12 Gifts to Spark Imagination (No Screens!)

This Christmas, a quiet revolution is happening under our trees: OpenAI and Mattel just announced AI-powered “smart toys” that listen, learn, and even record our children’s voices. While the world tries to trick families into buying surveillance wrapped in pink plastic, we should consider choosing something far older and wiser: real, open-ended, screen-free play that lets little ones imagine freely without anyone listening in.

That’s why I put together this simple guide of twelve tried-and-true toys my own children still reach for first—tea sets, stick horses, dolls, and wooden food that never need batteries, updates, or a privacy policy. Each one invites hours of pretend play, storytelling, and creativity. So here are twelve gifts that spark imagination the old-fashioned way—no screens, just joyful fun and wonder.

12 Gifts To Inspire Screen-Free Play

1. Tea set or tool set

   Sparks endless pretend-play conversations and lets littles practice real-life roles without a single battery.

2. Veterinary Kit

   Turns every stuffed animal into a patient and teaches empathy, responsibility, and the virtue of gentleness.

   
   

3. Stick Horse

   Transforms hallways or backyards into a wild west adventure.

   
   

4. Jump Rope

   One simple rope makes for opportunities to burn some energy, build coordination, and even friendships (try double-dutch!)

   
   

5. Fake Food

   Always a surprisingly huge hit, serving "dinner" and “cooking” for guests keeps kids happily occupied for hours.

   
   

6. Big Parachute

   One giant colorful circle becomes whatever kids can dream up—a fort, a mountain cave, or a picnic blanket—we got one for only $5 years ago and it is an all-time favorite.

   
   

7. Bouncy Balls

   So simple, yet so fun.

   
   

8. Backpacks

   Every child becomes an adventurer ready to pack treasures, snacks, or baby dolls for the next big imaginary trip.

   
   

9. Yo-yo

   A simple, satisfying skill toy that teaches perseverance, coordination, and the satisfaction that comes of practicing and finally landing a new trick.

   
   

10. Toy Retro Telephone

    Invites long, hilarious pretend phone calls—classic.

    
    

11. Playhouse or Tent

    Creates an imaginary world where kids direct the story, host tea parties, or escape for quiet reading.

    
    

12. My Advent Angel Doll

    Becomes a best friend, a baby to nurture, or a character in grand adventures, fostering love, storytelling, and emotional connection through cuddles and care.

Written by: Catherine Fowler Sample

Hi, I'm Catherine—mom of three, wife to one very amazing husband, and the heart (and night owl) behind My Advent Angel.

Years ago I worked with the producer of Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ to write and produce the film The Dating Project. I’m also the author of Gather Together: Recipes and Reflections to Build Friendships Around the Table (Ave Maria Press). Both of those projects grew out of the same desire that still motivates me now: to build up relationship culture around Jesus—whether that be in dating, at a dinner party, or in the domestic church. If My Advent Angel helps even one child fall more in love with Jesus, my heart is full.

Come say hello on Instagram @myadventangel—I answer every message myself (usually between homeschooling and drinking too much coffee).