, Caitlyn Minimalist offers a range of jewelry that is both timeless and meaningful. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply expressing your unique style, Caitlyn Minimalist provides jewelry that resonates with the wearer on a deeply personal level. The Tiny Dream Name Necklace is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Designed with a simple, cursive font to match any occasion. This personalized necklace is the perfect accessory to showcase your loved one’s unique style! Create a special piece that beautifully represents the recipient, while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Caitlyn Minimalist can be found on Amazon.com.

Soap Bubble Tote with Phone Case

The Soap Bubble Tote with Phone Case is such a fun gift to give your tween, tween or bestie! Spacious yet lightweight, it’s perfect for everything from long flights to road trips. Fold it flat to pack as an extra bag or use it as your carry-on. The easy-to-clean material handles spills effortlessly, and the luxurious extra-wide straps keep things comfortable, no matter how much you overpack. The water-resistant touchscreen pouch fits all phones, while the key leash keeps smaller belongings organized. Fold it or fill it—this tote is ready for wherever your next trip takes you! You can find the Soap Bubble Tote on Amazon.com.

Losano Activewear

I am obsessed with the Criss-Cross Sustainable Leggings from Losano, and your active girlfriends will be too! The high-rise waistband gently hugs your curves, providing both comfort and support for all-day wear. Pair it with the matching Renew Rib Square Neck Bra for the ultimate gift set! Losano is a non-toxic activewear brand that blends the fashion-forward thinking, eco-consciousness, and manufacturing prowess of the West Coast with the bustling heart of Chicago to provide products that are good for you and last a lifetime. To ensure an extra layer of care, safety, and protection for women everywhere, Losano analyzes the integrity of their fabrics at every junction, avoiding toxic ingredients like BPAs and PFAS. Their garments range from leggings to loungewear and guarantee supreme softness and a luxurious look and feel. 

Edgewater Candles

Ah, the scents of the season! Get cozy and comfy this Christmas with hints of Fraser fir and crushed peppermint from Edgewater Candes. Gift the holiday collection that includes Mistletoe Evergreen, Gingerbread, Crushed Peppermint, Cranberry & Juniper, Fraser Fir, and Hot Cocoa. Edgewater Candles is also offering a three-piece green hued limited edition ceramic novelty candle that, when stacked, forms a Christmas tree, for November and December.

Fishers Finery

Soft, luxurious and ideal for spoiling her this season, Fishers Finery is a high-quality clothing and home goods brand offering premium materials made of silk, organic cotton & other sustainable materials. My favorite is the Women’s 3pc 100% Cashmere Ribbed Beanie, Glove and Scarf Set packaged beautifully in a gift box. Colors include Eggplant, Cardinal Red, Navy, Heather Gray, and Black, and can be found on Amazon.com. You can find these luxe sets on Amazon.com.

AEMBR

The Luxury Votive Trio Gift Set from AEMBR is a lovely gift idea for your best friend, your sister, mother-in-law and more! With the option to select your three favorite scents from the Kitchen Collection, each matte white 2.5-ounce candle provides many hours of luxurious scent in a giftable box! 

About the Author

Ms. Johnson is a Mom of 4, a Seasoned Freelance Journalist, Publicist and Lifestyle Expert with a career spanning almost 20 years in the industry. She is passionate about fitness, health and wellness. She has written her own website, Tiny Green Mom, since 2010, which highlights parenting and all things ‘green,’ from tips on living a healthier lifestyle to the latest eco-friendly products for the entire family.

As a Freelance Journalist, Ms. Johnson has written for a multitude of publications, including Medium, SheKnows.com, Tiny Beans, and more! In addition, she can be found on TV stations across the country as a Lifestyle Expert, speaking about all of her favorite brands and companies. 

You can follow her on Instagram and X at @TinyGreenMom.

*Companies generously gifted samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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