Top Gifts for Homeschoolers: Fun & Educational Ideas
Finding gifts for homeschoolers has become a bit of a tradition in our house.
Since we don’t have school-supply lists or classroom parties, I like to make birthdays and holidays feel extra special with things that are both fun and useful for learning at home.
Over the years, we’ve found some real favorites—stuff that’s been played with, read over and over, or actually made school feel less like school.
If you’re shopping for a homeschool kid (or their parent), these are the things I’d actually recommend.
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Best Gifts for Homeschool Kids
When I’m looking for gifts for homeschooled kids, I try to find things that are fun and genuinely useful for learning.
Over the years, we’ve come across a mix of educational toys, creative tools, and books that have actually made a difference in our homeschool days.
These are the kinds of gifts that kids enjoy but that also sneak in a bit of learning (which is the best kind, really).
Educational Toys and Games
Homeschooling toys are always a win in our house. Whether it’s a game that teaches strategy or a hands-on science kit, these kinds of gifts help turn “school time” into something kids look forward to.
- Learning board games like Ticket to Ride, Scrabble, or Catan are great for critical thinking—and honestly, we play them as a family all the time.
STEM kits, including robotics, simple coding games, and home science experiments, are perfect for curious kids who like to build and explore.
Building sets like LEGOs, magnetic tiles, and wooden blocks get used constantly around here. We even have a whole post with our favorite unique Lego gifts.
Tip: If you’re shopping for younger kids, check out our guide to the best educational toys for 5 year old boys (many of those would work for girls too!).
Books and Reading Materials
Books are always at the top of my gift list. A good book can be both an escape and a learning tool—especially if you’ve got a reluctant reader and just need something to get them hooked.
- A book subscription tailored to their interests is one of the best gifts we ever tried—it kept the excitement going month after month.
- You can’t go wrong with age-appropriate favorites. We’ve shared lists for every age from 5 to teens:
Art Supplies
Art time has always been part of our homeschool routine, and having quality supplies on hand makes a big difference.
- Watercolor sets, sketchpads and crafting materials are gifts that keep on giving—especially on rainy days or quiet afternoons.
- You could also gift an online art class or workshop, which adds some structure and introduces new techniques without needing to leave the house.
Creative Supplies
Not every creative kid is into drawing or painting—sometimes, creativity looks like music, building, or hands-on crafting.
- Sewing kits, painting supplies, and bead sets can keep kids engaged for hours, especially if they like making things with their hands.
- Musical instruments like a Ukulele, keyboard, or even a harmonica are fun to experiment with and a great intro to music.
Back to Homeschool Gift Ideas
We’ve started a little tradition of giving a few fun or useful things at the beginning of each homeschool year—it helps set the tone and gives us both something to look forward to.
These back to school gifts don’t have to be big, but even small things can make a difference when you’re spending most of your days at home learning.
- Homeschool supplies like notebooks, colorful pens, or a new planner can make everything feel new again. My son loves themed supplies—last year we found some fun Lego school supplies that made him weirdly excited to organize his desk.
- A new backpack or lunchbox might sound silly for homeschoolers, but we still take ours on field trips and co-op days, and it helps keep things organized.
- Educational subscriptions like Night Zookeeper or ABCmouse have been great supplements—especially on days when I need a break or want him to learn more independently.
- Hands-on learning kits like Osmo are great if your kids like mixing screen time with tactile play. We used one to reinforce spelling and math, and it actually stuck.
- Desk accessories can make their workspace more inviting—things like a cool lamp, a comfy chair, or even a fun pencil holder.
- Storage bins or shelves—not the most exciting gift, but trust me, organizing the chaos helps everyone focus better.
- And yes, pajamas make the list too—because let’s be honest, one of the perks of homeschooling is not needing a uniform.
Tech Gifts and Gadgets
Some of the best gifts we’ve given have been tech-related—not just because they’re cool, but because they genuinely support what we’re already doing in our homeschool. Whether it’s tools for reading, building, or just staying focused, these gadgets have earned their spot.
- A Kindle has been one of our most-used items. My son reads more when books are just a click away, and it’s great for storing homeschool reads without taking up more shelf space.
- An iPad or tablet opens up access to educational apps, audiobooks, and drawing programs—we use it for everything from language learning to coding.
- Robotics Kits and Snap circuits are perfect for hands-on learners. The circuits, especially, were a hit here—they’re intuitive and feel more like play than work.
- Noise-cancelling headphones help when everyone needs to focus (or when I need a quiet moment, if we’re being honest).
- Useful extras like a wireless charger, writing tablet (we love those for math scratch work), or even a Bluetooth speaker can make daily learning more efficient and fun.
Holiday Gift Ideas
When the holidays roll around, I like to mix practical gifts with a few surprises—things that are fun but still have some kind of purpose (even if it’s just keeping them busy for 20 quiet minutes).
These homeschool-friendly gift ideas work well for stocking stuffers or under the tree.
- Mini gadgets like small drones, digital magnifiers, or kid-friendly smartwatches have been a big hit—fun to open, and they often lead to hours of experimenting or exploring.
- We always throw in a few practical items too: fun notebooks, a new set of pens, or bookmarks to color. They may not sound exciting, but they actually get used (and sometimes, loved).
- If you’re stuffing a stocking for a homeschool parent, funny pencils, custom mugs, or a “homeschool fuel” candle always get a smile.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gift
Shopping for homeschoolers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve found that the best gifts are the ones that match their interests but still add something to their learning or daily routine.
- Start with what they love. If your kid is into space, animals, or art, lean into that—gifts that build on their natural curiosity get the most use.
- Think about what would actually help. Is there a subject they’re struggling with? A tool or kit can make that topic more hands-on and less frustrating.
- Go practical with a twist. Sometimes the little things—like a fun desk organizer or a personalized notebook—end up being the most appreciated because they make everyday learning a bit more fun.
And if you’re shopping for more than one child, I’ve found it helps to make a list early and set a general budget so you don’t go overboard (easier said than done, I know).
Don’t Forget the Homeschool Mom
While you’re picking out gifts for the kids, it’s worth thinking about the person behind the scenes too. Homeschool moms (and dads) spend a lot of time planning, teaching, and juggling everything else—so a thoughtful gift goes a long way.
A few of the top gifts for homeschool moms I’ve either given or received:
- A good tote bag (because we’re always carrying way too much)
- A personalized mug or water bottle—bonus points if it makes us laugh
- Candles or a cozy throw blanket for those rare quiet moments
- A spa set or gift card for a bit of actual relaxation
Sometimes it’s the smallest things—like a new notebook just for us—that feel the most appreciated.
Whether you’re shopping for a curious kid, a creative teen, or a homeschool parent who could use a little pick-me-up, these gifts are ones we’ve genuinely loved—and I hope they bring a little joy to your homeschool, too.
Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown