Each year, Fun 4 Kids in Buffalo puts together a gift guide that highlights gift ideas for kids that also support local businesses. We try to place an emphasis on non-toy gifts or gifts that you can’t find in the big box stores. For 2021, we’ve freshened up our list and have some great ideas for the 2021 holiday season. Take a look and happy shopping!
Lessons at ATA
Looking to give a class, camp or theatrical experience this holiday season? Look no further then ACADEMY OF THEATRE ARTS. Gift Certificates are available for Classes, Break Camps & Summer Camps. Classes and camps available in acting, singing, dance, private voice, film, behind the scenes & podcasting.
For more information: info@academyoftheatrearts.com
Make Them a Star for a Day with Buffalo Yard Signs
Buffalo Yard Signs makes the recipient a star for the day, with premium lawn signs and yard cards of impeccable quality. As a premier, all-occasion lawn sign company in Buffalo, New York, they are passionate about creating 100% custom-designed and unique yard cards for your celebrations 365 days a year. Starting at $75 they will add to the curb appeal of your home or business, making you the envy of the neighborhood! Order now and you can save $15 with the code FREENAME!
For more information: www.buffaloyardsigns.com

Help Your Elf Arrive in Style and More with Balloon Masters
Balloon Masters is your first stop for balloons in WNY. They provide delivery for gifts, organic arches, balloon bouquets and more. They also provide helium rental, custom logo balloons, confetti showers, and balloon drops! They now have 4ft lighted marquee numbers too!
Have your elf arrive in style starting at only $29.99 and New Years Eve pop drops for house parties at $19.99! Their decorations are a fresh and fabulous way to make your event sparkle, without breaking the bank!
For more information: balloonmasters.net

Give Them Their Own Carnival with Putt-Man Golf
Putt-Man Golf provides miniature golf holes and carnival game rentals setup at your indoor or outdoor location in Erie and Niagara counties. Rent 3 holes of miniature golf for dates through 2/28/2022 for $180 plus tax (20% discount, subject to availability). Event must be booked by 12/15/2021 for discount to apply. Visit www.puttmangolf.com and follow us on Facebook for our Early Birdie sale in 2022!
For more information: www.puttmangolf.com

More Ideas from Around Town
- LC Visions – Holiday decor stands perfect to hang your stockings for Santa to fill if you don’t have a fireplace!
- Email – Lcvisions.ny@gmail.com
- Little Buffalo – Sensory and craft kits.
- www.littlebuffaloplay.com
- The Warrior Factory Buffalo – Open play passes.
- buffalo.thewarriorfactory.com
- Rolly Pollies of WNY – Sensory kits and stocking stuffers.
- www.RPWNY.com
Non-Toy Gifts That Are Fun 4 Kids in Buffalo
Are you asking for non-toy gifts this season? Here’s a list of non-toy gifts that your kids will actually love AND that support local small businesses.
Swim Lessons – Locally there are a number of great swim schools. Click here for a list of swim schools.
Classes – There are many places around Buffalo that offer unique classes and lesson-like programming. Consider asking for gift cards to places like:
- Rolly Pollies
- The Little Gym
- Hyatt’s All Things Creative
- Fashion LabNY
- Yoga Parkside
Memberships
Here’s a list of places that are fun 4 kids that also offer memberships allowing you to visit throughout the year:
- Aquarium of Niagara
- The Buffalo Zoo
- The Buffalo Museum of Science
- Albright Knox Museum
- The Strong Museum
- Explore & More Children’s Museum
- Genesee Country Village & Museum
Tickets to An Attraction
Here is a list of local attractions that kids love to visit and tickets would make great gifts.
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Billy Beez
- Buffalo Battleground
- Buffalo Zoo
- Cave of the Winds
- Darien Lake
- Get Air Buffalo
- Grand Island Fun Center
- Lasertron
- Maid of the Mist
- The Warrior Factory Buffalo
- Urban Air
- 5 Wits
- Build a Bear
- Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Attractions in Canada
- African Lion Safari
- Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto
- Lego Land Toronto
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Safari Niagara
Tickets to An Event
In addition to visiting an attraction, there are a lot of one time events that pop up throughout the year and some of them happen around Christmas which makes giving tickets to them easy. Here’s a few ideas:
- Polar Express Train Ride
- A Nutcracker performance
- Disney on Ice (Usually comes to Buffalo in January each year.)
- Professional sporting event, the Buffalo Sabres have multiple Kids Day games that children can attend for just $15 and the Buffalo Bisons have Holiday Packs.
- Live on stage performance
Indoor Water Park
There are a few waterparks within driving distance to Buffalo including:
- Splash Lagoon
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Kalahari Water Park
- Palms Indoor Water Park
Tourist for a Day
A great gift idea that kids could enjoy over the summer is visiting Niagara Falls and exploring some of the attractions there. The Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds and even the Whirlpool Jet Boat could all be experiences that make for great gifts. End the day with a stop at the Rainforest Cafe and you’ve given them a Tourist for a Day experience they’ll never forget.
Piggy Bank or Kids Debit Card
Starting a piggy bank or bank account is a great way to teach children about money and saving. Plus you can gift them the first deposit to get them started.
Book An Overnight Stay
Kids love hotels with indoor pools or other unique amenities. Booking an overnight stay at a hotel is a great gift. You can spend quality time and let the kids enjoy the pool. Check Groupon for inexpensive options and the Palms Indoor Waterpark in Batavia can give you the best of both worlds…a hotel stay AND and an indoor water park to enjoy.