When it comes to buying gifts for children’s birthdays, it’s important to find a balance between not appearing cheap and managing your budget. Whether it’s for a close friend or someone your child barely knows, there are plenty of great gift options that won’t break the bank. Here are some affordable kids’ birthday presents that are sure to be a hit without straining your wallet.
Acquaintances
When your child is invited to a new playmate’s birthday party, it’s common to want to find affordable gift options. Instead of spending a lot, consider inexpensive toys that are $5 or less. You can also get creative and make homemade gifts together with your child, such as multicolored slime or scented playdough, which are both budget-friendly and enjoyable for younger kids.
Kids’ birthday gift ideas for under $5:
- Books
- Card games
- Stickers
- Coloring books
- Crayons and other art supplies
Classmates
When it comes to buying gifts for your child’s classmates, it’s advisable to set a budget of no more than $10 per gift. If your child has a large number of classmates, it’s even more important to keep the budget in check to avoid spending too much throughout the school year. By sticking to this budget for everyone in the class, you can ensure fairness and prevent any hurt feelings.
Kids’ birthday gift ideas for under $10:
- Play-Doh sets
- Kickball
- Puzzles
- Travel games
- Action figures
- Craft sets
- Art supplies
Friends
When it comes to buying gifts for your child’s friends, it can be helpful to categorize them into two groups. The first group consists of close friends that your child spends a lot of time with. For these friends, it’s recommended to keep the spending to $15 or less. The second group includes one or two best friends who hold a special place in your child’s life. For these close friends, you can consider spending around $20 on a gift.
Kids’ birthday gift ideas for under $15:
- Legos
- Board games
- Sports balls
- Art supplies
- Craft sets
- Puzzles
Relatives
When it comes to buying gifts for family members, there are a few factors to consider. If your children are close to their cousins and you have a tight-knit family, it’s reasonable to spend up to $25 on a cousin’s birthday gift. However, the spending may vary depending on how often you see them and how much other family members typically spend. A general guideline is to aim for a budget between $15 and $25, which will give you plenty of gift options for your family members.
Kids’ birthday gift ideas for under $20:
- Barbies
- Wooden puzzles
- Board games
- Art supplies
- Hardcover books
To save money on kids’ birthday party gifts, be a smart shopper. Take advantage of buy one, get one free deals, discounts, clearance items, and Black Friday sales to stock up on gifts for future parties.
If the party invitation specifies “No Gifts,” it’s best to respect the request. Bringing a gift when it’s been asked not to can create an awkward situation among guests.
