It’s the holiday season once again. As parents, ninongs and ninangs, we’re back to our Christmas shopping list–gifts to buy for our kids, beloved pamangkins and inaanaks.
Have you ever considered being more intentional with your gifts this time around?
As a parent of young children, probably 80% of our household clutter is made of toys. A huge bulk of this collection came from when they were much smaller, which gradually accummulated over the years leading to this day that they’re already in grade school.
Now it makes me wonder: if let's say, instead of toys, what if I'd give more memorable, or dare I say, more meaningful gifts? Perhaps things they would really use for a long time, or maybe more practical stuff like sleepwear, or how about an experience, instead? And what if I thought of this years ago, would we have as much clutter as we do now?
Also Read: 8 Tips For Moms To Manage The Mental Load Of Making Holiday Magic
What if we help other parents by giving minimalist gifts to their children instead of adding to their toy pile—gifts that are more functional, more engaging, more mindful, and ‘less kalat’ to a certain degree?
If you're ready to switch things this season and explore other gift options, we’ve rounded up a list of minimalist gifts for the tiny tots.
10 Minimalist gift ideas for toddlers
1. Toys that keep them engaged for a long time
A. ‘Busy books’ or ‘busy boards’
Busy boards are excellent tools for young children, offering multiple developmental and practical benefits such as enhanced fine motor and cognitive skills. Busy books and boards are designed to engage children in solo play, promoting independence and focus, whilst keeping them entertained for long hours. It keeps them 'busy' without having to rely on a gadget or tablet for entertainment.
B. Duplo
These engaging blocks of fun not only provide hours of entertainment but also encourage toddlers to explore their surroundings and develop vital skills. From learning shapes to imagining structures and discovering the basics of engineering and computer coding, they make the process of education both enjoyable and enriching.
Plus, they can enjoy these toys longer–even at the age of 6! Buy the one that comes with a container so it’s easy to store and pack away.
Duplo or building block toys are available in any Toys r Us store.
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But you can also buy from Shopee or Lazada.
2. Outdoor toys
A. Balance bikes
Balance bikes are an excellent investment for young children, offering a number benefits that go beyond traditional training wheels including confidence, balance and coordination.
Also Read: This Kids’ Race Taught My Son Bravery, Resilience, And Fun
B. First kiddie camera
Photography can spark a passion for learning in children with its innovative and engaging means of discovery and exploration. They can take pictures of flowers, insects, leaves, rocks, and even you! It's nice to bring these cameras while travelling; you'd be surprised how they see the world from their perspective.
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Also Read: Maternity Shoot Idea For Second Pregnancy: Let Your Toddler Do It!
3. Pillow blankets
Speaking of travelling, pillow blankets are must-haves. It keeps kids warm and comfortable.
4. Pajamas and new beddings
Another practical gift idea for kids is sleepwear or beddings. You can choose from their favorite cartoon character. It's a hack to invite them to bed and encourage them to rest early.
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Pajamas Overload has an entire collection for the family. But you can also buy from Shopee or Lazada.
5. Toddler essentials
A. Wipes and diapers
Let’s admit it. These are underrated essentials that if you’re a parent or have been a parent to a toddler–you know how valuable these essentials are. They tend to run out quickly because we always want our kids clean and dry. Back when my kids were little, my favorite pasalubong from their grandma are diapers!
Toddlers are exploring the world around them so they are on their feet running around, crawling, climbing, and rolling on the floor. Taped diapers can shift easily because of such movements so fluids tend to leak from one side or the other. What a hassle! But, thanks to diaper pants, they’re now free to move as much as they want–and for us parents, it's easier for us to put these on our kids compared to a taped one. Wipes and diapers: absolutely practical gifts!
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EQ Pants are your affordable option without sacrificing quality. For more promos, visit their shop on TikTok.
B. Hygiene and First Aid Kits
Hygiene Kit for kids is a must-have back-to-school essential designed to support personal cleanliness and overall health since it comes with a variety of items like alcohol, tissue, soap, and more. It’s especially handy when going out since little kids can be quite messy—having hygiene essentials on hand makes bathroom trips much easier. Similarly, first aid kits are invaluable for quickly addressing their minor scrapes, boo-boos, and bruises.
6. Tickets to a show, zoo, aquarium, or museum
A. Manila Ocean Park and Ocean Park Aqua Adventure
Make those toddlers enjoy and experience seeing underwater creatures or having a splash on their new waterpark at Manila Ocean Park.
Book your tickets on Klook.
B. Philippine Biodome
It’s Manila’s newest eco-paradise! Admission includes Amphiteather show and tell, Flying Encounter, Freshwater Gallery, and Jumping Bubble. It also includes access to animal exhibits featuring 14-Footer Saltwater Crocodile viewing, Butterfly Koi Fish, Paddle Fish, budgerigar, brahminy kites, and many more. Children with a height of 2 feet and above will be charged the same rates as adults.
Book your tickets on Klook.
C. Paradizoo, Tagaytay
Kids love animals and what a beautiful way to experience the beauty of nature and wildlife at Paradizoo! Your little ones can enjoy close encounters with animals, feed them, and watch activities like sheep-shearing and goat or cow milking. It'll be an awesome day for kids so titos, titas, ninongs and ninangs—buy this for your pamangkins and inaanaks.
Book your tickets on Klook.
D. Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero
Kids love Disney and you can bring the magic to life by letting them see their favorite characters dance and skate before their eyes! Lead them to SM Mall Of Asia Arena for a memorable show which will run from December 21-Jan 5. This will not only be enjoyed by the tiny tots but the entire family as well. Limited seats available.
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Buy your tickets here.
E. Space & Time Cube + Immersive Art Museum
Location: S Maison at Conrad Manila
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
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Buy your tickets here.
ALSO READ: Spoiled Kasi Ayaw Ang Regalo? What To Do When Your Child Doesn’t Like His Christmas Gift
7. Theme park tickets
A. Sky Ranch Tagaytay
Nasugbu Hi-way, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay, Cavite
Let the kids enjoy rides and other attractions in Sky Ranch Tagaytay. Ticket is valid for 180 days from the date of purchase.
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Buy your tickets here.
B. Enchanted Kingdom, Sta Rosa, Laguna
Have a magical day with your little ones inside this 25-hectare world-class theme park featuring seven themed zones and exciting rides and attractions–explore kiddie rides and indoor attractions. Hop on their Boulderville Express train or ride the Dinosaurus and Air Pterodactyl.
Junior Day pass starts at P840. Book your tickets on Klook.
8. Lessons
Dance and Swimming lessons
- Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Quezon City
Check Twinke Toes program here. - Ballet Philippines Dance School
Pre-ballet starts at P3,100/month. Check packages here. - Swimming Lessons
Bert Lozada Swimming School has programs for babies and children. For kids aged 4 and above who are afraid of the water or have little to no swimming experience, try their level 1, Snapper 1 program. Check website for school locations.
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9. Gift cards and certificates
- Timezone gift cards. For just P275, your inaanak can already receive a gift card that includes a Timezone Powercard preloaded with P350 worth of credits. Spread the joy of play and entertainment—purchase a Timezone Gift Card at any Timezone venue!
- Kidzoona gift certificates. Let your friend’s kids enjoy playtime with make-believe shops at Kidzoona, as well as their slides, sand boxes, trampolines, and ball pits. Kidzoona gift certificates are available from their playgrounds nationwide. The best part? No expiry dates! Check playtime rates here.
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10. Self-shoot package
Toddlers can be very challenging to shoot or have them pose for the camera especially if they are surrounded by people they don't know. Good thing, there are now self-shoot photography studios that can accommodate your little ones (and the entire family) for a cute holiday greeting photo. Packages start for as low as P500 for 20 mins of unlimited solo or duo photoshoot.
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Check out list of self-shoot photo studios in Manila on Klook!
More meaningful, 'bawas-kalat' gifts
Giving minimalist gifts to toddlers is a thoughtful approach that focuses on quality over quantity; experience over material excess, which highlights practicality and reduction of unnecessary clutter or kalat.
Toddlers are at a developmental stage where exploration and play help shape their understanding of the world. Minimalist gifts, such as open-ended toys, quiet books, or practical items, can encourage creativity and skill-building. Gifts that lean on experience allow parents to create lasting memories and moments while teaching children the value of simplicity.
By prioritizing thoughtful and practical items, you can support a child’s growth and nurture an intentional approach from an early age when it comes to material possessions.
Do you want more stories on underconsumption and mindful holiday spending? Check this article for more insights.
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