Buying toys for the kids can be a little overwhelming! There are so many options out there, and you may not know which ones they already have, which ones are “cool” and which ones are age-appropriate. And let’s be honest: The kids are already up to their shoulders with enough battery-operated doohickeys and hand-held devices to last them a lifetime (if they last that long, that is).

So, do something different this year! Choose something from our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide: 5 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids and everybody (including the kids AND you) will be happy!

1. Swim lessons

Buying a package of swim lessons (and other enriching experiences) is definitely a gift kids AND parents appreciate! Not only is swimming FUN, but it teaches a lifelong skill – along with these Top 5 Benefits of Knowing How to Swim (for Kids). We have special packages that include two months of lessons plus some fun goodies and family swim passes. Give us a call or stop by one of our many locations to give the gift of swimming to all the kids in the family!

2. The gift of reading

Reading is another lifelong skill that opens up a world of opportunities. Giving the gift of reading is great for ANY age, from birth to adulthood! Think about what interests the kids in your life have and then give them a book on the topic — maybe for the sports lover you can choose something about a great player, or a fiction story about baseball. But don’t focus only on books: A magazine subscription, comic books or even a newspaper subscription fits the bill, too. That may be just what the professed non-book reader needs to jump start a love of reading!

When’s the last time you played some games with the kids? Many times, a favorite memory is sitting around and playing board games with loved ones — so why not give a game night gift? (Another item from our 10 Things Your Family Must Do list!) Do a quick inventory if you can of games they have, then head to the toy aisle and take your pick. There’s something there for every age range — and if you need help, don’t hesitate to look for recommendations online.

4. Time together

The one thing that ALWAYS tops the charts is the gift of time. Sure, it may not come in a huge box with fancy packaging, but it’s definitely a golden experience that lasts a long time in memories. Stuck on what to do together? How about swimming?! We have family swim programs where everyone can spend time together splashing in our Goldfish Swim School pool (did we mention that it’s always kept at a balmy 90 degrees — and so is the air temperature?!). We’re here all year long, so it’s also a great excuse for something to do when winter has kept you inside and bored!

5. Dual-purpose learning activities

Things like puzzles, a chemistry set, craft kits, a telescope and other educational “toys” go a long way in teaching kids while still being fun! Plus, you will appreciate the brain-building activity to occupy the kids during times when they may whine about watching TV or playing on the computer instead. Celebrate those learning toys!

Goldfish Swim School

Our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide: 5 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids is another way to help in Raising Grateful Goldfish — because they’ll appreciate the gifts that give them so much more than just five minutes of plastic playtime. Find out more about beginner swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School and how we provide WOW customer service through integrity, compassion and trust.