Top gifts for homeschoolers
If you know someone who homeschools and want to give them the perfect gift this guide is for you. Real homeschool families weigh in on what they love most.
Have friends and family who homeschool? Want to get them a great, educational gift but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. You may or may not know that Outschool has an amazing network called Homeschooling with Outschool Parent Community.
I recruited their help, and we put together a list of our top gift picks for your holiday season. We were picky. We only chose fun, practical, affordable, and educational options we knew from firsthand experience that homeschoolers would love. Every family is unique, so instead of breaking up gifts by age group, we organized our lists into general interests and categories to help inspire you.
Spoiler alert: we think the best thing to give kids is the time and attention of a loved one (or mentor). So we’re starting out with special experiences you can give kids that are sure to make memories.
Give kids a special experience
Museum passes: unleash the wonders of history, art, and science with a museum pass. Even better, when you give it to them, pick a date to go to the museum together!)
Zoo passes: dive into the animal kingdom and make learning an adventure.
Day at the library: Foster a love for reading with a day of exploration at the local library. Even better, see if your area has a branch with a killer kids section or cool features.
Outschool class of their choice: give kids an incredible learning experience through an Outschool class: whether they’re into Dungeons and Dragons, space science, or Squishmallows, they’ll find something they'll love. Even better: set up a ‘debrief’ time where you can hear about the class.
Movie day: spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying an educational movie. Even better, make them re-enact their favorite scene from the movie when you’re done.
A meal at the restaurant of their choice: Combine a treat with valuable one-on-one time. Even better, order double dessert because life is short.
Gifts that give back
Help kids experience just how much better giving is than receiving. Research charities together and let them help choose a mission that speaks to them. Here are some ideas to get you started.
UNICEF's Paddington Postcards: cultivate empathy and global awareness.
International Pen Pal/Child Sponsorships: forge connections beyond borders.
Fair Trade Toys: choose toys that positively impact global communities.
Educational subscriptions
KiwiCo Subscription: monthly hands-on projects to spark creativity.
Highlights for Kids: engaging stories and activities for young minds.
National Geographic: explore the wonders of the world through captivating content.
Little Passports: travel the globe through immersive, educational activities.
Ranger Rick: connect with nature through this wildlife-focused magazine.
Popular Science: ignite curiosity with the latest in science and technology.
Board games for every mind
Trekking: National Parks Game: combine adventure and learning about the great outdoors.
Logic Games: Castle Logic, Gravity Maze, Marble Runs, Magnatiles, Race to the Treasure. Develop logical reasoning skills with these engaging games.
Word Play: Bananagrams, Apples to Apples, Slamwich–these games enhance language skills through playful competition.
Chess Set: enhance critical thinking skills through the game of chess.
Codenames board game: a word-based strategy game for family fun.
Deck of Cards: classic and versatile.
Artistic exploration
Craft supplies: markers, air clay, construction paper–unleash creativity through hands-on projects.
Hole punchers and shape punchers: elevate craft time with precision and variety.
Paint sticks: mess-free painting for budding artists.
Lap desks: create a comfortable space for artistic endeavors.
Outdoor adventures
Pocket microscopes: dive into the microscopic world of nature.
Nature journals: encourage observation and reflection.
Digital cameras: capture memories and learn photography skills.
Hiking backpacks, binoculars, telescope. Gear up for outdoor adventures.
Trekking Gear: equip young explorers for journeys into the unknown.
Educational kits for hands-on learning
Create your own book kits: nurture storytelling skills and creativity.
Chemistry sets & microscopes: explore the wonders of science in a playful way.
Science fusion kit, butterfly growing kit, measuring cups, and balance: Hands-on experiments to spark scientific curiosity.
Play-Doh kits and rock Collections: engage in sensory exploration and geology.
Makey Makey: ignite inventiveness by turning everyday objects into touchpads.
Raspberry Pi Starter Kit: introduce the basics of computer science and programming in a hands-on way.
Microscope slides kit: expand microscopy adventures with prepared slides.
DIY weather station: create a hands-on weather monitoring system.
Kitchen science kits: turn the kitchen into a laboratory with safe and exciting experiments.
DIY robot kits: combine technology and creativity with hands-on robot building.
Indoor herb garden kit: learn about plants, growth cycles, and sustainable practices.
Beekeeping starter kit: understand the importance of bees and ecosystems.
Crunch Labs: Subscription build-it-yourself kits.
Creative tools for excitable learners
Fidget pens: a discreet tool for focus and stress relief.
Chew necklaces/Bracelets
Weighted blankets
Crochet kits
Reading adventures
Splatoon Manga Set: dive into the vibrant world of Splatoon through captivating manga.
Reading light or reading pillow: create a cozy reading nook.
Make your own book kits: encourage budding authors to create their literary masterpieces.
Epic - Digital reading platform with over 40,000 books
Parent Elf on the Shelf essentials
Don’t forget the practical essentials that support a conducive learning environment:
Office supplies
Copy paper
Tape
Construction Paper
Paints
Coffee filters
Additional recommendations for enrichment
language learning tools
Duolingo Plus Subscription: is a fun and interactive way to introduce or enhance language skills.
Mindfulness, well-being, and sports options
Yoga Mats and Guides: foster physical and mental well-being with yoga sessions.
Mindfulness Journals: encourage self-reflection and emotional intelligence.
Go old school with balls, jump ropes, skip-its!
Musical instruments
Beginner's musical instrument set: introduce the joy of music with a variety of instruments.
Music lessons or classes: try online or local classes for musical exploration.
Ukulele
Video games, learning apps, and programs
IXL Learning: get personalized K-12 learning with adaptive questions.
ABCmouse: educational games for early learners covering a range of subjects.
Reading Eggs: early reading.
Toca Boca: creative play and expression.
Teach Your Monster: phonics and Reading by Usborne.
Rosetta Stone: language learning for all ages.
Osmo Genius Starter Kit: merge learning and play with interactive games that promote math, drawing, and problem-solving.
VR Headsets for educational apps: explore virtual worlds for history, science, and geography lessons.
Hearts of Iron: World War II strategy game.
Civilizations: turn-based strategy game using history from the Bronze Age to the modern-day.
Europa Universalis: a historical empire-building game from the medieval era to 18th century
Humankind: historical strategy from the bronze age to the modern day.
Kerbal Space Program: create and manage your own space program.
Satisfactory: teaches intricate machine assembly and production in engineering.
Astroneer: teaches planetary survival and basic chemistry through aerospace exploration.
Mission US: FREE serious history with serious games.
Minecraft: creative building, coding, and logic.
More ideas
To paraphrase Maya Angelou, kids may not remember what gift you gave them, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. ♥️
