Page 2 | When someone asks what your kid would like for their birthday...

DuckDuckDiva · 2023-02-25T08:44:24+00:00

...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?

MRex · 25/02/2023 09:08

DS and I would be delighted with £5 in a card though if that works for you!

Sugarfree23 · 25/02/2023 09:08

I'm money in a card too.
I just find it really hard to find gifts for less than a tenner. And no kid needs 20 token gifts.
Make life easy.

Yogazmum · 25/02/2023 09:09

£5 in a card is always a winner with my child.
Or an Amazon gift card/token he can spend online. Nintendo gift card if they’ve got a Switch.
Lego pack (smaller ones are about £8)

bakewellbride · 25/02/2023 09:10

Get a bluey book or toy.

Lego is another good fail safe.

QueenofFox · 25/02/2023 09:11

I hate being asked this question. I don’t have the brain space to think of the 10-20 different answers to this plus mil and sil every time my kid has a birthday. If you can’t think of something generic (book, puzzle, bath bomb) vouchers and money are there for a reason. This is the gift equivalent of a voice note - taking my time to make your life easier.

Luana1 · 25/02/2023 09:13

Arts and crafts supplies always go down well or if you don’t like the parents a slime making set 😆

bluechameleon · 25/02/2023 09:25

I don't understand why people hate being asked this - can't you just say "she is currently interested in reptiles, PJ masks, painting and ballet". There's no need to suggest something for a specific budget or to think of different things for different people. My children know what their best friends would like but don't usually know for the random classmates who invite them to bigger parties.

JenniferBarkley · 25/02/2023 09:27

I'd feel real like awkward making suggestions, wouldn't know people's budget etc.

I have a DC that age, I usually go with jigsaws or a set of markers. Lego is expensive enough so have only bought that for her close friends. Mainly I just try to avoid plastic tat (not always that easy if DD is involved with the shopping!).

Colourinsidethelines · 25/02/2023 09:38

£5 in a card is perfect, book token is also a good idea. If you want an actual gift I would get pjs or something crafty. Those crayola animals/dolls etc that you can colour in and wash off again are really good, my niece loves those!

tiramisualwaystiramisu · 25/02/2023 09:41

To those who ask their child, you clearly have more aware than mine. Last time I asked DC1 what their best friend liked, I got "me". Which is very sweet but I'm not wrapping up a 6 year old as a gift.

I always ask the parents and usually ask if there's anything the child is interested in. I don't need specific gift ideas but a theme is useful, ie Marvel and Pokémon or unicorns and Elsa (what I got the last two times I asked). I was really bemused when I got asked for the first birthday party we threw, but it makes life so much easier. I try to include a gift receipt so it can be returned if it's not what they want.

ChicoryDip · 25/02/2023 09:44

When people asked me the question my stock answer was always "Stick a couple of pound coins to a bag of Haribo and DD will be delighted".

The years of class parties were the worst for piles of gifts that we were very grateful for but just didn't really have room for. I also swear that the same Lego set must have been regifted several times around the class.

phoenixrosehere · 25/02/2023 10:10

bluechameleon · 25/02/2023 09:25

I don't understand why people hate being asked this - can't you just say "she is currently interested in reptiles, PJ masks, painting and ballet". There's no need to suggest something for a specific budget or to think of different things for different people. My children know what their best friends would like but don't usually know for the random classmates who invite them to bigger parties.

I don't understand why people hate being asked this - can't you just say "she is currently interested in reptiles, PJ masks, painting and ballet".

Exactly! I ask because I don’t know, don’t want to waste time and money, or get something utterly unsuitable. I don’t care for when people buy things without asking me for our children because it’s usually something we already have or age-inappropriate. It becomes unnecessary clutter and someone (me) has to find something to do with it and I’m not going to store it just on the off chance they may be interested in months or years later.

Genie321 · 25/02/2023 10:30

Money or vouchers. Can't go wrong with that.

GoodChat · 25/02/2023 11:17

Sugarfree23 · 25/02/2023 09:08

I'm money in a card too.
I just find it really hard to find gifts for less than a tenner. And no kid needs 20 token gifts.
Make life easy.

Smyths have an 'under £10' section if there's one near you

Andthatstheend · 25/02/2023 11:32

bluechameleon · 25/02/2023 09:25

I don't understand why people hate being asked this - can't you just say "she is currently interested in reptiles, PJ masks, painting and ballet". There's no need to suggest something for a specific budget or to think of different things for different people. My children know what their best friends would like but don't usually know for the random classmates who invite them to bigger parties.

Because- It’s not supposed to be about the ‘right’ gift, it’s just a kind gesture to celebrate someone’s birthday. So on that basis I don’t want to be asked or see the point, anything will be gratefully received, and nothing is fine too.

girlfriend44 · 25/02/2023 12:08

How about just a nice card will do.