“What does he want for his birthday?” It ‘s the question du jour – it comes back with the R.S.V.P. Lt’s face it – trying to buy kids birthday presents is like playing roulette; sometimes you hit the jackpot, and sometimes your gift gets discarded while the “Thank-Yous” are being given out. Kids aren’t necessarily rude – they’re fickle, and when they get a dozen gifts to choose from, there’s room to be picky. So how do you guarantees that your gift doesn’t end up on the floor? Take a peek at the Top 5 Kids’ birthday gifts for 2011 and your gift just might be the hit of the party!
1. Playmobil: This German toy company has combine educational toys with the best imaginative and realistic play sets that any kid could ask for. Playmobil sets start at only about three to four dollars and are appropriate for ages 1 and up. The sets say up to age 5, but there are a lot of seven and eight year olds that still can’t put them down. Children can play with knights and dragons, Pharaohs and Mummies or play house with a traditional family set. You name it, Playmobil has it… and if they don’t they will soon! These toys fit every interest and are such high quality that they can be passed down from generation to generation (if you can keep all of the pieces together!)
2. Building Sets: Building sets come in all shapes and sizes and can always keep kids entertained. Whether they prefer the basic wooden blocks or traditional sets (Lincoln Logs are still extremely popular) or the slightly more advanced and more expensive LEGO versions, building sets allow kids to create their own worlds and build their own forts, and they’re appropriate for all ages.
3. Arts and Crafts and Science Experiments: After about the age of 8 years, it’s hard to buy the right gift. Luckily, many toy stores stock unique and inexpensive arts and crafts selections or science experiments for older kids too. Get the birthday boy or girl a “How to Sew” or crocheting set; or how about a “Build and Paint your own Birdhouse”? Simply find out what kinds of interests the kids have and you’ll find a craft for it. Science experiments range from “make your own slime” to “make your own gum “– the fun could be endless! The best part is that most of the sets are under $30.
4. Books: Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Books may not sound like an exciting gift, but books are not what they used to be. Try board books for little ones who still like to chew on everything, and chapter book sets for older kids who enjoy a longer read. And for those in between, there are many Explorer books, Knight Books and Princess type stores that offer insights into the real histories behind the fairy-tales. Kids are inquisitive and love to learn about their favourite subjects – don’t rule out educational gifts.
5. Gift Cards: If you just don’t know what to get that kid, why not try a gift card? Gift Cards are often touted as impersonal or “lazy” gifts, but with all of the choices out there, they can be a truly wonderful and fun option. Give the birthday child a Gift Card to the local toy store or specialized boutique and let them have their own shopping adventure. Or how about a gift Card for music downloads or the nearest movie theatre? (Their parents will thank you too…)
Don’t despair when you get the birthday invitation; be imaginative and tailor the birthday child’s gift to his or her personality and do it inexpensively. Birthdays are supposed to be fun, for everyone – buying the gift is only the beginning.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a mom of two and is currently researching educational toys in Edmonton and toy stores in Canada.
Do you have some handmade gifts for birthday to share?
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