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Original poster

School fair Santa's Grotto - what gift would you & your children like?

23 replies

Grumblebees · 19/10/2023 21:55

I've ended up being put in charge of organising the Santa's grotto at my children's primary school Christmas fair. We're new to the school so haven't been to one before, but what small gift would you as a parent prefer they were given, and what would your child be happy with?

Tickets likely to be £2.50 each and will be a storytime with Santa and get a small gift on the way out setup.

Current ideas from others were -
*lollipop or small bag of sweets (but there's also another class running a sweet stall)
*Chocolate lollipop - poss issues with allergens/needing alternatives
*Books - too complicated to have appropriate ranges
*Small fun windup toy or similar - plastic has been frowned upon in the past apparently
*Tree ornament, maybe a decorate your own wooden one. Is that boring for little ones?

Anyone got any opinion on what would go down best? Or voices of experience? Cost probably no more than 50p each.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Girasoli · 19/10/2023 21:58

I would do books and have age range stickers on the packets. You can divide up multipacks of picture books to save money.

Otherwise all DC seem to like snap bands/poppits (but it's a lot of plastic)

ImInACage · 19/10/2023 22:01

I agree, our school always does age appropriate books.

EasterMummie · 19/10/2023 22:04

Cool pen or pencil with stickers
Note pad
Those cool lights that kids put on tbeir fingers

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Pamperpartypooper · 19/10/2023 22:04

Ours used to do books but now do selection boxes. Always seem to go down well with the kids. May cost more than 50p each though.

angelopal · 19/10/2023 22:05

Think we are doing selection boxes.

Jewelspun · 19/10/2023 22:06

Ten for £10 at the Works -

www.theworks.co.uk/c/offers/multibuys/3-for-5

wafflingworrier · 19/10/2023 22:08

Invisible ink pens with a light on them to read what they've written.
Bluetak. Kids are obsessed with it.
Snap bands

Cincills · 19/10/2023 22:09

Out of those I’d think a book would be best.

Parents may not wants sweets for health reasons and allergies.

Stationery, colouring pencils or stickers are another good option. Slime or fidget toys, my DC would love.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 19/10/2023 22:12

A spy pen and small notebook could work well - can definitely buy in bulk on Amazon within 50p budget.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 19/10/2023 22:15

Stationery- kids of all ages love it, cheap and will used
stickers!

Original poster
Grumblebees · 19/10/2023 22:32

Thanks for replies so far. Christmassy stationery was my first thought too but none of the other organisers seemed very enthusiastic. I'd rather have small plastic tat that gives some fun for a few minutes than (more) sweets but plastic seemed less socially acceptable than sugar with the others (it's a very MC school).

I should have said in the last they've also given a token to spend at the fair alongside a lollipop and recommended doing the same again (fair is cashless so 50p/£1 tokens bought in advance) hence needing to keep the cost down to about 50p so overall 'gift' is £1. In reality the token will probably be spent on sweets/cake so I'm trying to avoid something edible, but don't want to incur the wrath of the plastic-free tribe.

Maybe books are the safest, but then they'll be £1 each.

OP posts:
Badsisters · 19/10/2023 22:37

Pencil with cute Christmas topper or stickers x

SisterMichaelsHabit · 19/10/2023 22:42

How about these paint-your-own wooden Christmas towns? £2.50 each in Flying Tiger.

School fair Santa's Grotto - what gift would you & your children like?
rainbowunicorn · 19/10/2023 22:46

Have you checked with the school about giving out lollipops? They were never allowed at our primary school as they are a choking hazard.

Trulywonderful · 19/10/2023 23:12

Novelty Christmas pencil or pen is a good idea. Think that has been said.

Christmas chocolate lollipop

Original poster
Grumblebees · 19/10/2023 23:28

AllTheWeatherAllTheTime · 19/10/2023 23:07

There might be something on here OP - good luck! https://toysforapound.com/collections/christmas

Thank you, I've screenshotted lots of items from that site to share!

OP posts:
Original poster
Grumblebees · 19/10/2023 23:30

rainbowunicorn · 19/10/2023 22:46

Have you checked with the school about giving out lollipops? They were never allowed at our primary school as they are a choking hazard.

They've had lollipops given out at events before so doesn't seem to be an issue at our school, but I'm with you on it not being the best idea.

I'm trying to avoid candy canes too because a)nobody really likes them and b)that means you're stuck holding a sticky stick someone insists on 'saving for later'

OP posts:
DilemmaDelilah · 20/10/2023 05:30

Those wooden animal toys where you push up the bottom and they collapse. They are a load of small pieces strung together with elastic or string and when you push the bottom up it releases the tension.
The little toys with a pair of (say) magnetic ladybirds that repel each other
Really really nice drawing pens
'How to ' books, such as how to draw cartoons
Kaleidoscopes

autiebooklover · 20/10/2023 05:36

I'd avoid chocolate as kids like mine with a dairy allergy end up missing out. Books are best bet. Any book charities on your area? You could probably get them to donate books? (Better for environment)

FindRachel · 20/10/2023 05:40

Those wooden animal toys where you push up the bottom and they collapse.

Yes, something like that would be good. Not plastic, fun and suitable for all ages.

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