I have my niece and nephews 5th birthday party to go to this weekend, and I have no idea what to get them. Have no idea what they are into, and I know they have anything and everything. Everytime it seems I get them a gift I never see it again. Last year I got them gift certificates which I think my sister inlaw wasn't too thrilled with. I have no idea what to do. Please help with some ideas. Thank you......
Thanks everyone for your imput! I decided to bite the bullet and I went over to Walmart. I knew that my newphew liked the movie Cars. They already have it. So, I decided to buy one of the cars from the movie. Then for my niece I went with Barbie. I don't know if they have either. Hopefully they don't. I haven't been over to the house in awhile. My sister inlaw is just funky about what people buy for her kids. That is the way it has always been. They have to have the best of the best. Which I can not afford. I thought about the savings bonds, but I knew from the look on her face when my mom does it that she wouldn't be happy (don't ask, lol). Thank you all for your help. The answers you gave me will come in handy for the next child's birthday I have attend!
Savings bonds. Always. But, if you have to give something in hand, which I always do too, face paint, fingernail tatoos, play nail polish, matchbox cars, most boys that age are getting into Tony Hawk (clothing) Stickers, bath tub or beach stuff, Music for young children, Movies or movie tickets. By the time they grow up, and if you keep giving them a bond for many years, they will have a good amount to take with them for needs than wants.
It's so hard to buy for a 5 year old. I simply ask my sister nlaw point blank - what should I get the kids? What are they in to? If she can't provide you with suggestions, then get the gift certificate and maybe a $5 little thingy to open. If you sister nlaw doesn't like it, too bad. As for toys and never seeing them again... I get that a lot too. I just think they get sick of the toys SO fast (or lose them or break them) as I know the kids love them when I give it to them cause they tell me. Good luck and congrats on your new baby!
The savings Bond is a good idea...but, let's be honest the Kids really don't care, and have no idea what it is.
Usually I find that anything that has to do with OUTSIDE play is a good idea. I think Crayola makes some great outside paint and chalk. I got this for my 5 year old nephew, and he LOVES it. It washes away with the hose or the rain and is safe. (for both the planet and child)
I know you already decided what to buy, but for the kids who have everything how about getting them some of your time? Spend a day with them at Navy Pier, or a museum or my personal favorite Kiddieland. It is a mini amusement park in Melrose Park that is old and not in the swankiest of neighborhoods, but they keep it in mint condition and it is perfect for kids age three through about nine. It is located at 1st Avenue and North Avenue. The ticket price for one whole day is like $25, and after spending 5 hours there they'll be elated and exhausted and have ridden every ride at least once. Drinks are free and food is reasonably priced and I think you can even get discount tickets at Jewel. It seriously is so fun, it is like a very high end carnival which kids just love. They would remember forever as a fun time with their aunt.
I always like art and craft supplies. At five they can cut and paste and love special art projects. paper, paint and glue, scrapbook stickers, markers.... They love it and it's great for a rainy day.
I agree with asking for advice from the children's mother or father. My nephews are 9 and 10 years old and live far away. I always have to ask my sister what to get because I have no idea what boys that age want, and because we're so far away, I never know what they have or what they'd most like. This has worked out really well. I hope you're sister-in-law is helpful. Good luck.
How about a new disney movie or something that has come out recently that they might not have yet?
Dear L.,
If in doubt, go to the source. Ask their mom what you can get them this year or what they are into, etc. People do this all the time. I get some of these calls every year before my daughter's birthday party.
Good luck!
Barbara
I just took my 5 year old twins to Build A Bear, and they used their birthday gift cards that they got from their aunt and uncle. For the past two years they have received them and my kids love it. They get to pick out an animal and stuff it and dress it. You could probably give a gift card for $30-40 for each child to cover the cost of a outfit too. If you want to pay just for an animal, I think they range in price from $12 to 22. I stressed to my kids that the animals/clothing were made possible because of a generous gift their aunt and uncle gave them. It is a lot of fun for kids to select their own animal, name it, dress it, get a birth certificate for it, etc...
Oh... now I see that you already went to Walmart! I'm too late with my response. Oh well... I'll leave my response for you to maybe use in the future or for another reader.
I totally second the savings bonds idea! It's a great gift for kids, esp those that have "anything and everything". Kids get so much stuff - toys, clothes, even books get out of hand - I think it makes so much more sense to give them somethign they can use in the future for whatever they will need. I also try to stick with books for gifts for the most part, if you want to give them something to open. This Christmas I gave books to all of my husband's family's kids and I was surprised at how excited all the kids were over them.
If you can't ask what they want this year, and she wasn't thrilled with gift certificate, then I have to agree with the savings bonds.
L.,
I have twins (girl and boy) who will be turning 8 next month. I remember that when they were 5, they received Razor scooters and are still using them almost 3 years later. They also received a teeter-totter that year which was another big hit. Since they have a summer birthday, I am always happy when they get things they can use outside. Instead of the toy aisle, try checking out the sporting goods aisle for things like roller skates, etc. Good luck!
Since they have a summer birthday maybe some outdoors activities would be fun - sidewalk chalks and paints, a kiddie sprinkler, or Littly Tykes T-ball sets. The little ones on my block all LOVE these activities, and it gets them out in the fresh air.
I know how you feel! When I am in a situation like this I love to give savings bonds as a gift. For $25 the child will earn $50 in 7 years and they will appreciate later in life. I also always add a little something so they have something to open! Maybe a personalized gift or some fun jewelry/nail polish! Learning express has a ton of fun things they can personalize for around $10. Then you are sure to see the gift again!!! Hope these ideas help!!
