Battery Free Gifts for Kids – Tech Free Can Still Be Fun!

I realize it’s a little naive to think that we can go back to a time of battery free gifts, when not everything turned our kids into technology zombies. But even today, kids can still enjoy gifts from a simpler time.

Plus, have you ever had one of those magical birthdays or Christmas mornings, where your child is so excited about the gift they’d wanted for so long, and once the locked up tighter than Ft. Knox packaging is removed and it’s time to play, you discover there are NO BATTERIES in your house?

This post may contain affiliate links and is part of our Gift Guide series.

Let the whining, wailing, and despair commence. There goes your picture perfect celebration.

Also, at the end of the day, let’s be real, many of those battery run gifts with all their lights and beeps and other noises are just plain annoying.

If you want to avoid the battery breakdowns and maybe find some gifts that require activity to be brain powered, rather than battery powers, we’ve got some great battery free gift suggestions for you.

Battery Free Gifts For Kids

The Builders: Unique Block Gifts

KEVA Maple 400 Plank SetKEVA Contraptions Plank SetMagna-Tiles 100-Piece Clear Colors Set – The Original, Award-Winning Magnetic Building Tiles – Creativity and Educational – STEM ApprovedAILUKI 110 PCS Magnetic Blocks, 3D Building Educational STEM Toys for Girls & Boys,Tiles with Innovative Build Magnets Great Gift for Toddlers,All Blocks are Magnetic,No Plastic TilesFun Express Puzzle-Shaped Block Set (50 Pcs) 2 1/4Melissa & Doug Wooden Town Play Set With Storage Tray (32 pcs)Road Tape,2 Rolls Road Tape Black Total 66 Feet,2.4 in x 66 ft Straight Curve Track Traffic Signs-Kids GiftsJoyn Toys Transparent Light and Color Blocks – 108 PiecesAutomoblox Mini S9/Mini C9/Mini T9 (3-Pack)MindWare Marble Run: 123 Piece Set (103 durable pieces and 20 marbles) EXCLUSIVELY ATGuidecraft Jr. Rainbow Blocks 20 Piece Set: Kids Colorful Learning and Educational ToyLEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696

The Artist: Best Gifts To Create With

Kids Easel with Paper Roll +FREE Kids Art Supplies – Double Sided Childrens Easel Chalkboard / Magnetic Dry Erase Board – Toddler Easel with Storage Bins Wooden Art Easel for Kids Painting and DrawingMelissa & Doug Wooden Tabletop Paper Roll Dispenser With White Bond Paper (12 inches x 75 feet)Sago Brothers Modeling Clay Air Dry Ultra Light Molding Magic Clay 24 Colors, Best Kids Gifts EvereBoot 11 Pcs Wooden Handle Clay Pottery Sculpting ToolsStar Wars Origami: 36 Amazing Paper-folding Projects from a Galaxy Far, Far Away….Origami Extravaganza! Folding Paper, a Book, and a Box: Origami Kit Includes Origami Book, 38 Fun Projects and 162 High-Quality Origami Papers: Great for Both Kids and AdultsKuretake MC2036V Gansai Tambi 36 Color SetLoopdeloom – Weaving Loom – Learn to Weave – Award-Winning Craft KitChoose Friendship My Friendship Bracelet Maker Kit, Kids Jewelry Kit, Bracelet Craft Kit Jewelry Making Bracelet Kit, Travel EditionKahootz Spirograph Deluxe Design SetArt 101 142-Piece Wood Art SetKid Made Modern Studio in A Box Set – Arts & Crafts Kit for Painting Sketching & ColoringOOLY, Creatibles DIY Erasers, Set of 12 (161-001)Lulu Jr. My Comic Book Making Kit, MulticolorALEX Art Sidewalk Mandala Sweet Stuff, MulticolorAcrylic Paint Pens for Rocks Painting, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Fabric, Canvas, Mugs, DIY Craft Making Supplies, Scrapbooking Craft, Card Making. Acrylic Paint Marker Pens Permanent. 12 Colors/SetUltimate Dot-to-Dot Animals: Extreme Puzzle Challenges to Complete and ColorHarry Potter Coloring BookSargent Art Premium Coloring Pencils, Pack of 50 Assorted Colors, 22-7251Tombow 61501 Twintone Marker Set, Pastel, 12-Pack. Double-Sided Markers for Bold and Precise WritingCool Maker – Pottery Studio, Clay Pottery Wheel Craft Kit for Kids Age 6 and Up (Edition May Vary)

The Sensory Lover: Best Gifts To Explore

Ultimate Slime Kit Supplies Stuff for Girls and Boys Making Slime [Everything in ONE Box] Kids can Make Unicorn, Glitter, Cloud, Rainbow Slimes and More. Includes Glue and Full Instructions.Ultimate Slime: DIY Tutorials for Crunchy Slime, Fluffy Slime, Fishbowl Slime, and More Than 100 Other Oddly Satisfying Recipes and Projects–Totally Borax Free!Alex Art Wooden Dough Tools SetPlay-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 2-Ounce Cans, Ages 2 and up, (Amazon Exclusive)Sculpey III Oven Bake Clay Sampler 1oz, 30/pkgImpresa Products 5-Pack of Stretchy String Fidget / Sensory Toys (BPA/Phthalate/Latex-Free) – Stretches from 10 Inches to 8 Feet!DNA Stress Balls [3 Pack] – Squeezing Stress Relief Ball – for Kids & Adults- Stress Squishy Toys for Autism, ADHD, Bad Habits & More- Risk-Free Sensory Rubber BallLiquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top, Assorted Colors (Single Bubbler)Orbeez Soothing SpaFace Painting Kit + 32 Stencils (Paints 50-80 Faces) Body Makeup, Non-Toxic Paint – Vibrant Colors, Done-For-You Stencils, Shimmering Glitter Gels, Versatile Brushes, Sponges, ApplicatorsBath Bombs: How to Make Beautiful and Nourishing Bath Bombs At Home, Using Cheap and Non-toxic Ingredients, Without Fuss – DIY Bath Bomb RecipesBOOM! Kids Chemistry Science Kit, 25 Stem Experiments & Activities, Make Your Own Rockets, Explosions, & Colorful Liquids | Gifts for Girls & Boys, Children & Teens | Educational | STEM AuthenticatedRachels Art Candle Making Kit- Create Your Own Unique Candles with 5 Bags of Colored WaxKid O Free Form Jumbo Glow in The Dark MagnatabFidget Dodecagon –12-Side Fidget Cube Relieves Stress and Anxiety Anti Depression Cube for Children and Adults with ADHD ADD OCD Autism (B2 Black Colorful)Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty –Project Mc2 Create Your Own Lip Balm Lab KitProject Mc2 Perfume Science Kit

THE ACTIVE: BEST GIFTS TO KEEP THEM MOVING

Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board Waldorf Kinderboard – Children’s Balance Toy | Wobble, Spin, Rock, Slide (Natural)Skywalker Trampolines 15-Feet Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline with Safety Enclosure and Basketball HoopLittle Tikes 3′ Trampoline – Amazon ExclusiveCrazy Forts,Purple, 69 pieces10 Foot Play Parachute with 10 Handles – Multicolored Parachute for KidsLifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center, EarthtoneM & M Sales Enterprises Web Riderz Outdoor Swing N’ Spin- Safety rated to 600 lb, 39 inch diameter, Adjustable hanging ropes, Ready to hang and enjoy as a familyJungle Gym Kingdom Climbing Rope with Platforms and Disc Swing Seat Green – Playground AccessoriesFlybar Maverick Walking Stilts for Kids Ages 5 +, Weights Up to 190 Lbs – Adjustable Foam Handles with Wide Stance Foot Pegs – Fun Outdoor Toys for Girls & BoysBasecamp Specialized Bike Helmet with Safety Light,Adjustable Sport Cycling Helmet Bicycle Helmets for Road & Mountain Motorcycle for Men & Women,Youth Safety Protection (Green with Big Light)Razor A5 LUX Kick Scooter – BlueWoolitime Sports Adjustable Inline Skates for Kids with 8 Illuminating Wheels, Safe and Durable Rollerblades, Fashionable Roller Blades for Girls and Boys, Men and LadiesTen Toes Board Emporium Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Cruiser, 44Kids Jump Rope – Anna’s Rainbow Rope – Durable Child Friendly Skipping Rope – Exercise Toy for Playground with Lightweight Foam Handles and Vibrant Colors – 7ft Tie DyeShot Taker Co. Educational Manual Plastic Scooter Board with Safety Handles | Purple | 16” x 11” inches| Perfect for Kids, Teens, Adults | PE, Gym Class, Daycare, Preschool Development, Games, CampsThe Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart – Blue – Ride On Toy, Ages 3 yrs and Up, No batteries, gears, or pedals, Twist, Turn, Wiggle for endless funSpalding Pro Slam Portable NBA 54Franklin Sports Blackhawk Portable Soccer Goal – Small – 4 x 3 FootBestMassage Gymnastics Mat Gym Mat Tumbling Mat 4 Pannel Foldding Gymnastic Tumbling Mat 4’x8’x2 Thick Fitness Yoga Exercise Mat Lightweight Home Gym Mat Carrying Handlesedx education Balancing Path – 28 Pieces – Balance Toy for KidsThe Beam Store Pink Suede 8-Feet Gymnastics Balance Beam Made in USATraditional Wood Portable Double Freestanding 4 Foot Ballet Barre, Stretch/Dance Bar, 4 Feet Fitness BarreBalanceFrom BFGY-AP6PP Go Yoga All Purpose Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap, PurpleIntex Inflat-A-Bull, Inflatable Ride-On Pool Toy with Realistic Printing, 94Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float Floatie Ride On with Rapid Valves Large Rideable Blow Up Summer Beach Swimming Pool Party Lounge Raft Decorations Toys Kids AdultsZionor Lagopus Ski Snowboard Goggles UV Protection Anti-Fog Snow Goggles for Men Women YouthSpeedo Charge Polarized Mask Swim Goggles, Black/Black, One SizeSlippery Racer Downhill Sprinter Snow Sled (2 Pack), Red/BlueColor My Worlds Sand and Snow Coloring Kit Snow Toy Kids Toy Build a Blue Snowman Make Rainbow Snowballs Purple Igloo Green Orange Pink Snow Sled Path 14 Piece Kit Eco-Friendly Toy Tote Bag Includede-joy Kids Snow Scooter Ski Scooter Fold-up Snowboard Kick-Scooter Sledge Folding Sliding Ski Snowboard with Grip Handle Snow Sled, Winter Toys for Use on Snow and Grass, Assort ColorFranklin Sports Arctic Trails Snow Tube – Snow Racer- 45 Inch x 28 Inch Snow Rider- Inflatable Sled

The Imagination Guru:Dramatic Play Gifts

KidKraft Majestic Mansion DollhouseCalico Critters Luxury Townhome Gift SetAdora PlayTime Baby Dot Vinyl 13American Girl Tenney Grant Doll and BookNaomi Home Kids Gourmet Kitchen Set, EspressoMelissa & Doug Food Groups – 21 Hand-Painted Wooden Pieces and 4 CratesLearning Resources Fresh Picked Fruit And Veggie Tote, 17 PiecesSuperhero Capes and Masks – Children’s Superhero Toys (4PCS)The New York Doll Collection My First Doll Stroller with Basket and Heart Design Foldable Doll Stroller, PinkDisney Princess Dress Up Trunk (Amazon Exclusive)Set of 5 dress up boys Costumes 1 Car racing 2 Knight 3 Cowboy 4 Worker 5 PirateMission to Mars Space Shuttle Playset for Kids with Rockets, Satellites, Rovers & VehiclesKidkraft Fire Station SetMelissa & Doug, Let’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop! Pretend Play Set, 6-piece, Kid-Sized with Housekeeping Broom, Mop, Duster and Organizing Stand for Skill- and Confidence-BuildingBattat – Dalmatian Vet Kit – Interactive Vet Clinic and Cage Pretend Play for Kids (15 pieces)Melissa & Doug Wooden Grocery Store and Lemonade Stand – Reversible Awning, 9 Bins, ChalkboardsLearning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register, 73 Pieces.Learning Resources Pretend & Play School Set, 149 PiecesAmerican Girl WellieWishers Emerson DollAmerican Girl WellieWishers Magic Theater Play TentHABA Doorway Puppet Theater – Space Saver with Adjustable Rod Fits in Most DoorwaysMelissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets (Set of 4) – Elephant, Giraffe, Tiger, and MonkeyHandstand Kitchen 17-piece Introduction to Real Baking Set with Recipes for Kids

I mentioned above that if my kids could only have 1 toy, it would be blocks. When I said that, it’s because I wasn’t counting books as toys because books are clearly not toys, right? We have some terrific posts about books for new readers and a large list of book suggestions for all age groups that can help narrow your shopping down.

Another newer idea on the block when it comes to battery free gifts is a fort building kit. This set comes with various sized tubes & spheres to spark imagination and let your little architect design the hideout of her dreams! Versatile, creative, and perfect for in or outside, this will keep the kiddos busy for hours as they build playhouses, secret hideaways, & castles!




There comes a Christmas that every kid gets a bike or Scooter  or Wagon . All of these are great gifts that promote physical activity, outdoor play, & lack batteries.  If you need suggestions about what size bike to buy your child, try this cool calculator from ebicycles that you enter your child’s info. and they’ll make a recommendation.

My best tip for you is to pay the $15 assembly fee for the bike and spare yourself the frustration on Christmas Eve. It’s well worth the money to avoid staying up until 3am only to be greeted at 4:38am by excited offspring and spend the day in a zombie like state. Trust me, you’ll thank me!

Here are a ton of other great battery free gifts ideas:

• Board games

• Balls

• Dolls

• Puzzles

• Craft Kits

• Lincoln Logs

• Tinker Toys

• Skate Board

• Skates

• Paints

• Items for role playing like costumes, Wigs,and even Face Paint

While we absolutely admire any parent attempting to go battery free, we realize that in today’s world that isn’t always possible. If you’d like some other great gift ideas that although not all are battery free, will still inspire learing and exploration then we’ve got the post for you.

STEAM Gift Guide

Looking for EVEN MORE gift giving ideas?

Follow Sunshine and Hurricanes ‘s board Christmas Gifts & Tips on Pinterest.

Do you have a favorite battery free gifts?
We’d love to know about it, please share your thoughts in our comments area!