The best screen-free Christmas gifts for active kids are classic outdoor toys that get them moving, playing, and laughing together - think a soft boomerang, a sticky paddle toss game, a foam rocket slingshot, or a mini lacrosse set. Below you'll find six of our favorites, plus a quick rundown of why screen-free play is worth choosing this holiday season.
If you've got one or more kids on your list this Christmas, consider giving them the gift of classic, screen-free toys that promote active, imaginative play. Outdoor fun is one of the best ways to celebrate together - and build relationships and memories that will endure well beyond Christmas morning.
Not sure which toy will be the right fit for the kid(s) in your life? In this post, we've explored a few key benefits of screen-free gifts and provided a helpful rundown of some of our favorites. Let's jump right in!
Why Are Screen-Free Gifts The Best Choice For Kids?
Screen-free gifts are a great choice because they get kids moving, spark imaginative play, and create real family connection - the things that make a gift matter long after the wrapping paper is gone.
With so many digital and electronic gift ideas available, won't the kids in your life be disappointed to receive screen-free toys without high-tech features?
At Refresh Sports, we don't think so. In fact, we believe the opposite is true.
Even in a high-tech world, kids need - and love - to move their bodies and engage with the world around them - and our award-winning products are designed with exactly that in mind. We put fresh twists on classic games that provide children with opportunities to get outdoors, get active, and have fun together in every season. For even more ideas, see our roundup of engaging screen-free activities for kids.
Active Play
The health benefits of physical activity for children include improved attention and memory, strength and endurance, and mental health - and that's just for starters. So what better way to get kids moving and burning off steam than through active, outdoor play that naturally boosts their heart rate and mood?
Our toys at Refresh Sports delight active kids and give less active kids a compelling reason to head outside. With games this fun, exercise doesn't even feel like work at all!
Spark Creativity & Imagination
With outdoor play, there's no prescribed right or wrong - and that's part of the magic! Whether kids "follow the rules" or go "off-script" into their own world of imaginative play - or do a little bit of each on different days - our versatile toys offer the perfect jumping-off point.
Family Connection
We've got nothing against technology, but you know what's a really fun way to celebrate the holidays? Intentional, screen-free time the whole family can enjoy together. So, how about it this Christmas? Choose to disconnect to reconnect with backyard-approved toys perfect for intimate family fun - or a rollicking adventure that involves all the cousins, aunts, and uncles, too!
Stay In Touch With Nature & The Outdoors
Did you know that kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors? And here's the good news: Getting outdoors and enjoying nature doesn't have to involve a wilderness setting - it can be as simple as taking a cool toy out to the sidewalk in front of the house or the park down the street. At Refresh Sports, we've got plenty of cool toys to choose from - simply pair with fresh air and watch the adventures unfold!
What About Quiet Time And Independent Play?
So far, we've talked a lot about active, social outdoor time - but many children also crave opportunities for quieter, more independent play. At Refresh Sports, our inventory reflects this diversity with many toys that can be enjoyed just as easily by a single child as they can by a group of friends during a play date. Depending on the day, a child may prefer to throw a boomerang, launch an air rocket, or dive for a pool toy on their own - and that's perfectly alright! Consider the personality of the kid you're choosing a gift for this holiday season, and make your selection accordingly.
What Are The Best Screen-Free Gift Ideas For Active Kids?
Ok, let's get down to it: What's the best gift for the kid(s) in your life? Here are six of our favorite screen-free toys to delight kids of any age this holiday season:
Soft Boomerang
Our Soft Boomerang toy, designed from durable EVA foam, is ideal for young beginners looking to experience the thrill of a successful boomerang throw - and catch! This toy is impact safe and won't hurt fingers when caught at high speeds.
Sticky Baseball Paddle & Toss Catch Game
Kids can learn our Baseball Toss & Catch game in less than 30 seconds - but enjoy playing it for hours on end! Perfect for the beach, backyard, or rec room, this game has adjustable straps to fit hands of any size.
Rocket Howler Slingshot
What's made of high-strength EVA foam and soars up to 250 feet? Our Rocket Howler Slingshot, of course! This instant crowd-pleaser includes two rockets for endless outdoor fun.
Mini Lacrosse
Thrill the young sports enthusiast in your life with a versatile Mini Lacrosse set that's equally suited for the backyard, the basement, the beach, or the pool. Spoiler alert: This game promotes teamwork and may make it tough to get your kids to come inside.
Foam Glider Planes
There's something special about holding a toy in your hand one minute and watching it soar through the air the next - especially when it can travel up to 160 feet, like our Soaring Commander Glider Plane. Watch backyard dreams take flight with this high-quality toy that's designed to withstand plenty of take-offs and crash landings.
Stringy Balls
From juggling to diving to sensory play, stringy balls make a great gift for kids of any age. Wrap them up individually as stocking stuffers, or give a whole set of 8 to a child you know has an active lifestyle and will find a thousand exciting things to do with them!
Where Can You Buy Classic Christmas Toys That Never Go Out Of Style?
Ready to invest in classic, screen-free Christmas gifts for kids that will encourage them to stay active and engaged this holiday season - and beyond? At Refresh Sports, we've got plenty of options to choose from. Browse our award-winning inventory to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best screen-free Christmas gifts for active kids?
The best screen-free gifts get kids outside and moving together. Our favorites are the Soft Boomerang, the Sticky Baseball Paddle & Toss Catch Game, the Rocket Howler Slingshot, the Mini Lacrosse set, the Soaring Commander Glider Plane, and Stringy Balls - each one a fresh twist on a classic outdoor game.
Are screen-free toys good gifts for kids who love technology?
Yes. Even kids who love their screens still need - and love - to move their bodies. A well-chosen active toy gives them a compelling reason to head outside, and our games are fun enough that exercise doesn't feel like work.
What's a good screen-free gift for a child who likes to play alone?
Many of our toys work just as well solo as in a group. A child who prefers independent play might love throwing a boomerang, launching an air rocket, or diving for a pool toy on their own. Consider the personality of the kid you're shopping for and choose accordingly.
Where can I buy screen-free Christmas gifts for kids?
You can shop our full lineup of screen-free, active-play toys in our Christmas gifts for kids collection at Refresh Sports.
