I am particularly excited to share this year’s tech-free gift guide!
You will notice an absence of book recommendations, but that is because I am working on a full list of suggestions — to gift to others or to yourself for some cozy winter reading.
I am also putting together a new list of podcast episodes from all sorts of shows — and can’t wait to share that with you as well.
Here we go for the gift ideas....
I am having a blast reading quotes and ideas that I wrote down from my kids’ baby and teen years books, and I am going to have mugs made with quotes they said on them.
Here is what one mug will say: (By the way, I had to forfeit the surprise on this mug because, as usual, I wanted to get Chase’s permission to use anything I put out in the world about him. He laughed at the quote and said I could indeed share it in this blog post.)
Chase, age 11
Chase, “A girl asked me out”
Mom, “Wow, what did you say?”
“No”
“And then?”
“She asked what I thought of her.”
“And?”
“I said, ‘Well, I don’t hate you.’ ”
If the young person in your life really needs music or a sound (or a book being read, post their reading) here is a device, the Yoto, that does this without being connected to the internet.
It has cards with music and stories that are inserted into the device. A screen just shows one image, but basically it is screen free. There is a blank card so that the young person can create their own playlist of music if they want.
As always these are on my list. I don’t like that this has a port for a phone charger, but if your family guideline is that phones are out of the bedroom, that won't matter. Consider making a little sleep care package gift. Like adding a reminder of their favorite book when they were littler--Richard Scary or Magic Tree House anyone?
Green Team Wins (ages 8 and up)
This one is at the top of my list. Recommended by a dear friend, I tried it out the other night with three adult friends. It took just five minutes to learn how to play it. We laughed as we tried to read each other’s minds. The game says 10 and up, but I think it can easily be 8 and up. I can’t wait to play with my kids over the holidays.
Herd Mentality (ages 10 and up)
This fast-paced game brings lots of laughs as you try to match answers with the “herd.” It makes me think of things that go viral — so that is an extra bang for the buck. A little meta action for the idea of following the crowd/ likes.
SUSSED: The Wacky 'What Would I Do?' Card Game (ages 12 and up)
I adore games where I get to know the other players while playing, so I am eager to try this game in which the questions are around “What would I do?”
Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids (ages 8 and up)
Okay, not a board game, but give me a pass on this please. A collection of tricky puzzles that can get everyone thinking outside the box (how could I resist that pun?!).
The Chameleon (14 and up)
Players must figure out whose the secret chameleon is before they blend in too well.
Outdoor backpack (ageless)
I got this in army green for my collegiate daughter. It's super cute, and the water bottle side pockets are handy.
TOSY Flying Disc (ages 6 and up)
I just bought one last month and played one evening on a school sports field, and it was a blast. We picked out targets, like the number 30-yard line, and then scored points by whoever got closest.
Light Up Football (ages 8 and up)
Take the game into the night with this glow-in-the-dark football that lights up with every throw! It’s a fun way to keep the action going, even after the sun goes down.
LED Gloves (ages 6-12)
What better way to throw a light-up frisbee or football than with a glowing glove? Getting kids out to a playing field at night gets the adventure neurons firing, and that’s a good thing.
Roller Skates (ages 4-14)
For a bit of outdoor fun, I can’t resist recommending a pair. I loved mine growing up. Some kids do great with rollerblades. Don’t forget to get protection accessories.
Hula Hoops (kids and adults--hear me out)
Bring fun and laughter into your home with hula hoops — get two because the beauty is when done as a group. Here is my challenge idea: See who can hula the longest, or make it a game with points for the funniest facial expressions. Or, who can hoop the longest while balancing on one foot? Set aside time — maybe five times a year — where everyone in your home, whether it’s two people or more, grab the hoops and invent a new game.
Magnetic Dart Board (ages 5-12)
(Outdoor if you put it outdoors in a protected area). This magnetic dart board is safe, easy to set up, and perfect for friendly competitions and honing everyone’s aim.
Terrarium-Making supplies
I was recently in Portland and came across a terrarium supply store. You could go to garage sales and thrift shops looking for big bottles and the like to make a terrarium and then order supplies from a store like Terrarium Tribe.
DIY Jewelry Making Kit (ages 5-12)
All my earrings are the ones I made. They are simple earrings, but the point is that I think jewelry-making is such a cool little hobby.
Clay Pottery Kit (ages 10 and up)
The Clay Pottery Kit is an awesome way for kids to dive into the world of pottery. They can mold and shape their own creations while learning new skills. It encourages patience and creativity while making fun, personalized clay pieces.
KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet (ages 3-6)
Doodle, draw or jot down notes with this sleek, eco-friendly LCD writing tablet — perfect for creative minds on the go. It’s a fun way to spark imagination while keeping things mess-free.
JOYIN Rock Painting Kit (ages 6-12)
How could anyone resist glow-in-the-dark rocks — created by our kids’ artistic eyes?
DOODLE HEIST (ages 8 and up)
This is a fast-paced drawing and deduction game in which everyone works together to solve wacky mysteries. I love games that involve a team effort.
Foldable Duffel Bag (all ages)
I gifted one to my kids last year. I then got one for me, and when I travel, I always put it in my carry-on because invariably, if I go somewhere, there is a good chance I will want to put my dirty, messy stuff in a separate bag. With its water-resistant design, it’s ideal for travel and sports.
Gaudí (or other theme) Wall Calendar
I got my son, Chase, this Gaudí Wall Calendar, and it's the perfect fit for any budding architect enthusiast. Okay, maybe that's pushing it because how many teens already know they want to be architects? I did know one, and sure enough, he is in architecture school now. I grew up always getting a wall calendar so I am very partial to them. And wonderful to have a place to jot down things that is not a Google calendar!
I think a subscription to The Week Junior is the ultimate!
I even subscribed to it this past year, and after reading each copy, I share it with kids in my neighborhood. At the end of a long day, I bet you, too, will enjoy a few minutes with this magazine (and yes, I recommended it in the past—but that is how much I believe in it).
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid (ages 7-10)
This guide is one of my absolute favorites! The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide takes young explorers on a journey to discover the world’s most unique and hidden wonders.
Radio making kit (ages 8 to 80)
Let them make a radio to listen to the world around them. I am a sucker for little engineering kits, and this workable radio is rad. If kids learn even a tad about sound waves when making this, I call this a win.
You can filter by location and interest, and there are many fun ideas for the whole family. A recent search in the SF Bay Area revealed surf lessons, a day of crabbing, a snowshoe tour, and so much more.
Comedy night tickets
This can be fun, but look for one that is a bit more family-friendly.
Cooking classes
You can find them on Airbnb Experiences or call a local kitchen store like Williams Sonoma or Sur La Tab, as they might have some ideas. Also, your local rec centers sometimes have interesting cooking classes.
Art classes
I’ve noticed that pottery studios have popped up all over the place. But there are also glass-blowing, jewelry-making, and the list goes on. Organizing with a friend to make it an event with another child or family--would make something like this extra memorable.
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I am particularly excited to share this year’s tech-free gift guide!
You will notice an absence of book recommendations, but that is because I am working on a full list of suggestions — to gift to others or to yourself for some cozy winter reading.
I am also putting together a new list of podcast episodes from all sorts of shows — and can’t wait to share that with you as well.
Here we go for the gift ideas....
I am having a blast reading quotes and ideas that I wrote down from my kids’ baby and teen years books, and I am going to have mugs made with quotes they said on them.
Here is what one mug will say: (By the way, I had to forfeit the surprise on this mug because, as usual, I wanted to get Chase’s permission to use anything I put out in the world about him. He laughed at the quote and said I could indeed share it in this blog post.)
Chase, age 11
Chase, “A girl asked me out”
Mom, “Wow, what did you say?”
“No”
“And then?”
“She asked what I thought of her.”
“And?”
“I said, ‘Well, I don’t hate you.’ ”
If the young person in your life really needs music or a sound (or a book being read, post their reading) here is a device, the Yoto, that does this without being connected to the internet.
It has cards with music and stories that are inserted into the device. A screen just shows one image, but basically it is screen free. There is a blank card so that the young person can create their own playlist of music if they want.
As always these are on my list. I don’t like that this has a port for a phone charger, but if your family guideline is that phones are out of the bedroom, that won't matter. Consider making a little sleep care package gift. Like adding a reminder of their favorite book when they were littler--Richard Scary or Magic Tree House anyone?
Green Team Wins (ages 8 and up)
This one is at the top of my list. Recommended by a dear friend, I tried it out the other night with three adult friends. It took just five minutes to learn how to play it. We laughed as we tried to read each other’s minds. The game says 10 and up, but I think it can easily be 8 and up. I can’t wait to play with my kids over the holidays.
Herd Mentality (ages 10 and up)
This fast-paced game brings lots of laughs as you try to match answers with the “herd.” It makes me think of things that go viral — so that is an extra bang for the buck. A little meta action for the idea of following the crowd/ likes.
SUSSED: The Wacky 'What Would I Do?' Card Game (ages 12 and up)
I adore games where I get to know the other players while playing, so I am eager to try this game in which the questions are around “What would I do?”
Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids (ages 8 and up)
Okay, not a board game, but give me a pass on this please. A collection of tricky puzzles that can get everyone thinking outside the box (how could I resist that pun?!).
The Chameleon (14 and up)
Players must figure out whose the secret chameleon is before they blend in too well.
Outdoor backpack (ageless)
I got this in army green for my collegiate daughter. It's super cute, and the water bottle side pockets are handy.
TOSY Flying Disc (ages 6 and up)
I just bought one last month and played one evening on a school sports field, and it was a blast. We picked out targets, like the number 30-yard line, and then scored points by whoever got closest.
Light Up Football (ages 8 and up)
Take the game into the night with this glow-in-the-dark football that lights up with every throw! It’s a fun way to keep the action going, even after the sun goes down.
LED Gloves (ages 6-12)
What better way to throw a light-up frisbee or football than with a glowing glove? Getting kids out to a playing field at night gets the adventure neurons firing, and that’s a good thing.
Roller Skates (ages 4-14)
For a bit of outdoor fun, I can’t resist recommending a pair. I loved mine growing up. Some kids do great with rollerblades. Don’t forget to get protection accessories.
Hula Hoops (kids and adults--hear me out)
Bring fun and laughter into your home with hula hoops — get two because the beauty is when done as a group. Here is my challenge idea: See who can hula the longest, or make it a game with points for the funniest facial expressions. Or, who can hoop the longest while balancing on one foot? Set aside time — maybe five times a year — where everyone in your home, whether it’s two people or more, grab the hoops and invent a new game.
Magnetic Dart Board (ages 5-12)
(Outdoor if you put it outdoors in a protected area). This magnetic dart board is safe, easy to set up, and perfect for friendly competitions and honing everyone’s aim.
I often talk about using tech (laptops, phones, etc.) as a tool, treat, or talking device. An effective way to model screen-time choices is to say out loud in front of your kids when you are using a device as a tool, treat, or talking device. As we enter summertime, I have been reflecting on the creation of family memories and that when we shake up things, we stack the cards in favor of lasting memories. Using tech in clever ways can help make memories. Today, I share some fun ideas for summer activities.
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Our unique Tech-Free Gift Guide offers a refreshing escape from digital overload, presenting a handpicked selection of imaginative gifts. From culinary adventures and creative arts to educational magazines and physical activities, we emphasize experiences that foster family bonding, creativity, and healthy habits. The guide includes community-building ideas like mural painting and beekeeping, encouraging children and teens to engage in enriching, screen-free activities while creating lasting memories and developing new skills.
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My team and I have been bustling behind the scenes, thinking up new episodes for the Screenagers Podcast and new posts for my weekly Tech Talk Tuesday Blog. Your input at this time would be FANTASTIC! What topics do you want covered? Do your kids have ideas for topics?
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
