Kids presents on an old-style budget?

Valli

I'm going to chip in, having been through all this (the Vallikids are now 17 and 15) - keep an eye on the sales, as has been suggested, and top up on unisex gifts as much as possible. The Vallikids are getting Pukka Project books as stocking fillers this year - they were just over £1 each in Morrisons. Build up the craft stock but as girls get older Boots reductions are brilliant.

HariboJunkie is spot on though - a present box is a must and, while I'm at it Card Factory do £1 for 10 card bundles from time-to-time. Never at busy card times though so have a stock in!

catpaws99

I usually get a nice gift bag and go to £land. I usually spend £5/6 for a pressie. Last weekend both DD2 and 3 had parties so they brought the following for their friend's presents: large box felt pens, pack stickers, notebook, make you own princess castle set, large bag lollies and a skipping rope.

stiltwalker

Craft things always welcome. The Book People website also always has a good selection of kids books and activity packs at good prices but think it's £25 before you get free postage so maybe have a few in mind before you order.

lilmizbloodbath

I find that books often go down quite well although it's an idea to check with the parents if they have a particular book already. Amazon can be really good for this type of thing. My friend's son who's turning three this weekend is Octonauts crazy and have ordered two of the Meomi books for £7.65.

snookey

Hi go on ebay in the wholesale section. Lots of good deals on childrens bag fillers. If your going to buy lots of the same things its ideal.

Clarienne

Thanks for all these great ideas. Lots of places for me to check out. :T

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.

That is a brilliant idea - this comes up so much that will definately be useful. Part of the problem is that it's often so last minute. I can have presents for all ages and adults in there too.

Ada_Doom

I always like to get presents that will get used up as I hate having a house full of plastic crap! Books and craft stuff are always good, and my daughter once got a baking kit which was some paper cupcake cases, icing set, sprinkles etc. Thought that was really lovely. Also you could do a gardening kit, seeds, mini watering can, little trowel.

Dazi

a baking set is a good idea, you can get various coloured mixing bowls and basic rolling pins, spatulas, mixing spoons, cookie cutters etc add an apron, either buy or make and if you want extra add a cooking book, I did a set up for my OHs DGD last xmas and her mum even text us to say how nice it was (was very suprised as her and OH DS have split up and not a lot of goodwill IYKWIM)

I have seen a baking kit in a box in our local tourist centre it was £15.00!!!! and was just a whisk, tiny little apron in a box:eek: reckon you can the the whole lot in wilkos for a fiver

lollipopsarah

How about book/puzzles from a cheap shop like wilko/range etc where you can great little ones for about a pound each, they also do travel type bag things for about £2 which have a puzzle/colouring book and pens etc.
When my kids were little I always used to stock up on cards at the market (I think i've still got some haha)
x

ubamother

I also rate Home Bargains for little presents - they often have things like 'decorate your own mug/piggy bank', or bracelet making bead kits, as well as craft packs.

My recent top buy was printer transfers print a design onto this special paper and then iron it on to a t shirt - I got a pack of three for £1 in Poundland and a pack of three white Tshirts from Asda for £3 - will be great for a rainy day activity.