The Screen-Free Gift Guide for Adults
You don’t need me to tell you you’re probably spending too much time on screens!
(And I say this with zero judgment because my screen-time is probably worse than 90% of you!)
If you’re looking for a gift that will help you (or someone you love!) get off their screen a bit more, this screen-free gift guide is for you!
I hope you find just the right thing here!
(P.S. I also did a screen-free gift guide for kids and a teens and tween screen-free gift guide if you want ideas for the younger folks in your life!)
Puzzles
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know I love doing puzzles. It’s one of my very favorite past times and ways to wind down at the end of the day. To make the gift even better, pair it with a tilting puzzle board. Trust me, it really is that good.
Journal
I started doing it in 2024 and I’ve loved it as a way to wind down before bed. This journal is a three year journal with a few lines every day to record special or funny moments with your kids (or just your life). (P.S. My Flecks of Gold code is EVERYDAYREADING).
NYT Puzzle Mania
Did you know there’s a book version of the beloved New York Times games like Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and Mini Crosswords!? This beautifully designed book would be perfect for gifting, or for anyone who can’t get enough of their favorite NYT logic games.
Cookbook
I love to try out a new recipe or use a recipe I’ve loved for years – and it’s a bonus to get something yummy to eat at the end of it all. One of my goals for 2025 was to make 5 things from the cookbook Baking with Dorie!
Bookshelf Paint by Number
For the artistic type, paint by numbers are a fun creative outlet. There are tons of options, this one would look so cute framed and hung on the wall afterward.
Board Game
We are a huge game family and it’s one of my favorite ways to spend time with my family. I am probably one of the most competitive game players and I am always in an excited mood after a game session! See all of our favorite family board games here or our favorite games to play with just two people here!
Pickleball Set
Pickleball is SO popular right now and I am a major fan! It’s one of my favorite active hobbies right now. All you need are paddles and balls, there are free courts popping up everywhere, and it’s a really easy game to learn.
Crochet/Knit/Cross Stitch Set
This is one of those hobbies that once you get going you can really build momentum. Aside from the hooks/needles and a skein or more of yarn, crocheting and knitting is a pretty low-key hobby. Plus, when it’s all said and done you end up with something beautiful to use, wear or display!
Watercolor Painting Supplies
I’m not a very artistic person, but my girls are, and I can attest that these watercolor classes are fantastic! There is really nothing better than creating something beautiful with your own two hands.
Hand Lettering Books
A few summers ago, my girls got REALLY into hand lettering. It’s such a fabulous down time activity or something to do while you are listening to an audiobook. Here are some of our favorite hand lettering workbooks we’ve enjoyed!
Coloring Books
Adult coloring has become much more popular in the recent years and there are so many options! One of my personal favorites are the color by number Querkles – so unique and fun for kids and adults alike! Also, you can’t lose with Cocowyo coloring books.
Proper Mountain Women Club Subscription
This has been a new addition to my life this year and it has been incredible. It’s basically like Girl Scouts for adult women. Many followers said it was something that really helped them get through the winter months. This would be a perfect gift for someone you know who really doesn’t enjoy winter! Use my code FALLEVERYDAYREADING for $10 off!
Heated Foot Warmer / Electric Foot Warmer
If your feet are always freezing (hi, me too), this heated foot warmer is going to be your new best friend. It’s basically a little cocoon of warmth that you slip your feet into while reading or working at your desk. Three heat settings, soft lining, and it even has an auto shut-off so you don’t have to think twice before nodding off mid-book.
Tea kettle (Breville One Touch)
For the person that is very particular about their tea (or hot cocoa, that’s me!), this tea kettle is a total win! Easy to use, fully customizable, and beautifully designed, it makes every sip feel special. Grab a cup of your warmest drink and enjoy it on the porch or by the fireplace!
Telescope to look at the stars
For the stargazer, a telescope is such a fun gift. It’s great for spotting stars and planets, and for getting completely lost in the magic of the night sky.
Brick or DIY Brick
If you’ve been following along this year, you know that I have been bricking my phone during certain times of the day and it has been life changing! It helps me stay present and focused on my task at hand and I would highly recommend it for anyone! You can see directions on how to DIY brick your phone or just buy the real deal.
Alarm Clock
I have been using this pretty alarm clock for more than five years now rather than my phone and I love it! I charge my phone outside my bedroom and it has been a game-changer for me. It also means I’m not tempted to lay in bed looking at my phone first thing or waste my evening scrolling.
Dell Logic Magazine Subscription
You can usually find the individual magazines at Barnes and Noble, but you can also save money by opting into an annual subscription (which delivers 4 issues / quarterly). These are filled with logic brain teasers that range from 1-star (easy) to 5-stars (super-challenging). If you want more ideas along these lines, I have a whole list of great adult puzzle books!
Bedazzling
We have been bedazzling our books for over a year now and have no intention of stopping! These make for such a fun girls night or book club activity and for under $10, it feels like a no-brainer. These are the wax pencils we used with them!
Personalized Stationery
I know this sounds old-fashioned, but instead of sitting down to text or FaceTime, how cool would it be to send a snail mail letter? Who doesn’t love getting real mail (I couldn’t care less about the junk mail)? Plus, this stationery is gorgeous!
Bird feeder
There comes a time in every adult’s life when they start noticing the birds. A bird feeder is a sweet, screen-free gift that turns a quiet cup of coffee at the window into a little show. It’s perfect for parents, grandparents, in-laws, or anyone who’s recently become a bird person. Pair it with a bag of bird seed or one of these bird identification books and you have yourself the ultimate gift!
Steamers or Bath Bombs
I use these all the time and truly love them! You won’t have to ask me twice to put my phone down and enjoy a glorious, uninterrupted 10 minutes to myself in the most spa-like environment. These steamers turn any ordinary shower into a spa.
Experience Gift
This can be anything that fits your gift recipient’s interests – sporting events, concert tickets, little vacation, a night at the theater, a cooking class, etc. Getting out and doing things definitely can lend itself nicely to phone-free time. I have a big post of experience gift ideas here.
Gift a Class
Whether it’s a music, dance, cooking, art, or acting and improv class, you name it, this gift gives them something to focus on completely, without a screen.
Any other screen-free gift ideas? Leave them in the comments below1
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