Small Sized Gift Ideas for Young Kids

[rubymaster]

I’ve been asked for gift ideas for my 1yo and 4yo DDs. Problem is we’re moving abroad in the new year and can only take a limited amount of things with us, so anything bulky or heavy will most likely be given away. I’m thinking to just ask for practical things that we would be buying or taking with us anyway, clothes/shoes etc but it feel so a bit boring for them. Any ideas?

For the 4 year old how about a busy book? Its the size of a hardback book but has a playmat and 10 small figures. You can get all sorts of films and characters - mine have had frozen, trolls, paw patrol, Christmas themed. They are around £6 in supermarkets/whsmith. I wrap up with a corresponding dvd.

Or if you are ok with technology, my dds each got a Nintendo 2ds at around 4/5 which they both loved and still do at 12 and 8. As its an older console you can get lots of cheaper games.

How about a cuddly toy each from build a bear? Or a nice jellycat one. If you have limited space when moving they could be vacuum packed to be smaller!

Or one of those colour in cardboard houses from hobbycraft with a pack of pencils/pens.

Playdough?

Any sort of arts and crafts that will get used up within a year.

A big box of silliness like helium balloons, different sized boxes, party poppers, glow sticks, confetti cannons/balloons, wind up toys. Basically random stuff that will be rubbish to you but they would love! I work in a nursery and the 2-4 year olds love a random table of tinsel/beads/buttons/odds and sods!! We call it loose parts (look on pinterest loads of ideas!)

Stick with the practical bit for most of the present but something like a playmobil/playmobil 123 character or something like a little car/vehicle that they can just keep in their pocket would be something more exciting for the child. Or instead of normal clothes, a dressing up outfit or pjs/t-shirt with a favourite character.

Jigsaws or orchard games. Really light. Can take them out of the boxes if short on space.

Wall stickers for new bedroom.

For the 4yo:
Polly Pocket
Lottie doll
Kid Knex
Magnetic fishing game
Little live pets

A Tonies or yoto player? Both small as are the story cards/characters.

Aquadoodle mat for your 1yo

I would say stick to clothes etc if they want to buy something physical. Otherwise, could you ask for money towards bigger new toys once you are settled, to replace those that have been outgrown/ not able to come with you?