Shopping for children can be such a challenge, they have boxes full of toys that they don’t play with anymore and the thought of adding to the mess can be off-putting, but also the thought of them not having much to open isn’t the nicest feeling either!
We have all been there… panic buying! Who does that as a parent? I and my Husband certainly do and it’s the worst, we find ourselves spending more than we budgeted and the boys end up with stuff just to add to the number of gifts to open.
Planning and buying ahead is key we defiantly need to do this next year! Be that organised parent… well we can all try! If you are like us, super last min then I hope these 15 tips and ideas make choosing filler presents (the ones you just buy to have things to open) and thinking of gifts easier for your little ones when thinking about Birthday & Christmas.
1 Something they want
The big one, the gift they have been asking for.. well forever and your answer was, well you will have to put it on your birthday list or ask Santa! Yeah, that one!
2. Something they need
Do they need a new duvet set? Choose one with their favourite character on.
Maybe new football boots or anything sports-related. Something you know you would have brought them anyway but they would be excited opening that’s also practical.
3. Something to wear
An item of clothing you wouldn’t normally choose to buy, a top with their favourite character on? (eBay is great for this) dressing up clothes or some fun pjs. We don’t believe in kids getting clothes as gifts from their parents (of course if other people treat the boys to clothes we are grateful )we just choose not to unless it’s something they really don’t need and it’s a novelty item / if they have asked for it.
We do like to do new PJs on Birthday Eves and Christmas eve and then we buy them a nice new outfit for Birthday and Christmas day which they can unwrap.
4. Something to read
A magazine or some books you know they would like. Or a classic collection like the Roald Dahl set something you know they can grow into and will be a favourite for years, we brought Ethan the whole set of Roald Dahl for his first Christmas and we are slowly working through them. We also love David W books and managed to get a load for a bargain price from charity shops. You can get some great Magazine subscriptions. An electric reading device like a Kindle or Audible.
5. Something to get creative
You can never have enough stickers, pens, felt, pipe cleaners, fun paper etc why not do a fun little bundle start collecting bottle tops and cardboard boxes let them go wild with all the leftover wrapping paper and boxes from gifts.
6. Something different
A quirky random trinket! Something that they wouldn’t off asked for like a pointless gadget or joke gift from these little shops that pop up. Tiger is a great shop to get random trinkets in too along with Charity shops!
7. Something edible
Ingredients to bake something fun or some treats they wouldn’t normally be allowed! You can get great sets that are pre-packed so could do a little bundle of fun treats. A classic selection box or do a treat hamper!
8. Something educational
Educational but fun!! Booklets with tasks for them to complete. Educational posters for their bedroom. Books about something they may be interested in like planets, animals, history. A globe they can look at. Our boys love science bits like experiments and our Telescope.
9. Something to do
Grow your own herb garden, butterfly farm, sea monkeys kit, anything that’s exciting that will engage and get them thinking. Will also keep them busy and something to do that lasts over a few weeks. We have brought Liam the sea money kit! Wish us luck.
10. Something for School
New school bag or a spare lunch box in their favourite character, new stationery, pencil case or even a keyring for their bag.
11. Something for charity
Adopt a dog, plant a tree, it’s a great way to teach children to think about others. They will get things through the post reminding them and also should feel a sense of warmth and fuzzy for helping an animal or village.
12. Something to expand their skills/hobbies
Maybe a musical instrument or some knitting needles and wool. YouTube is a great place for videos on how to do things and they can teach themselves a new hobby.
13. Something for me
Something sentimental, or personal to them. Maybe a photo album, a key ring with their name on it. A jewellery box that’s personalised anything little that they can treasure. The boys love having a special little box to put their favourite things in they both keep it by their bed and it’s so sweet seeing what things are important to them like shells and small figures.
14. Something for the Family
A day trip out for the family? A DVD you will all enjoy, a board game you can all play! Something that means family time and spending time together! This is a perfect one if running low on funds as a day trip out could be the perfect IOU write a little letter or DIY voucher “day out bowling & pizza”
15. Something for the future
An item they can grow into, like a book or craft set that’s a little hard for them now but they would enjoy in 6 months. After the Birthday / Christmas hype has calmed down you will be grateful for that Present on a rainy day or school holiday! Maybe something like first, Trike, toolset or sewing machine that could be put aside ready for them.
I hope these tips gave you some ideas! Let me know how you get on!
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