Cheap, but valuable to them, childrens gifts?

Pepperoni

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for what could be purchased for a child (varying from 2-6 years) that was under £10 but still 'valuable' - i.e. not just something that's going to end up unused and in a charity shop etc.

Personally, as a parent, clothes are always good. Or money to be put towards something they need (but personally I don't like to gift money as it's then blatent how much you've 'spent')! Also vouchers for day trips, but I prefer not to do this for the same reason as money at the moment.

Brightspark87

Hi! I have nieces and nephews and when I see them I tend to buy something like this. To be honest, I tend to go for a meaningful book. Such as Roald Dahl or !!!! King Smith. Explain and write in the front why I am buying and they all seem to have gone down well!

Ames

Another vote for books. I've just had a big clearout and got rid of150+ books, but I kept all the ones I had as a child because they mean so much to me.

divadee

Books definitely. And from the book people you can get some nice gift sets of books for a really good price.

I still have my original faraway tree and Malory towers books from when I was about 6/7 and I'm nearly 40!!

kingfisherblue

Another vote for books.

Another idea is bubbles. Cheap to buy, but so much fun! No cluttering cupboards either. You can buy a large bottle to refill smaller bottles too.

Bedding might be suitable. You can get some lovely sets that aren't too expensive.

LilElvis

I managed to get signed copies of hardback Julia MacDonald books on Amazon for less than the retail price of the book - an enormous £10.18 for Sugarlump & the Unicorn is one example.

mr_knight

As a parent I find it hard to find homes for all the toys my children receive at Christmas and birthdays (two children with birthdays close to Xmas).

I love books, great gifts and infact I buy the book people packs for party bags.

One gift my eldest loved and has played with for hours is a "busy book" it's a book and in the back page are 12 characters and a playmat. She has played with them for ages, the playmat has fallen to pieces but the characters and books are in one piece 18 months later. They are great to take on holiday too. Whsmith sell them and apparently Asda too. I've just put two away for Christmas ��

Craft supplies are always needed too.

DigForVictory

For a family, you may find membership of something like English Heritage offers a range of fun days out, but castle towers with a pushchair are a bit complex.

Year pass to a local zoo?

Or chat to parents as if they make things with the children then the really big tanks (5litres) of PVA glue are brilliant value. (Buy from a builders merchant for better prices than a stationer!)

Start & stock up a dressing up box from charity shop wins?

enthusiasticsaver

Books are a good one. Craft materials maybe if the child is into that. Mine loved playdough when they were little and when my granddaughter gets old enough I shall get her some to mould. Dressing up stuff again is usually good for either girls or boys.

Qtipps4

I'd suggest really good felt tip pens, Crayola possibly. Often bit more expensive but ultimately worth it long term and lovely to use and maybe a plain hardback notebook. Even for young children these special items can record development of skills.

theoretica

For the older end of your range 'Stompeez' slippers or their first umbrella. For all ages, depending on the family, there are some nice children's music records.