Every kid on Eid morning is just waiting for their eideya, something to add to their piggy bank. I, for one, couldn’t wait to get through Ramadan as a kid to get some cash and new outfits along with it. Every year, every family member and relative would give me and my brother cash, as the tradition goes, and we absolutely loved every second of it. But what if we switch gears? What if we steer clear from tradition and get our kids excited in a new and exciting way? We’ve put together a list of money eideya alternatives that we are sure your kids will love.
Books
We know not all kids are excited about books, but trust us this new generation is on to something. They’re bringing back reading with all its excitement and they’re proud of it. They have their favorite books that they read over and over, and are always on the hunt for something better. Why not go through your kids’ book collection and figure out the genre they like and buy them some books that you think they’ll love. If they don’t have a book collection, ask around about the books kids their age are enjoying and get them for them.
Baking mix
Remember when your mom would bake cakes when you were a kid and would give you the spatula to lick off? I, myself, used to love it, salmonella-risk and all! Now imagine if I mixed everything myself, oh the fun I would have had. On that note, turn your kids’ Eid into their new favorite activity. Get them an eggless baking mix for Eid, and let them go wild in the kitchen. All the mess is worth that smile on your kid’s face. With an added bonus if their baking turned out okay.
Fun classes
Kids of all ages love doing fun activities, something to do with all that energy. Their energy is endless and you already know it. They could be running around your house all day because they have nothing to do. What if you take them to some fun classes? Drawing classes, for example, are an excellent way for kids to use up their creativity, and let’s be honest, get them to calm down a bit. Even guitar lessons would be something your kids would absolutely love. The world is your oyster!
Subscriptions
Kids of this generation are glued to their phones and tablets. Every kid I know has been online since practically birth. Instead of the traditional eideya, why not give your kids a subscription or 2 to their favorite platform. Maybe a music subscription for them to listen to all the music they love without ads. Even a streaming service you’re not already subscribed to but know they’ll love. Anything you know your kids will love, will be a hit with your kids.
Toys
Going back to the basics, we can’t leave out toys. Toys, in our opinion, are a part of kids’ DNA. They live and breathe toys. Soft toys, hard toys, educational toys, multiplayer toys, you name it. Giving your kids toys will always play to your favor. Whether it’s a new playstation or even a lego set, get your kids something they don’t already have but know will enjoy, and they’ll have the best Eid.
Getting them to help in charity
Kids might not be aware of the value of money or its impact on people’s lives, but it’s your responsibility to teach them so. It’s your job, as the adult, to teach your kids that not everyone is blessed with money and that there are ways they could help. Teach them who and how to help. For their eideya, you could take them to volunteer with you at a charity organization. Teach them young.
Trip to a new destination
Every kid’s dream is to wake up one morning to packed bags and their parents telling them they’re all taking a trip. Why not do so this Eid? Why not surprise your kids with a trip somewhere they haven’t been, whether it’s inside or outside of Egypt. Pack their bags the night before, have everything set, and wake them up to a surprise.
Something technological
This generation is all about technology. They know all the ins and outs of every new device on the market. Getting them something technological for Eid will surely be the gift of their choice. Look through what they already have, without them knowing of course. If you’re not sure, do some research online for the latest kid-friendly technology. Of course, it’s your kid so you already know what they’ll enjoy. Get them something fun, something to remember.
Musical instrument
Are kids nowadays dreaming of starting a band? Of making it big in the music industry? Back in the day, the good old 90’s, most kids wanted to play in a band. They would teach themselves how to play guitar, for example, in the hopes that they make it big. Now’s your chance to relive your childhood with your little ones, if they’re up for it. Get them a guitar or a set of drums, but set some rules for them to follow. For example, tell them they can’t play their musical instrument after a certain time because it’s almost time for bed or because you need to wind down.
Clothes and accessories
I, for one, loved shopping for new clothes with my mom as a kid. The options, the variety, and all the bags I got to carry by the end of the day, were some of my favorite childhood memories. This Eid, you could take your kids on an even bigger shopping spree. Take them to their favorite stores and let them go wild. Pick out whatever they want, with your help of course. Practically, shop their little hearts out. If they’re too young to pick out their clothes, do it yourself but take cues from them. Now, if they’re infants, dress those babies however you want.
There you have it, we’ve given you options for an Eid gift instead of the traditional eideya. Your kids are going to love getting something other than money, and we know you will too. The options are endless, but we’ve put together what we think most kids will enjoy. Eid mubarak!
