10 Magical "Non-Toy" Gift Ideas Santa Loves to See on a Wish List

Ho ho ho,

My workshop at the North Pole is the most wonderful place in the world, filled to the brim with marvellous toys of every shape and size. But over my many, many years of checking the Nice List, I’ve learned a little secret: some of the most magical and cherished gifts can’t be built by my elves at all.

They are the gifts of time, of new skills, and of memories made together. These are the gifts that make a child's spirit truly sparkle! If you're looking to add a little something different to your child's wish list this year, here are a few of my personal, North Pole-approved favorites.

1. Tickets to an Adventure A ticket to the zoo, a local museum, a concert, or a sporting event is a promise of a special day out. It’s a gift of anticipation followed by a day of pure fun spent together.

2. A "Coupon Book" for Special Time This is one of my elves' favorite ideas! Create a small, homemade book of coupons your child can "redeem" for special activities, like "One-on-One Baking Day with Mom," "An Extra Bedtime Story," or "Family Movie Night—I Pick the Movie!"

3. The Gift of a New Skill Lessons for something your child has shown an interest in—be it swimming, art, music, or horseback riding—is a gift that lasts a lifetime. It’s a gift of confidence and passion.

4. A Subscription Box The magic of Christmas can arrive every month! A subscription box tailored to your child’s interests (like science kits from KiwiCo or adventure magazines from National Geographic Kids) keeps the joy and discovery going all year long.

5. A Donation in Their Name For a child with a big heart, making a donation in their name to a cause they care about—like a local animal shelter or a children's hospital—is a beautiful way to teach the true spirit of giving.

6. A Gardening Kit A simple pot, some soil, and a packet of seeds for flowers or herbs is a gift of patience and nurturing. Tending to a plant and watching it grow is a magical experience in itself.

7. A Cooking or Baking Set A child-sized apron, some kid-safe kitchen tools, and a simple recipe book can open up a whole new world of delicious fun. The best part, of course, is tasting your creations together!

8. A National Parks Pass for the Family This is a gift of exploration, fresh air, and breathtaking beauty. It’s a promise to spend the year ahead discovering the wonders of nature as a family.

9. A Framed Piece of Their Own Art Take one of your child’s favorite drawings from the past year, have it professionally framed, and wrap it up. This shows them how much you value their creativity and gives them a proud piece to hang in their room.

10. A Direct Line to Santa Claus

Ho ho ho! For the ultimate gift of belief, there is nothing more magical than a direct, personal connection with the North Pole. It's a memory that will never fade and a story they will tell for years.

Imagine their delight when they receive a personalized Heirloom Letter—printed on official North Pole stationery with my own hand-stamped wax seal—a treasure they can hold in their hands and read again and again.

Or, for a truly unforgettable moment, a live phone call gives your child the chance to chat with me in real-time, ask their questions, and hear my jolly voice straight from the workshop, mentioning their achievements and sharing a secret or two.

Each of these isn't just a gift; it's a piece of irrefutable proof that Santa is real, that he is watching, and that your child is truly special.

Remember, the most wonderful gifts are rarely the ones that require batteries. They are the ones that fill our hearts and create the stories we’ll tell for years to come.

Warmly, 

Santa Claus