Every time you turn around — or perhaps more accurately, scroll through social media ads — you're hit with toy recommendations for kids. It would almost make shopping easy, except that it's information overload. Plus, not all kids are all about the "hot new toy." Some kids who are really creative-minded, introspective, or just offbeat in a hip-without-realizing-it kinda way crave something a little more, well, offbeat!
Lucky for you, it's not that hard to find really creative, interesting gifts anymore. You just have to know where to shop. We're making it even easier by rounding up 10 of the most interesting gifts that any offbeat kid will be all about. Because, let's face it, even the most on-trend toy of the season is really only fun for … a season.
Here are 10 toys offbeat kids will love.
1. Follies Building Sets
If you're looking for a creative toy that provides endless fun, look no further. The building sets from Follies are seriously exciting. The sets consist of washable pieces that can be put together like a giant puzzle, only there is no right way to do it. That means it can be taken apart and put back together over and over again. Each set also comes with markers so kids can color right on their house, spaceship, barn, robot — the options for what to build are totally endless! But because the smooth surface wipes clean, kids can color their project over and over again, too.
2. Grateful Dead Magna-Tiles
Magnet tiles have been around for a few years, but they bring endless fun when it comes to assembling and disassembling. Now the company Magna-Tiles has introduced some really fun new collections, like this super-cute Grateful Dead Magna-Tiles Structure Set for all the offbeat hippie kids to enjoy.
In the cute building set, each tile depicts the band’s album covers on one side and, of course, the dancing bears on the other, allowing fans to relive their favorite moments in Grateful Dead history. Deadhead kids can build their own party buses and more.
3. Pillow Cube's Pillow Cubs
When it comes to kids who march to their own beat, a regular pillow just won't do. Enter: the Pillow Cub from Pillow Cube, the company that makes the most mundane thing ever super fun with adorable animal designs.
But the best part isn't how these pillow cubes look. It's what they do. The pillows are made perfectly for comfortable side-sleeping, which experts agree is the optimal position for respiration, circulation, reduced snoring, and digestion!
4. Zenimal Kids Meditation Device
Meditation is a helpful practice for just about everyone, but often it's tough to get kids engaged enough to try it. Zenimal Kids makes it engaging and easy for children to develop their own practice. It's a portable, screen-free meditation device that helps children develop mindfulness with its nine preloaded guided meditations. How cool is that? The device is best for kids ages 5 to 12, and there is also a 13-plus option, which adults can use, too.
5. Dress Me Notepad From Little Biscuits
A notepad makes a great gift? Actually, in this day and age when everything is electronic, there are a lot of kids who are craving a brain break. These notepads are super unique because they are made up of diverse characters that kids can color or paste outfits and scenes around. They're great for trips or car rides, or any other time the pull of creativity calls for an outlet.
6. Light Up Drawing Tees
Once in a while a gift idea comes around that is just too good to look away from! Except you may have to with this one, because the light will eventually hurt your eyes. Any creative kid, who might already have a habit of drawing on their clothing, will be all about a T-shirt they're allowed to draw on. The best part about these cool tees is that the designs light up. The design fades in about five minutes, though, meaning kids can turn their shirts into art, then do it again.
7. Baking Sets From I'm the Chef, Too
The most creative kids out there love projects. They might be trashing the house one second, but as soon as you give them something to channel their energy into, all is well. That's what makes these adorable and fun baking sets from I'm the Chef, Too such an amazing gift for kids who love to get their hands messy while occupying that creative brain that never stops.
These sets are designed specifically for kids, so you know they'll be able to handle it. But better yet, the sets mix together reading and STEM skills for the perfect educational recipe.
You can buy one box or give your kids something to look forward to with a subscription!
8. Selfie Ring Light
Kids are the ultimate creators. Luckily for them, the world is a canvas. With YouTube, TikTok, and all of social media these days, children learn pretty young how to create content. And some of it is pretty incredible. For those who are interested in the endless creating that technology allows, the perfect lighting tools are totally necessary. But kids don't need a team of lighting experts and photographers to up their influencer game. All they need is a quality selfie light that they can clip anywhere. This one has four lighting modes for the perfect light anywhere with the click of a button.
9. Crazy Forts From Fat Brain Toys
Kids of just about any age love building forts. But the problem with forts is that you don't always have what you need to build the epic fort of your dreams. This amazing toy that comes with 69 pieces alleviates that issue and takes fort building to the next level.
10. Fantastic Food Truck by Osmo
This amazing invention is the perfect gift for kids who love creative play. Osmo is an award-winning STEM tool that turns tablets into self-paced learning devices. All you have to do is place your tablet on the base, then secure the reflector over the camera. Kids won't just use the screen to play along. They'll get to play with real pieces, making it even more engaging.
Fantastic Food Truck lets kids become chefs and customize dishes, all while teaching them essential math skills. There are tons of other add-ons to choose from, so with this toy, kids will never be uninspired.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.