Great question! I have found gifts that aren’t stuff a harder sell for kids than for adults. Adults love the idea of a gift card for a massage, or theater tickets. Younger kids especially love to open presents, but older kids may be happy with an event.

I have had some success with second hand gits for my kids: last year we gave my daughter a make up table that my neighbor handed down to me. Do you have a second hand shop near you? That might be a good source of kids clothes, gear, etc.

This year we are giving our kids an “adopted” animal from the World Wildlife Fund. The animal adoption includes an adoption certificate, species info card and stuffed animal–and the money goes to support the WWF’s efforts to protect animal habitats. Here’s the link: http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_category.cfm

Any other ideas?