The minefield that are childrens birthday parties...

[Pheebe]

Not really sure where to post this but here goes...

Is a book and/or a £5 book voucher a decent present to give a 4 year old? Getting sick of buying plastic tat that they probably already have or won't like...

There's a very high probability that a book voucher would be badly received . I think a book is fine - but 4 year olds want something to unwrap, tat or not.

absolutely fine imo

absolutely fine imo

Book is fine. I'm not so sure about a voucher; I'm sure the vast majority of 4yos would prefer to unwrap a physical item than a voucher!

yes a book with option of returning it if they already have it

Yes. I cannot think of a single valid objecion to buying a child a nice book.

a book on it's own

no vouchers

recommend anything by Robert Sabuda for a 'fabulous' gift and something like "Aliens Love Underpants' for a good gift

Cheap and cheerful, seeds, a little earth and a plant pot.

Book is always good.

A book is fine for a 4 year old.

I tend to buy craft stuff for as birthday presents for 4 year old - eg cardboard cutout house to build and paint.

a book can never be wrong.

Think those crayola magic pen/ paper packs are great for 3/4 year olds. And no mess so happy parents.

book yes
£5-7 good amount IMO
vouchers not popular - not much to open I think.

similar ideas - fun stationery (eg paperchase etc)

try the Book People, Red House Books etc - you can get a whole pack for the same money which has more impact!

for example Charlie & Lola set

or

various sets

I have often given books as presents for young children. DD always enjoyed recieveing them, still does.

I do avoid vouchers uness posting the present as, like others have said, most little children just like having something to unwrap. Once they get a year or so older I think vouchers are fine though - certainly 6y DD would like a book voucher.

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www.mumsnet.com/Talk/1367/607646

I got our 4 year old neighbours son a little gardening tools set and a little planting kit.

I was really pleased because he said he had got too many toys ( we were away for the actual birthday so this was after the event) but within 15 minutes was eagerly raking the garden with his new tools.

I agree with the no plastic tat dictat, but agree with other posters a book would be better than a voucher.

Brilliant thanks ladies

love the seed etc idea too - will definitely go for that one too

I always give books because I can't stand plastic. Definitely not a voucher, I think a four year old would want a proper present and a voucher also looks like you can't be bothered to chose something yourself IMO

from about 4, my DD quite liked getting a book token for xmas from an elderly relative, but we made a bit of an occasion of going into town on Boxing day, seeing the Mummers play and of course she got to choose her own books in the sale (she's a canny lass). Its become a tradition! But since this is a birthday the recipient is a bit unlikely to get quite that much value out of a voucher!

Books are good.

At my son's first school (we moved recently) there was a general agreement which filtered down to all class reps, starting in reception, that nobody should spend more than £5 on a birthday present. This was a massive stress-reducer for all parents, especially as most children had parties for the whole class. I'd say a £5 book is perfect.

please no more craft sets!!! I wish more people would give little toys eg playmobil to break up the monotony of vast piles of crft sets

Book voucher is very boring for this age. A book is fine, though.

Otr what abotu a little music cd?

Voucher horrible. Book one of the best presents you can get imo.