Inside our cozy home, we’re putting the finishing touches on our festive décor and sliding the last few batches of Christmas cookies into the oven. When we do venture outside, we’re heading off to enjoy Christmas parties with friends and attend the final practices for our church’s Christmas musical.

Though the Christmas season is a full of hope, reflection, and fun, it can be a stressful time as well. In addition to our many household Christmas preparations, we’re often responsible for shopping for gifts. And, if your schedule is as busy as mine, you may find yourself searching for a few last minute gifts for the children you know and love. Don’t let the ticking clock intimidate you. Check out these fun and educational last minute gifts that are sure to please the special child in your life.

Magazine Subscription

If you’d like to give a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year, give a magazine subscription. With kids’ magazines that cater to a wide range of interests, you’re sure to find a magazine to please every child on your list. Many subscriptions can be paid for online, allowing you to avoid the last minute shopping rush inside a store.

Binoculars

Since kids love to investigate and explore, why not encourage their inquisitive nature by giving a pair of binoculars? The young sports fan can use them to get a closer view at sporting events while the juvenile outdoor enthusiast can use binoculars to get a better view of birds and other natural wonders.

Museum Membership

Kids love to go on field trips and other outings. Gift a year-long membership to a local museum, and you’ll be helping the child you love have fun and learn all at once. Museum websites may have an online purchase option to make gift giving easier.

Art Box

If the child you love is an artist, she’ll likely love getting an art box. Inspire creativity by filling a decorative box with art goodies such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, oil pastels, chalk, paint, paintbrushes, and various types of paper.

Board Game

Board games never go out of style. Though games such as Blokus and Apples to Apples are still popular, vintage board games are all the rage these days. Gift a game of Scrabble, Sorry, Candy Land, Monopoly and provide some old school fun.

Civitas: The Government Card Game

Website Subscription

There’s no question that kids love computers. Help them make the most of the time they spend online by tapping into the techie trend and giving a subscription to an educational website. Sites like BrainPop and ABC Mouse are fun, educational, and interactive sites kids will enjoy.

DIY Kits

Do you know a child who loves hands on projects? DIY kits are a great all-in-one gift that can provide hours of fun. Crafty and creative kids on your list will rejoice when they unwrap a jewelry making kit or model airplane building kit.

Specialized Classes

Help a child hone a particular set of skills by giving them a specialized class. Consider a karate class for the child who has an interest in martial arts, a cooking class for the budding chef, or an outdoor exploration class at the local nature center for the child who loves science.

View homeschool clubs available for your middle school and high school student.

Even if time is running out, you don’t have to worry about showing up empty handed or paying top dollar for an educational Christmas gift at the last minute gift. These eight gifts are great way to please both the one who gives and the one who receives.