Sure, you can track down the hottest toys, only to see them played with one time and then thrown in a closet. But what if your children received gifts that instead promoted their development? Both entertaining and educational? (Yes, they can coexist.)

Recently, the education specialists at Primary Children’s Hospital put together a list of gifts that can educate in four areas.

“We should be looking for gifts that encourage creativity, critical thinking, some strategy and planning, cooperation with others, and also physical activity,” said Jody Triptow, education specialist at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Build their creativity

There are plenty of gift options that help a child’s imagination go wild. Building blocks, kinetic sand, musical instruments, and sewing and knitting kits are just a few ideas.

Coloring books are also good to give young children who are still developing fine motor skills. But blank art pads can be fun for kids of all ages.

“Art pads don’t limit you to one particular picture or one way to color things. It just encourages a little more creativity,” Triptow said.

You can expand on the art supplies by giving gifts of chalk, clay, charcoal or origami—items that go beyond the typical crayons and paint.

Help them think critically

There are puzzles for all age groups and difficulties. You can find an age-appropriate one or even get a 5,000-piece puzzle that the entire family can work on together.

Triptow said some terrific gifts for this category are also some all-time favorites: chess and checkers. Board games also help nurture critical thinking.

Cup stacking, where cups are rapidly stacked in pyramid shapes and then quickly collapsed, is another option. She said it adds some pre-planning and critical thinking in the execution of the actions.

Encourage physical activity

It’s important to keep the body and mind fit. So choose presents that also help your kids’ activity level. Bikes, sports equipment, and even simple games like marbles all help in different intensity levels.

You can also give gift cards to places such as trampoline parks, rock climbing gyms, and ice skating rinks.

Safety should still be a major emphasis on any activity for kids. Make sure they have the appropriate equipment with any sport.

Foster their intellectual interests

These are the years where children are discovering what interests them. So build on their budding interests by giving gifts relating to those areas, or even give passes to places that specifically involve those topics.

If they love animals, then go to zoos and aquariums. If they love space and exploration, there are museums and planetariums that educate and enhance those interests. Utah has no shortage of learning centers spread throughout the Wasatch Front.

For more helpful tips on providing a healthier environment for your family, visit IntermountainLiveWell.org.

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