There are plenty of health benefits to reducing screen time. Reducing screen time benefits both mental and physical health. Finding screen time alternatives for your family and friends shows that you really care about their health and wellbeing. Here are some ideas for screen free gifts that inspire creativity.
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Gifts that Help Separate you from Screens
- Alarm Clock – Many people keep their phone inside their room at night in order to use it as an alarm clock. If you have a separate alarm clock this will enable you to keep your phone away from your night stand. This helps reduce the urge to grab it first thing in the morning.
- Hands free adapter – Of course newer cars have Bluetooth adapters for hands free calls. If you need a gift ides for someone driving an older car without a handsfree option a hands free Bluetooth adapter would be a great gift.
- Wall Calendar – Stop your loved one from picking up their phone to check the date. Find a cute wall calendar for them to check instead.
- Wall clock – A decorative wall clock can stop the urge to pick up a phone to check the time.
- Activity books – Help your loved one find something else to reach for for entertainment.
- Phone jail – A novelty gift for your phone addicted loved one.
Gifts that Encourage Reconnecting with Nature
Spending time outdoors is great for mental and physical health. Here are a few gifts that can encourage outdoor fun and can serve as great screentime alternatives.
Hiking or Camping Equipment
Even if you are not a camping enthusiast, some camping equipment can be used at home. A tent or hammock can be set up in your own backyard. For hours of fun!
Nature Viewing Gifts
Backyard Games
Gifts that Encourage Family Time
Spending time together as a family is important for staying connected.
Family Games
Card games and board games encourage screen free family fun. Check out this link for a list of really fun board games listed by age of family members. If you need a small game that will fit in a stocking, Easter basket or care package, check out this list of small games.
Family activities
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- LEGO sets – Try to find a large set that will take lots of time and cooperation to complete.
- Family Outings – Try bowling, a museum visit, zoo or aquarium passes.
Gifts that Encourage Creativity
Crafts or books are a great creative escape.
- Diamond painting
- Craft kits
- Cookbooks
- Sidewalk chalk
- Craft supplies
- A Best seller book for 2024
- A Journal
- A snowman kit
Gifts that Encourage Physical Activity
Encourage a sport your loved one enjoys already, or encourage them to try a new sport with lessons or equipment.
- Pickle ball set or lessons
- Roller skates or ice skates – with safety equipment and lessons
- Badminton set
- A sled, skis or a snowboard with lessons
- A golf practice net or lessons
- Yoga mat
- Free weights
Gifts that Encourage the Other 4 Senses
Screen time is most engaging for the sense of sight, why not attempt to engage the other four senses in order to distract your loved one from their screen.
Touch
- A massage or massage oils
- A spa day
- A fidget toy
Sound
- Concert tickets
- Audio books
- Sleep noise machine
Taste
- Gift cards for a favorite restaurant
- A cookie decorating kit
- Cooking classes
Smell
- Bath bombs or salts
- A spa kit
- A soap making kit
- A candle making kit
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2 replies on “Screen Time Alternatives: Gifts that Inspire Creativity and Connection”
This is a great list of gifts of screen time alternatives. Spending time away from technology is so rewarding!
Lego sets have bred our family favors for group activities! We have these out at every family gathering.