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Budget Friendly Gift Ideas for Children
Finding the perfect gift for young children doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most meaningful presents are those that speak to shared memories, spark creativity or are specially sourced for the individual. Here are some simple, thoughtful and budget-friendly gift ideas that will bring as much pleasure to the giver as the receiver.
Nature-based Gifts
There are many ways to create gifts from simple items around us, especially those in nature. Have a look at last month’s blog on the sensory pleasure of Treasure Baskets for inspiration for babies from around six months to toddlers.
● Source a small bag of smooth pebbles that your child could sort by size or colour. Make the gift educational by painting numbers or letters on the pebbles, can they spell out their name?!
● Create a little treasure box: fill an old clean tin or box, decorate it with their name and fill it with “treasures” (shells, stones, small toys they will love, an apple etc).
● Fill a small jar with clean shells, pebbles, chestnuts or pinecones. There is fun to be had in emptying them out and putting them back, shaking the jar, making patterns and more.
Shop sustainably by buying second hand
Here at Schoolhouse Daycare, we top up our curious learning areas with items from charity shops and car boot sales. Items that are familiar, home-from-home and objects that spark the imagination, like an unusually textured lemon squeezer!
Hunt for:
● Chunky wooden blocks!
● Bubble wand / bubble maker: toddlers often love chasing bubbles
● Messy play supplies: big washable crayons, finger paints (non-toxic) and even tea-bags!
Use your creativity
With enough imagination – and time – let your creativity soar as you make your own gifts in your own home!
Homemade Playdough Kits: Mix up a batch of colourful playdough and package it in little jars. Find a recipe for child-friendly playdough and more play ideas on our previous blogs.
Make your own sealed sensory mat using buttons, sequins and feathers. This idea is great if you value messy play but don’t love the mess! You will need a laminator and laminating pouches but everything else you should find at home.
Craft a hand puppet: Puppets don’t have to be complicated. There are some great printable templates for paper finger puppets online. For a hand puppet simply sketch on a paper bag or stitch two buttons onto an old sock.
Assemble a Baking Kit: Layer the dry ingredients for brownies or flapjacks in a jar. Decorate the jar with a pretty label and ribbon – and the promise of some adult assistance!
Books on a Budget
At Schoolhouse Daycare we always recommend books as gifts and each of our nursery sites has a lending library to encourage reading at home. Libraries and charity shops often have bargain boardbooks; a “new” story doesn’t need to be brand new!
Consider experiences over objects
A hand made voucher can be personalised to your child’s special interests. Here’s some suggestions to get you started.
This voucher entitles the bearer to…:
★ Park adventure – promise a special trip to the park with a picnic or a game of football, treasure hunt etc
★ Fort building – clear the floor and grab some old sheets!
★ Family sleepover – one night of mattresses on the living room floor and the whole family making memories (although maybe not getting much actual sleep!)
★ Baking Together – or simply collect icing pens to decorate shop bought biscuits
★ One-to-one time – just you and them for a specified amount of time and, crucially, they choose what you do (providing it isn’t illegal, unaffordable or unsafe!)
Personal Touches
Listen with mother or father – record yourself reading a favourite story or singing songs. Kids love listening again and again.
Photo Memory Book – print photos of family and pets and add captions for a keepsake they’ll treasure.
Gift giving and emotional communication
Each child at Schoolhouse Daycare and their family has a Key Person whose role includes tuning into how that child communicates emotionally. Schoolhouse Director Rachel Burley recommends considering the theory of the five “love languages” when thinking about how children express and receive love. (The five different love languages are: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service). So, if a child naturally expresses affection by giving a flower or a shell (the language of gifts) they are also likely to enjoy receiving gifts themselves. Recognising and reciprocating these gestures can be incredibly affirming for children, as they feel seen and valued. Equally, if you observe that a child’s favourite way of showing or receiving affection is a cuddle or massage then they may feel a strong connection to their caregiver when they receive a book of vouchers for cuddles. In this way, simple gift giving strengthens children’s emotional security. Safety Tips:
● Ensure small items cannot be swallowed or pose a choking hazard.
● Use non-toxic materials.
● Nature items: wash, dry and inspect for sharp edges.
● Avoid anything with loose small parts for under 3s.
When it comes to giving, children value your time, creativity, and attention more than expensive toys. A homemade kit, a shared experience, or a thoughtful personalised gift often means much more than something bought in a shop. With a little imagination, you can make birthdays and special occasions magical — on any budget.
