20 Unique Gifts Your Kids Will Love (and Actually Use!)

Aren’t you tired of getting your kids the presents they’ve always wanted, only to watch them get bored of them within minutes. Is your daughter’s American Girl in her closet gathering dust? Or your son’s Cars collection in storage boxes because he’s moved on to the next thing? We feel your pain.

So how about getting gifts that your children will actually use — and love? It’s actually not that hard. Because you know how Moms and Dads know what’s best for their kids? It applies to gift-giving too.

National Geographic

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For the kid who loves to read

Find a magazine they love and get them a year's worth of them — but wrap the current issue so they know what they're getting. Besides, what kid doesn't love getting things in the mail?

For the kid who loves to learn new things

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For the kid who loves to learn new things

Get them classes to something you've heard them talking about, or something you know is their passion. From painting to playing the drums, learning to tap or riding a horse, that encouragement will help them find what they enjoy (and what they don't) and perhaps even uncover a hidden passion.

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For the kid who loves to go out

Going to the aquarium, zoo or museum is a great way to spend a day but admission isn't super-friendly. But an annual membership will allow them to go whenever they want.

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For the kid who loves a good show

Tickets to the big holiday movie, big game, concert or musical are so much fun and something they can talk about for weeks and months (and even years) to come.

Treetop Trekking

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For the kid who loves being active

It could be something new or something they already love, from mini golf, treetop trekking and bowling, to outdoor skating, rock climbing or paint ball, children will love spending time with the grown-ups in their lives when it's bad-ass stuff like this.

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For the kid who loves to cook

If they're already passionate foodies, maybe a small appliance or fun kitchen gadget he's had his heart set on.

Indigo

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For the kid who loves to bake

Keep it simple with a recipe book for him to compile all his favourites, or the ingredients for her favourite cake to make (and you to eat).

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For the kid who loves food

Get them a gift card to their favourite place to eat, whether it's a diner or shop, fancy restaurant or bakery. But what's better is giving them the freedom to invite whomever they want. Maybe it's Mom or Dad or the grandparents; maybe it's a classmate or a cousin.

Toys"R"Us

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For the kid who loves to get crafty

Create a basket of craft supplies with everything they'll need, from paint, glue, glitter, pipe cleaners, markers, playdough, tape and paper. Lots and lots of paper.

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For the kid who loves to read, Part 2

Get them a library card. Considering they don't have much in their wallets (if they even have a wallet) but their first card that they've signed is a pretty cool thing. Plus, just think of all the books and movies at their disposal.

Indigo

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For the kid who loves fashion

There are some children who are so ahead of their time, fashion-wise, that they feel the need to create their own designs. So help them unleash their talents with their first sewing machine, a threadless wonder that includes patterns and pre-cut shapes.

Toys"R"Us

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For the kid who loves the outdoors

His first big boy sled, or her own gardening gear or fishing equipment make for a perfect, pleasant surprise.

Walmart

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For the kid who loves to dance

For the younger ones on your list, these animated Fisher-Price toys are the perfect playtime companion. Kids 9 months to 3 years old can easily press big buttons to activate fun songs, dance moves and even learning games.

SportChek

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For the kid who loves to play sports

A season's worth of golf balls or sleeves of tennis balls, maybe a new mitt or frisbee, or a bike helmet because last year's no longer fits. The best part? It's all stuff that can be left in the shed or garage so you'll never lose them.

For the kid who loves to know what time it is

Fitbit

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For the kid who loves to know what time it is

A cool watch or activity tracker that tells time is something all kids can get excited about. Plus, they won't be pestering you for the time, or for their own phones. Yet.

For the kid who loves a good brain teaser

Mastermind Toys

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For the kid who loves a good brain teaser

Whether it's a book on Sudoku or word scrambles to 1000-piece puzzles, there is nothing wrong with a child developing their problem-solving skills and developing their brain power.

Walmart

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For the kid who loves money

A board game like Monopoly Empire or The Game of Life will teach them a thing or two about the value of a dollar and help them progress their math skills.

Indigo

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For the kid who loves to be organized

A lot of kids like to know what's going on, what day it is, how many days until their birthday/the last day of school/Valentine's Day. A wall calendar that they can fill out themselves with their classes, play dates, holidays and even appointments will give them a sense of purpose.

Walmart

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For the kid who loves the latest thing

Hatchimals are the must-have toy of the season so if you can find one, that's unique in itself.

For the kid who doesn’t know what he/she wants

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For the kid who doesn’t know what he/she wants

Create a book with coupons they can "spend" at any time (with a little warning for Mom and Dad). A chore-free week. Breakfast for dinner. Stay up a half hour past their bedtime. Movie and popcorn night and they pick the movie. It gives them a sense of control (even though you totally puppeteered the hell out of it).