I have two boys and when they were aged 11 and 12 they were obsessed with their screens. So, any Christmas Gifts that will get them OUT of the house – is good for me!
I had the same problem every other parent has when it comes to technology. Mine chuck a spack if I ask them to go play outside or go do something else because they love the computer and they do enjoy it so much.
So no matter what age your kids are, boys or girls – these are some ideas on how to get the kids off the screens and out of the house!!!
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1. A Cubby House
Remember how fun cubby houses were when you were a kid? Having that special place that kids can have, just for them is a great reason for them to get out of the house and play. There are now some epic cubby houses around (especially if you aren’t handy enough to build one yourself!).
Plus they do make fantastic Christmas Gifts!
The Wooden Playhouse Cottage Price: $369 Stockist: Available in Amazon Weight: 50kg (comes in two packages) Let your kids take advantage of precious outdoor time with the Australian Rovo Kids Wooden Cubby House. Weather-resistant, durable and beautifully designed for children to have a place for imaginative play that will last even when the sun goes down. | |
Outdoor Kids Cubby Wooden Play House Price: $279.99 Stockist: Crazy Sales Weight: 33.5kg | |
LITTLE TIKES Small Cape Cottage Refresh Playhouse Price: $199 Stockist: Amazon Weight: 13.6kg |
2. Trampolines
We have always had a Springfree Trampoline – and they are epic! The boys have loved their ‘tramp’ since they were little and still use it when I force them to go outside. Great exercise and even the husband can have a go and pole-ax himself!
12FT Trampoline with Kids Safety Net RRP: $568 Stockist: Kogan Weight: 120kg Take advantage of this Trampoline to the fullest! Boasting 72-piece triple rate springs for enhanced bounce, the 12-foot trampoline ensures worry-free bouncing. The heavy-gauge steel structure is UV-tested for performance and reliability and is built to handle any rigorous play. | |
Everfit 16FT Trampoline with Basketball Hoop RRP: $551.95 Stockist: Kogan Weight: 150kg Make use of the Everfit Trampoline’s unlimited bouncing potential. The 16-foot Trampoline’s exceptional bounce facets, which include 108-piece triple-rate springs, allow for worry-free hopping. The heavy-gauge steel structure is UV-tested for quality and durability and is built to handle any rigorous play. |
3. Ride-On Vehicles
Ride-on vehicles are so much fun – provided you have somewhere for the kids to drive them.
Electric Ride-On Car Stockist: Kogan Weight: 25kg (max.) This Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Ride-On Car is a great way to introduce your child to steering. Featuring a slew of completely automated functions! They’ll be showing off this sleek and sophisticated beauty to their pals in no time! | |
Volkswagen Beetle Kids Electric Ride On RRP: $329.00 Stockist: Ozsale Ride-on Outback Car is a great way to introduce your child to the thrill of motoring. Designed to resemble a miniature Volkswagen Beetle, this amusing toy comes complete with a working USB/FM/Bluetooth radio, operational shock absorbers, power displays, brilliant headlights and taillights, and functional double side doors. | |
Range Rover Electric Ride-On RRP: $584.95 on sale for $284.95 Stockist: Crazy Sales You can give your kids a taste of luxury with a little Range Rover. Like its real-life counterpart, this toy rover is equipped with comfy seats, LED lighting, backward/forwards maneuverability, EVA wheels, and audio features! |
4. Water play
You don’t need to get a whole pool installed to be able to enjoy the water this Summer. Here are some budget options!
5. A Rescue Puppy from RSPCA
Okay – big commitment here so don’t go in with your eyes closed, but nothing gets the kids (and you) outside like a dog. Sure, they are loads of work – they chew everything and dig holes and shed fur and shit more than you can imagine!
But the love you get back is so worth it! Go visit your local Dog Shelter and give a dog a second chance for fantastic family life! Having a dog forces you to walk (so you get exercise!). Having a dog means someone is always happy to see your face at the end of the day.
PS: Never buy a pet for anyone else – that’s how animals end up in shelters in the first place!
Go to the RSPCA website to see what animals are available in your area.
6. A Basketball Hoop
I bought my boys a Basketball Hoop just this year – and they have spent countless hours out shooting hoops. It has been money well spent to get them off the screens and outside enjoying a bit of sun.
Kahuna Heights Adjustable Basketball Hoop RRP: $449.00 See Stockist -> | |
Mini Floor Basketball Game RRP: $80.00 See Stockist -> This one is perfect for the little ones, and can be put anywhere! Backyard, bedroom, garage, anywhere! |
7. A Swing Set
Swing sets are just timeless and the kids will spend so much more time outside!
BoPeep Kids Slide Swing Basketball Ring Toddlers Activity Centre RRP: $174.99 Available in Amazon-> This cute swing will definitely keep the kids busy and out of the house! | |
Kidskraft Lawnmeador Outdoor Swing Set RRP: $799.00 See Stockist -> A rock wall, swing, a slide, and a monkey bar? This will keep the kids entertained for sure! |
8. A Sand Pit
A sand pit is mandatory for little kids! They are great fun, very textural for little hands, good for motor skills and all kids love to dig!
Just make sure you keep it covered with a tarp or similar when you aren’t using them as cats like to shit in sandpits. Having a shaded pit is also good to protect little kids from the sun.
Lifespan Kids Playfort Sandpit with Canopy RRP: $549 Kogan This sandpit with a canopy is perfect for outdoor play for hours! | |
Sand and Water Table RRP: $64.95 Crazy Sales |
9. Skate Board, Scooter or Roller Skates
All three are so in at the moment – and they are not only a great way to get the kids outdoors but playing with others as well.
Here are our picks!
Skateboards:
Nitro Circus 8″ Skateboard Y Flame RRP: $79 See Stockist -> | |
Bluefire 46″ 118cm Longboard RRP: $71.91 See Stockist -> |
Scooters:
Roller Skates:
Infinity Skates in Strawberry Slide RRP: $119.95 See Stockist -> | |
Crazy Skate Kids Adjustable Inline Skates RRP: $99 See Stockist -> | |
Kids Helmet, Knee Pads + Elbow Pads RRP: $39.99 Crazy Sales |
10. A Bike
Sure, I crashed a lot at first, and I can’t keep up with my husband and boys, but damn, it is exhilarating and I love that we can all do it! My boys just love it and get better every time we hit the trails!
Paw Patrol Beginners Bike RRP: $659 Stockist: Amazon The Paw Patrol Skye Bike makes it much easier for children to enjoy riding a bike. As long as you have a parent-push bar and training wheels on the bike, your child will have the esteem they need to start rolling! | |
Trinx Junior 4.0 Bike with Shimano Gears RRP: $199 Stockist: Kogan The classic Trinx for your youngster! This one’s a great way to train ’em young especially if they are a huge fan of road cycling/road race. | |
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL RRP: $21,200.00 Stockist: Specialized |
Got some good ideas on what to grab this year for the kids for Christmas?