The wish lists of children keep getting more and more expensive. Electronics always seem to be at the top of that list as well. I believe that children do still like to play, but they are just as busy as adults and electronics are just more convenient much like our cell phones. Affordable is at the top of the list for anyone that has to make purchases for children and this can be achieved with a little thought. I think that gift baskets can be creative and affordable gifts for children. They will also give the illusion of getting more due to the packaging.
Movie Night
Everyone likes to have a movie night. A big plastic Tupperware bowl can serve as the ‘basket’ of this Movie Night gift. The package can include a DVD, popcorn, candy, and cans of soda. This can easily be converted into a basket for multiple children or even a family gift. To save even more money, you can simply choose a movie that is not a new release and the rest can be purchased at the dollar store to make for an affordable gift.
Cooking basket
Do you know children who like to help out in the kitchen? A cooking theme basket may be the idea for them. A big plastic Tupperware bowl can serve as the ‘basket’ of this cooking gift. You may want to include a children’s cookbook and their own supplies such as measuring spoons and cups. You could even make the basket exclusive to something such as cookies and include the dry ingredients or a dry cookie mix, mixing spoon, cookie cutters, frosting, and sprinkles. Don’t forget the apron. Most of these items can be found at a dollar store and make this a very affordable gift.
Story Time
A great way to encourage children to read is to get them their own story time basket. This would work great in a tote bag with a few story books, a small stuffed animal, and a small blanket. They could create their own little reading space with their gift. Bookstores usually have good specials on books, just look in the bargain section for some affordable choices.
Bath Set
Mom and Dad have their own toiletries, so how about a bath gift set for a child. You can fill a basket with various items that the child would like and gear it towards boy or girl as appropriate. Some suggestions could be bubble bath, shampoo/conditioner, bath crayons, bath toys, bath mitt, towel, robe, and/or slippers. Most of these items can be found at the dollar store and/or Wal-Mart and would be an affordable gift idea.
Craft Basket
A craft basket would be a great idea for any child. Most children like having the supplies to make stuff when they want, but even those that do not need things to work on school projects sometimes. This can be completely customized to the child receiving the gift. Some suggestions could be construction paper, crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, buttons, pom-poms, glue, scissors, glitter glue, and various fabric/felt. Most of these items can be picked up at either a dollar store or craft store and are very affordable.
In conclusion, do not let the holidays overrun your budget. Sometimes less is more and is usually more thoughtful than simply purchasing the latest and greatest electronic. Just a little thought about the child you are buying for can help you come up with your own creative and affordable gift ideas for children if these do not work for you.
“Inexpensive Gift Basket Ideas for kids.” http://budget101.com/gifts_for_kids.htm
“Gift Ideas for Kids.” http://www.stretcher.com/stories/04/04may31a.cfm
