Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

When someone asks what your kid would like for their birthday...

41 replies

DuckDuckDiva · 25/02/2023 08:44

...or what they're into at the moment, please just tell them rather than saying 'oh just anything'! 😅 Yes OK, slightly lighthearted, but I have 4 children aged from 3-5 from son's nursery to buy presents for and when all of them have been asked what they're kids are into they've said 'oh anything' or 'just whatever really'. I am struggling as I have no idea what to buy! Most urgent is for 4yo girl. Don't want to buy plastic tat. Ideas mumsnet?

OP posts:
Original poster
DuckDuckDiva · 25/02/2023 08:44

*their

OP posts:
Merrow · 25/02/2023 08:45

Books! What parent could complain.

Passivhaus · 25/02/2023 08:45

I find it frustrating too as I'd rather get them something that they are into and I generally have no idea. On the other hand if they just say whatever then I don't feel bad if it's that 😅

17caterpillars1mouse · 25/02/2023 08:46

4 year old girl - usbourne dolly dressing sticker book

At that age I tend to buy a jigsaw

Passivhaus · 25/02/2023 08:46

*tat

TeenDivided · 25/02/2023 08:46

If in doubt buy craft stuff, as it gets used on a rainy day and then goes.
Or sticker books.

PetitPorpoise · 25/02/2023 08:46

Where's Wally book

Karwomannghia · 25/02/2023 08:47

Books or a token are always a good option if you’re avoiding plastic, or bits of clothing like a hat or gloves slipper socks pjs, or bubble bath etc

MsAustin · 25/02/2023 08:48

Re frame the question maybe- 'what is ........ into/ interested in at the moment? '

Flangeosaurus · 25/02/2023 08:48

I’ve just started putting a fiver in a card. They can get whatever they want then, or save it for holiday spends, or put it towards a bigger present. DS got such an absolute mountain of tat when we had a whole class party it was insane

GoodChat · 25/02/2023 08:49

I'd get something crafty - one of those teddies that you can draw on or something.

Scienceandreason · 25/02/2023 08:49

All of the above suggestions are good. You can't go wrong with sticker books, new sets of pens and pencils.

When asked, I always used to say 'a £5 book voucher'. That way none of the other parents felt compelled to spend too much and my children always ended up with a few new books each birthday!

OneCup · 25/02/2023 08:50

I'm the opposite. I prefer not to know. I usually buy ten of whatever is on offer (Lego, books or crafts normally).
I once made the mistake of asking a parent what their child was into. She said football. I had no idea what the kid already had or not and struggled to find something, yet felt I had to buy something football related. Never again!

Original poster
DuckDuckDiva · 25/02/2023 08:52

Flangeosaurus · 25/02/2023 08:48

I’ve just started putting a fiver in a card. They can get whatever they want then, or save it for holiday spends, or put it towards a bigger present. DS got such an absolute mountain of tat when we had a whole class party it was insane

See most people asked me the same question and I told them he loves anything book, marvel, bugs, craft, sport related and he got lovely gifts that we still use now. I added a disclaimer on his invitation that we most appreciate presence nor presents but when people ask, I just told them. A couple of people didn't being gifts and I didn't bat an eyelid. Two hours spent at a kids birthday party is a gift in itself. I think maybe it makes people feel grabby when actually I just didn't want a mountain of plastic toys he will never use. Thanks for all the suggestions!

OP posts:
pornyshroudofturin · 25/02/2023 08:52

I hate it when people ask. First, I have no idea of their budget so feel really awkward making any suggestions. And second, I've already racked my brains to think of presents I can give, making suggestions for grandparents and wider family. So I am always totally out of ideas.

PandyMoanyMum · 25/02/2023 08:57

Buy Moonsand. Awful stuff, but they did say “anything”.😏

Pottedpalm · 25/02/2023 08:58

The headteacher of a school my friend’s children attend always suggests that everyone puts £5 or whatever in a card and the parent can then buy ( or put towards) a large gift.. a scooter, bike, paddling pool/sport equipment. I thought that was excellent. No one needs 20 more paw patrol or craft kits.

PollyPut · 25/02/2023 08:59

Books. The usborne sticker dressing ones that are PP mentioned are quite good as they learn about different cultures etc. an adult needs to read them out thought

Sticker books for boys too. Helps practice fine motor skills.

GoodChat · 25/02/2023 08:59

PandyMoanyMum · 25/02/2023 08:57

Buy Moonsand. Awful stuff, but they did say “anything”.😏

Or pots of play dough are £1 in the Range. That'll teach her Grin

MRex · 25/02/2023 09:03

If they are a friend of your child, can your child say what they like? DS is always highly specific like "He likes paw patrol buy didn't have tracker, so can I get him tracker?" Or "I want to get her Lego with animals." If all else fails, buy books.

Andthatstheend · 25/02/2023 09:04

Sorry but don’t ask just think of something yourself please ! I hate this question, It’s awkward, and puts pressure on the other person to decide for you, when they don’t know your budget etc

Sneakyblinders · 25/02/2023 09:04

I saw this in a book shop the other day and thought it looked like a nice gift: shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-colouring-book-of-cards-and-envelopes-nature.html

I think a £5 in a card sounds good too!

GoodChat · 25/02/2023 09:04

MRex · 25/02/2023 09:03

If they are a friend of your child, can your child say what they like? DS is always highly specific like "He likes paw patrol buy didn't have tracker, so can I get him tracker?" Or "I want to get her Lego with animals." If all else fails, buy books.

This is a very good point. It's supposed to be a gift from child to child, not parent to parent.

WandaWonder · 25/02/2023 09:06

I would go craft, science, books, drawing sets

MRex · 25/02/2023 09:07

YANBU though, it really isn't hard to give a generic price-free guide like vehicles / Lego ,/ jigsaw / book / crafts or whatever.