The 2025 screen-free gift guide highlights simple non-internet tech, cozy bedroom items, journals, games, and hands-on experiences that spark creativity, rest, and connection. Ideas range from bluetooth speakers and Zenimals to alarm clocks, cushions, vases, and a wide mix of family-friendly games. There are also suggestions for classes, thrift-store gifts, and DIY projects like lavender bags and soap, plus links to all past non-tech gift guides.
As always, I provide gift ideas for youth and teens of all ages. I hope you enjoy looking through this as much as I enjoyed putting this together. At the end of this year's list, you’ll find links to my lists from previous years in case you want even more ideas!
And before we begin, I want to emphasize that I, along with the Screenagers team, strongly support shopping locally whenever possible.
Even if I share a link to an online store to show you my idea, if you can, choosing a local shop is always preferred.
We also strongly advise against buying toys with built-in AI chatbots because of the current risks associated with these technologies.
The cutest Bluetooth speaker and a great way to pipe in music if your kid really needs that or something like that for sleep. What is dandy is that a speaker like this keeps the internet out of the room…it’s you that controls the music or story.
A landline that kids can use to call other kids.
I will be writing more about the growing trend of bringing these types of phones into homes so kids can talk with friends and call parents without being on a screen!
A cute device that comes in the shape of a turtle or spaceship, using memory cards to provide guided meditations to help kids and teens practice mindfulness without an app or a screen. They are well-crafted, and additional meditation cards can be purchased so that things never get boring. Their tagline is "From chaos to calm without the screen time."
In light of the recent launch of our exciting Screen-Free Sleep campaign, I have to start with non-internet-connected alarm clocks. 😀
Recently, for my daughter’s birthday, I gave her one that she loved! They come in so many designs and lots of local print shops or websites will put your own design on it which is a great way to share treasured family photographs.
To go with the mug, I also gave Tessa this sweet tea collection. For a holiday gift, maybe pair it with a fun hot chocolate mix or chocolate spoons.
Consider giving one to a boy in your life! (Too often, girls are gifted these and not boys.) This one is fun. This one is very cool, also.
Research indicates that labeling or writing about emotions helps transfer activity from the brain’s emotional centers to the prefrontal cortex, which supports clearer thinking and perspective.
Even if your child doesn't journal YET, that might change. And why not gift yourself one and use it as a way to talk about how you journal or plan to, given the science about it?
An inflatable cushion (granted, this takes up room) could become a favorite spot for reading, hanging out, or just taking a break.
Warm cozies you put in the microwave to warm up, with seeds inside.
I adore mini vases, and this is definitely something I am gifting to my fellow flower lovers.
Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!
Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast
Learn more about our Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!
Our movie made for parents and educators of younger kids
Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!
I played this game recently with a friend who had been playing it with their kids for years. Fun fact: it was England’s best-selling game in 2019!
This game is fun in part because it is a brain teaser…it should be easy to quickly spot items, but because they are in different sizes, it is surprisingly challenging.
It takes 2 seconds to understand how to play it. Questions like “Most likely to have a full closet but say that they have nothing to wear.” And so on. 😀
I saw this at the airport and really wanted to get it for my son. These little desk bags are such a fun, quick way to take a break, say with a sibling.
A flat, stretchy line you anchor between two trees or posts. Kids love trying to balance and walk across it. Simple to set up, great for coordination, and an outdoor activity everyone ends up trying. I have tried but can’t do many steps.
My ultimate favorite game I made. Play with one child or a group. Take a frisbee to any park with trees and pick a target, bench, tree, etc., and see how many shots it takes each person to hit it. Rotate who picks the target.
If you live where there is snow, even better. And these LED frisbees are the jam!
I plan to get it for my son, but currently it is sold out. I’m hoping it comes back. A mini foosball set that is super cute.
If Cards Against Humanity is not your thing (same!), You might find this one much more palatable.
This note on the description of the game is cute to share, especially the part where you may want to remove cards, and it actually says it can help youth sideline tech.
“OBLIGATORY WARNING – Humorless hover-parents and those who don’t appreciate flatulence jokes may not approve. PLEASE REMOVE ANY CARD THAT YOU DON’T APPROVE OF. One thing is for sure: just like other tabletop board games, it’ll get your kids away from their phones, tablets, Fortnite, and other electronic devices for at least 30-90 min. Unplug together!”
I was obsessed with train sets as a little girl. As if yesterday, I remember standing in Toys “R” Us picking one out with holiday cash. Here is a cool train set…with steam and all!
Yes, I recommended this last year, but it’s so fun I had to list it again. The box says 10+, but 8+ works great.
Today I am smiling because Tessa is at a day-long sewing class her great-aunt gifted her. She had bought herself a used sewing machine, and this was the coolest gift. (BTW, gifting a used sewing machine can be a wonderful teen gift, especially with the environmental plus of thrifting!)
Other ideas:
Painting • Cooking • Macramé • Rollerskating • Bowling “class” with a parent as the “teacher”. I love the idea of a few days getting together and gifting their kids a class of learning to make meringue cookie abstract sculptures.
Many teens love going thrifting with friends. Why not meet them where they are? The environmentally conscious teen may especially love this.
As the holidays approach I am a major fan of making gifts with your kids for others. This year, I bought lavender bags and plan to fill them with lavender I harvested from my front yard. You can also buy lavender in bulk. And you can get different bags that you can decorate…embroidery, anyone?
Pair lavender bags with soap; making soap the “cheat way” is fun and easy. Maybe do it over Thanksgiving.
Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!
Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast
Learn more about our Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!
Our movie made for parents and educators of younger kids
Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! We add new videos regularly and you'll find over 100 videos covering parenting advice, guidance, podcasts, movie clips and more. Here's our most recent:
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As always, I provide gift ideas for youth and teens of all ages. I hope you enjoy looking through this as much as I enjoyed putting this together. At the end of this year's list, you’ll find links to my lists from previous years in case you want even more ideas!
And before we begin, I want to emphasize that I, along with the Screenagers team, strongly support shopping locally whenever possible.
Even if I share a link to an online store to show you my idea, if you can, choosing a local shop is always preferred.
We also strongly advise against buying toys with built-in AI chatbots because of the current risks associated with these technologies.
The cutest Bluetooth speaker and a great way to pipe in music if your kid really needs that or something like that for sleep. What is dandy is that a speaker like this keeps the internet out of the room…it’s you that controls the music or story.
A landline that kids can use to call other kids.
I will be writing more about the growing trend of bringing these types of phones into homes so kids can talk with friends and call parents without being on a screen!
A cute device that comes in the shape of a turtle or spaceship, using memory cards to provide guided meditations to help kids and teens practice mindfulness without an app or a screen. They are well-crafted, and additional meditation cards can be purchased so that things never get boring. Their tagline is "From chaos to calm without the screen time."
In light of the recent launch of our exciting Screen-Free Sleep campaign, I have to start with non-internet-connected alarm clocks. 😀
Recently, for my daughter’s birthday, I gave her one that she loved! They come in so many designs and lots of local print shops or websites will put your own design on it which is a great way to share treasured family photographs.
To go with the mug, I also gave Tessa this sweet tea collection. For a holiday gift, maybe pair it with a fun hot chocolate mix or chocolate spoons.
Consider giving one to a boy in your life! (Too often, girls are gifted these and not boys.) This one is fun. This one is very cool, also.
Research indicates that labeling or writing about emotions helps transfer activity from the brain’s emotional centers to the prefrontal cortex, which supports clearer thinking and perspective.
Even if your child doesn't journal YET, that might change. And why not gift yourself one and use it as a way to talk about how you journal or plan to, given the science about it?
An inflatable cushion (granted, this takes up room) could become a favorite spot for reading, hanging out, or just taking a break.
Warm cozies you put in the microwave to warm up, with seeds inside.
I adore mini vases, and this is definitely something I am gifting to my fellow flower lovers.
I played this game recently with a friend who had been playing it with their kids for years. Fun fact: it was England’s best-selling game in 2019!
This game is fun in part because it is a brain teaser…it should be easy to quickly spot items, but because they are in different sizes, it is surprisingly challenging.
It takes 2 seconds to understand how to play it. Questions like “Most likely to have a full closet but say that they have nothing to wear.” And so on. 😀
I saw this at the airport and really wanted to get it for my son. These little desk bags are such a fun, quick way to take a break, say with a sibling.
A flat, stretchy line you anchor between two trees or posts. Kids love trying to balance and walk across it. Simple to set up, great for coordination, and an outdoor activity everyone ends up trying. I have tried but can’t do many steps.
My ultimate favorite game I made. Play with one child or a group. Take a frisbee to any park with trees and pick a target, bench, tree, etc., and see how many shots it takes each person to hit it. Rotate who picks the target.
If you live where there is snow, even better. And these LED frisbees are the jam!
I plan to get it for my son, but currently it is sold out. I’m hoping it comes back. A mini foosball set that is super cute.
If Cards Against Humanity is not your thing (same!), You might find this one much more palatable.
This note on the description of the game is cute to share, especially the part where you may want to remove cards, and it actually says it can help youth sideline tech.
“OBLIGATORY WARNING – Humorless hover-parents and those who don’t appreciate flatulence jokes may not approve. PLEASE REMOVE ANY CARD THAT YOU DON’T APPROVE OF. One thing is for sure: just like other tabletop board games, it’ll get your kids away from their phones, tablets, Fortnite, and other electronic devices for at least 30-90 min. Unplug together!”
I was obsessed with train sets as a little girl. As if yesterday, I remember standing in Toys “R” Us picking one out with holiday cash. Here is a cool train set…with steam and all!
Yes, I recommended this last year, but it’s so fun I had to list it again. The box says 10+, but 8+ works great.
Today I am smiling because Tessa is at a day-long sewing class her great-aunt gifted her. She had bought herself a used sewing machine, and this was the coolest gift. (BTW, gifting a used sewing machine can be a wonderful teen gift, especially with the environmental plus of thrifting!)
Other ideas:
Painting • Cooking • Macramé • Rollerskating • Bowling “class” with a parent as the “teacher”. I love the idea of a few days getting together and gifting their kids a class of learning to make meringue cookie abstract sculptures.
Many teens love going thrifting with friends. Why not meet them where they are? The environmentally conscious teen may especially love this.
As the holidays approach I am a major fan of making gifts with your kids for others. This year, I bought lavender bags and plan to fill them with lavender I harvested from my front yard. You can also buy lavender in bulk. And you can get different bags that you can decorate…embroidery, anyone?
Pair lavender bags with soap; making soap the “cheat way” is fun and easy. Maybe do it over Thanksgiving.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! We add new videos regularly and you'll find over 100 videos covering parenting advice, guidance, podcasts, movie clips and more. Here's our most recent:
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As always, I provide gift ideas for youth and teens of all ages. I hope you enjoy looking through this as much as I enjoyed putting this together. At the end of this year's list, you’ll find links to my lists from previous years in case you want even more ideas!
And before we begin, I want to emphasize that I, along with the Screenagers team, strongly support shopping locally whenever possible.
Even if I share a link to an online store to show you my idea, if you can, choosing a local shop is always preferred.
We also strongly advise against buying toys with built-in AI chatbots because of the current risks associated with these technologies.
The cutest Bluetooth speaker and a great way to pipe in music if your kid really needs that or something like that for sleep. What is dandy is that a speaker like this keeps the internet out of the room…it’s you that controls the music or story.
A landline that kids can use to call other kids.
I will be writing more about the growing trend of bringing these types of phones into homes so kids can talk with friends and call parents without being on a screen!
A cute device that comes in the shape of a turtle or spaceship, using memory cards to provide guided meditations to help kids and teens practice mindfulness without an app or a screen. They are well-crafted, and additional meditation cards can be purchased so that things never get boring. Their tagline is "From chaos to calm without the screen time."
In light of the recent launch of our exciting Screen-Free Sleep campaign, I have to start with non-internet-connected alarm clocks. 😀
Recently, for my daughter’s birthday, I gave her one that she loved! They come in so many designs and lots of local print shops or websites will put your own design on it which is a great way to share treasured family photographs.
To go with the mug, I also gave Tessa this sweet tea collection. For a holiday gift, maybe pair it with a fun hot chocolate mix or chocolate spoons.
Consider giving one to a boy in your life! (Too often, girls are gifted these and not boys.) This one is fun. This one is very cool, also.
Research indicates that labeling or writing about emotions helps transfer activity from the brain’s emotional centers to the prefrontal cortex, which supports clearer thinking and perspective.
Even if your child doesn't journal YET, that might change. And why not gift yourself one and use it as a way to talk about how you journal or plan to, given the science about it?
An inflatable cushion (granted, this takes up room) could become a favorite spot for reading, hanging out, or just taking a break.
Warm cozies you put in the microwave to warm up, with seeds inside.
I adore mini vases, and this is definitely something I am gifting to my fellow flower lovers.
Today I’m rounding up six of the most-read blogs from 2025 so far. Stories and interviews that struck a chord with readers and offered real tools for parenting in the screen age. Whether you missed a few or want a quick refresher, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires a new conversation in your home, school, or community.
READ MORE >
Reflecting on a year filled with meaningful conversations and valuable insights, we’re excited to share a roundup of our most popular Tech Talk Tuesday Blogs, Screenagers Podcasts, and YouTube bites. This list includes the top 10 blog posts that sparked discussion, the podcast episodes that resonated most with our audience, and the five most-watched YouTube videos of the year.
READ MORE >
I listen to a lot of podcast episodes, looking for ones that will be great for sparking conversation with younger people. I look for themes related to our digital age and themes around what it means to be a good person in this world. In addition, I think of things kids like, such as stories that involve animals, adventure, and so on.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
