Kids presents on an old-style budget?

Clarienne

Anyone got any good ideas for presents for kids that are a) cheap (less than a tenner), and b) kids will actually love and use?

My LO is nearly 4, and she's got lots of cousins and quite a few friends, as you do, and not a month goes by without some little persons birthday I've got to buy for busting my budget. I'm tearing my hair out trying to find stuff to buy that's decent and affordable. Just been round ASDA, Tescos and ELC, lots of stuff for babies, but for pre-school and primary age kids there's loads of tat and it's SO expensive, often for gimmicky stuff that I know will get lost/not played with - £10-15 for a tacky doll or tiny action figure. I wish I could buy everyone a £30 lego set, but I can't, so I need ideas.

(Actually while I was writing this I had one idea, which is raw materials for crafts, they are usually not bad value).

esmf73

I was going to suggest a roll of lining paper and some felts / paints etc. Mine would love this.
Best of luck.

lushlifesaver

I think raw craft materials would go down well both with the children and their parents. I used to lead a Sunday school programme and was particularly close to 2 of the small children (out of the ten) and their parents - each birthday/Christmas I get the little ones a pack of pencils/felt tips or crayons, some stickers (a roll from a pack of ten rolls from £1 shop), a sketch book, a glue stick (from a multi-pack) and a small bag of sequins (made up myself from a huge bag separated in to smaller press and seal bags) and then I throw in some sweets and a few seasonal bits. Usually just pop it all in a gift bag or a box from a pair of shoes/another present which I'd cover with paper.

The kids and the parents are always happy to receive stuff like that =] great for rainy days, sunny days, days at home and day trips alike!

Dee5565

I got my nieces dd who is 7. 2 activity pack from poundland.
There was about 30 sheets coloured paper, sequins, glitter, stencil set plus more for a £1.
There were two different colours so I got her them both. She loves them says they were her best gift:j

chickien_2

Hi Clarienne,
Have you looked on the grabbit while you can board? They often have kiddies craft toys on there that are very reasonable. I have bought loads and now have quite a big selection built up for birthdays and christmas. A few weeks ago I managed to get a design your own plate set for around £3 from amazon, and have also got quite a few crayola sets for a couple of pounds too. At the moment there is one thread about a company that has a huge sale of educational games and toys (I think it's the happy puzzle company or something) starting from a pound!
HTH

quintwins

i was going to suggest a goody bag type thing with crafts stuff (try poundland or keep an eye on the grabbits o got loads in the mothercare glitch) and playdoh (argos do 2 big packs for £15 which could be split down into several pressies theres loads my kids are still using one set from last xmas and theres another set in the attic)

HariboJunkie

The craft materials is a great idea. Pound shops are wonderful for craft supplies. A cheapy gift bag filled with pens and glue and notebooks will go down a storm.

Keep an eye out in the Supermarkets for discontinued items as I often pick up toys a half price or less.

I have a present box and anytime I see a gift in the sales (90% off in Boots in January), I add it to the box and usually have a present to hand for a last minute party.

My children also make their own cards for all their friends which is very cost effective.

Can you knit/sew? Little teddies/dolls and bags are simple to make and much cheaper than in the shops.

nuttybabe

esmf73 wrote: »

I was going to suggest a roll of lining paper and some felts / paints etc. Mine would love this.
Best of luck.

my mum gets this for my kids. they love it.

what about popping over to seasonal and making toys (ds2 wont go to bed without the alien i crocheted for him last xmas), i have made sock monkeys and this year for the younger ones i am making colouring bags which has space for pens and colouring books (got the pattern off the sewing thread on seasonal). journal jars for some of kids depending on how well they can read/write.

i get lots of crafty stuff from pound shops. and i have just got 3 x digital cameras for £13.95 (including postage) from the lloyds buy 1 get 2 free sale for my kids. wish i had got more now!!!!

vgstar44

i always have a look on the argoose clearance page for reduced items thats in my local store.....have managed to pick up some cracking bargains for party gift and things for crimbo. Usually about November thru to feb tho its not up and running as this is when the normal site is most busy

not sure if im allowed to do this or not but heres the link

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/ArgosClearance

curlytop12

if school or nursery age maybe lunch bag/matching water bottle with a fave character on it?mums will be glad too! t-shirt? books? jigsaws? character PJ's?
ELC have sale on at mo-of paddling pools(£2),outdoor toys etc

littlemissmoneypenny

I find Home Bargains really good for birthday presents, cards and craft stuff. Unfortunately £10 doesn't seem to go very far and I always seem to struggle to find something decent for that price. I've started buying a character t-shirt a pair of pyjamas along with a book as gifts for kids. Most of the supermarkets sell them, I've even bought some lovely character pj sets from Tescos sale for £1 (Peppa, George and Mickey Mouse)! They never go wrong, kids love things with their favourite characters on, you can never have too many pjs or books. It's a gift I'd be happy for my kids to receive, and at least it's more likely to be used than a cheap plastic toy that's likely to be chucked in toy box and forgotten about.