Unique Kids' Gifts

Electronics

• Kids often enjoy popular electronic devices such as video game consoles, DVD players, portable audio devices and cell phones. Instead of purchasing these electronic devices, send gifts that allow kids to become a part of the creative process. Purchase a video camera with bundled software, for example, to allow kids who enjoy movies to create, edit and publish their own. You can also give kids simple electronic versions of popular games such as checkers, solitaire, Frogger or Pac-Man to share the games you played as a youth with your kids.

Musical Instruments

• As of February 2011, the games Rock Band, Guitar Hero and DJ Hero remain popular among kids. Available for play on home consoles and arcades, these games replicate the feeling of playing an instrument in a band. Instead of purchasing the game, you can give kids an actual instrument. Starter guitars, keyboard and drum sets are often comparatively priced to the music video game and are just as fun to play. While a game instrument restricts them to the game console, your kids can play musical instruments anywhere.

E-Book Reader

• Reading doesn't seem as fun for kids as it used to. With the rising proliferation of electronic goods, kids are more inclined to pick up a controller or a keyboard than a book. Fortunately, a new electronic device aims to make reading hip for kids again. Called an e-book reader, the device displays a book in electronic format, including color and images. An e-book reader can hold thousands of books and include special features such as Wi-Fi connection and a Web browser. Place children's books and comics on an e-book reader to make it more attractive to your child.

Outdoor Gifts

• If your child is spending too much free time indoors, purchase a gift that promotes outdoor activity. Camping and hiking gear such as a sleeping bag, hammock, compass and walkie talkies may encourage kids to spend a night outdoors (in the backyard, of course). You can also purchase toys best enjoyed with others, such as a baseball and glove, water guns or a portable outdoor volleyball set.