Great Gifts Kids Can Give
Whether it’s your first foray into the world of school friend gift-giving or your 10th, the task can feel daunting. It’s hard enough to pick out the perfect present for your own kids, let alone one with whom you’re not very familiar. Letting kids choose for their friends often results in frustration, because the item either is too expensive or not necessarily geared toward the intended recipient. When inspiration has evaporated and you’re left staring blankly into the toy aisle yet again, let this article be your guide. Here are the top five tried-and-true gifting ideas that are sure to win.
Think long-term. When searching for a gift, try to imagine how much use the child will get out of it. Is it something she’ll still love a year from now or discard after two weeks? Shawnee mom of two Megan Clark says, “We try to give gifts that grow with the child: musical instruments, imaginative play items and blocks for toddlers; Legos, art supplies and puzzles for preschool and elementary age.”
Do your research. “If we’re shopping for a birthday for our children’s friend, we try to include them by asking them to think about their friend’s interests and favorites,” Clark says. “In that way, we’re trying to teach them to pick out a thoughtful gift, rather than just what the givers would like to receive themselves.” Olathe mom Kala Cadwell says, “We are fortunate that most of our friends are blessed with more than they need, so I try to buy things that the birthday boy or girl can use. For instance, if the girl does gymnastics, we will get her a new leotard. Our sporty friends may receive some fun soccer socks or a personalized water bottle.”
Gather your go-to’s. Rather than engage in a last-minute, pre-party rush for a present, put together a small stockpile of basics that are great for the age ranges you’re working with that year. Julia Willhite, mom of one, says, “Books, craft kits and board games are usually the go-to items.” Olathe mom of two Piper Organ says, “Books are usually appreciated, since they don’t add as much to the clutter.” Classic games like Scrabble and Clue are great gifts for elementary-aged children. They provide both entertainment and education through reasoning and deduction.
Gift experiences. This concept is becoming more popular as families have opted to clear clutter in favor of making memories. Bobbi Bratcher, mom of one, says, “I like giving gifts of experiences. Instead of another toy that will fill the playroom, I like to give gift cards to trampoline parks, play centers, museums. Places like Science City, Legoland, Sea Life and the Kansas City Zoo are great gift alternatives.”
Go green. Younger generations are spending less time outdoors and more time with technology. Why not gift a little nature? Your child can assist you in putting together a nature kit, complete with guidebooks, a magnifying glass, bird calls and a canteen. You could give a kids gardening starter kit with gloves, seed packets, a plant book, etc. These are simply a few suggestions. It’s possible to customize the kit in so many ways and for all ages. Your child may get so excited picking out and helping build the kits for her friends that she wants to spend more time outdoors as well.
Prior to picking out a present, sit down with your child and talk it through. Let him know what the budget is, ask what the friend’s likes or dislikes are and provide some suggestions. Once you’ve pinned down an idea, putting it into action is an easy process. Gift-giving will be much less stressful for both you and your child. Ultimately, remember to have fun with it. Happy gifting!
Jennifer Bosse is a former KC mom who now lives in Charleston, SC, with her husband and two sons. She enjoys alternative gifting.