10 non-toy gift ideas for kids

Shopping for little ones can require creativity, especially when you're looking for non-toy gifts. If the kid in your life has plenty of things to play with, consider a non-toy gift that will inspire them to express their style or to find joy in sport and movement.

Picking out a fun accessory, a pair of fresh kicks, a kid-sized backpack or a cosy fleece layer is a great way to surprise the kid in your life with something different. In this gift guide for kids, check out 10 non-toy gift ideas from Nike.

These vintage-inspired kicks will become a firm favourite for any young person who likes fashion. Nike Blazers are an iconic sneaker that can be paired with all kinds of outfits.

For the kid who likes to keep it classic, choose a monochromatic colourway or a white Blazer with black accents. For kids who like to have more colour in their wardrobe, the Blazer Mid '77 also comes in fun and vibrant hues with unique accents.

Nike Blazers come in sizes for toddlers (0 to 3 years), younger kids (3 to 7 years) and older kids (7 to 15 years).

(Related: The best Nike shoes for back to school)

A casual, everyday hoodie or sweatshirt, like a Nike Sportswear sweatshirt, is a great gift for kids, especially during the festive season. Nike kids' sweatshirts offer a comfy, sporty layering option, with roomy designs and super-soft fleece for a cosiness that kids will love—no itchy or uncomfortable fabrics here.

For active kids, opt for a hoodie made with Nike Therma-FIT technology, which is designed to be insulating yet breathable for working up a sweat on chilly days.

(Related: Shop matching Nike outfits for the whole family)

From fluffy bucket hats to ribbed beanies, Nike winter hats are a go-to, practical gift idea during cold-weather months. And there are age-appropriate options for all kids: dress up the toddler in your life in a matching beanie-and-mitts set, or give a teenager a simple beanie to pair with any outfit.

To help a kid tote their stuff to and from school or extracurricular activities, consider treating them to a new backpack. Choose from mini backpacks, drawstring bags and standard backpacks in a variety of designs and sizes, from 11 to 32 litres of storage.

(Related: The best Nike kids' backpacks for back to school)

Nothing says cosy like a warm, fluffy puffer jacket. A high-quality winter coat is a great gift idea for kids who want to show off their style even when they need to bundle up. Choose from shiny and bright fabrics or a classic, all-black look.

Nike puffer jackets for kids are machine-washable, which makes them easy to clean. Plus, many Nike kids' puffers feature a woven tag inside the jacket with multiple name slots. You can put a kid's name in the jacket when the jacket is new, then write in a new name when it becomes a hand-me-down.

(Related: 7 winter clothing staples for kids)

With a retro basketball aesthetic, the Air Force 1 is one of the most iconic shoes in Nike history. Kids will love these shoes and their responsive Nike Air cushioning, which makes them comfy for all-day wear at school or at the weekend.

They come in low-, mid- and high-top models and in loads of colourways to match the unique style and aesthetic of the kid in your life.

(Related: The best Air Force 1s to buy right now)

If the kid you're shopping for loves hiking and exploring the outdoors, the Nike ACG line is packed with gear that can keep up with their adventures. Nike ACG gear is durable and designed to stand up to all kinds of weather conditions, so kids can enjoy screen-free, outdoor play all year round. Shop warm fleeces, technical rain layers, waterproof boots and more.

With their grippy rubber, responsive cushioning and game-changing designs inspired by Nike pro athletes, a fresh pair of basketball shoes will be a hit with any basketball-loving kid.

Shop high- or low-top styles, and look for kid-friendly design features, like a zip around the ankle cuff or an adjustable ankle strap to make it easier to get the shoes on and off—without having to tie the laces.

Let the kid in your life show off their style at lunch time. Nike lunch bags come in an array of designs, from classic lunch-bag shapes to bags that look like mini backpacks or gym bags.

With playful patterns, bold logos and bright colours, these lunch bags look cool while keeping the contents temperature-controlled through padded insulation.

If you want to let the kid in your life pick out their own gift, a Nike gift card is a safe bet. With a gift card, a kid can choose a gift they'll love and use frequently. Just pick the amount you want to load onto the gift card and let them enjoy the process of picking something out.

Words by Hannah Singleton