25 Birthday Gifts or Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 15

Looking for gifts that will get the kids or grandkids active and outdoors instead of stuck in front of the TV or computer? Check out these classic gifts for kids that don't involve video games or iPods.

#1: Prism Jazz Kite - Though kites have long been a classic gift for kids, many kids nowadays don't have them! Kites are a lot of fun for the whole family to fly at any nearby park or open space.

#2: Binoculars - Binoculars are a great gift for kids of any age who like to be outdoors, for activities ranging from sporting events to bird watching to playing "spy" in the neighborhood.

3: Ripstik Caster Board - This popular new board is a mix between a skateboard and a snowboard, a perfect gift for kids who already enjoy those activities or need a new outdoor sport.

4: Arcade Basketball Game - Looking for a gift for a kid who spends all of his or her money at the arcade at the basketball hoops? Save some money and buy the exact same arcade basketball game for your backyard or driveway. The kids and their friends will get hours of entertainment and exercise from it.

5: Kids Dome Tent- Do you remember how fun it was to build forts in the house or in the backyard when you were a kid? Tents are a fun gift for kids, whether camping in the backyard or in the living room.

6: Rollerblades or Skates - If you are looking for an affordable and fun family sport, rollerblades are a great outdoor gift for kids to get some exercise in the neighborhood or at the park.

7: Remote Control Helicopter - If you are looking for a high tech gift for the kids or grandkids to enjoy outdoors, a remote control helicopter is a lot of fun for the backyard, the park, the neighborhood, kids' parties, family gatherings, etc.

8: Remote Control Boat- Here's another high tech kid's gift that is great for the whole family. You just need to find a nearby pond or swimming pool to have fun with friends or family of all ages.

9: Camelbak Hydration Pack - If you are worried about your kids getting enough water while hiking, camping, or doing other outdoor activities, this lightweight backpack will provide a constant supply of water while keeping their hands completely free.

10: Keyboard with Microphone- This is a great gift for kids that encourages creativity. It keeps them away from the computer and the TV set, but still lets them play with technology and music.

11: Boys or Girls Watches - You can find a wide variety of cool watches for kids, ranging from fancy sports watches to theme watches to cartoon watches.

12: Eureka Kids Sleeping Bag - Kids will get a lot of use out of a durable sleeping bag, whether it's for camping outdoors, camping in the backyard, camping in the living room, or sleepovers at friends' houses.

13: The North Face Youth Fleece Jacket - A high quality warm fleece jacket is a great gift for active kids, especially in the fall or winter months when they are running around outside in the chilly weather.

14: Bicycle - Has your kid stopped using his or her bike because it is too small or out of date? Cycling is a great way for kids and adults to exercise together, and there's nothing more motivating than an exciting new bike.

15: Deluxe TreeHouse - This is a mini indoor tree house that younger kids can play with in the safety of their homes. Once the kids get old enough to want to build a real tree house in the backyard, check out a useful book called Tree Houses You Can Actually Build: A Weekend Project.

16: Penlight - Flashlights always seem to have an appeal with kids. Even something as simple as a penlight or wind-up flashlight can be entertaining for kids to use around the house or outdoors. (You can probably even name a few adults who go overboard with their laser pointers.)

17: Periscope - Like binoculars, this is a fun gift for kids who like to explore the outdoors or play detective with their friends.

18: Books on Science, Travel, the Outdoors - Books are always a great gift option for kids. Some kids who may not like sports still like to read about nature and the great outdoors.

19: Razor A Kick Scooter - Scooters have made a big comeback in recent years. They are an affordable and compact toy for younger and older kids to play with around the neighborhood, and they take up much less storage space than bicycles.

20: Coleman Lantern or Kids Firefly Lantern - Lanterns are great for camping but also a lot of fun to have around the house. Younger kids love playing with lanterns or camping lights in the house at night, especially during sleepovers.

21Kid Kick Wavemaster - Do you know one of those super-energetic kids who break things in the house all the time? Maybe he kicked through a window or knocked over a vase? This kicking toy is a safe way for him to burn all that energy without putting your furniture at risk.

22: Kitchen for Kids: 100 Amazing Recipes Your Children Can Really Make - The kitchen is the most popular gathering place in the house, so it's a perfect place to enjoy more quality time with the kids. Easy cooking or baking is a fun activity that kids of any age can enjoy with friends or family.

23: 2-Way Radios/ Walkie Talkies - Walkie talkies are tons of fun for kids to play with both indoors and outdoors.

24: Deluxe Easel - This art easel is a great gift for kids age 2 - 6. It can be used indoors or outdoors, but using it outdoors is easier for clean up. Older kids may also appreciate art tools if they like drawing or painting.

25: Foam Power Spiral Football - Foam footballs like Nerf footballs are perfect for younger kids to learn to throw and catch. They are soft enough that kids won't get hurt, but firm enough that they will coast through the air without much resistance.

For more useful gift ideas, see the Gift Critic's Best Gifts of the Year.