Cheap post able (flat?) gifts for ages 2 -16

[BinBandit]

I buy a gift for all my non adult great nieces and nephews. Currently 10 of them, youngest will be nearly 2 and oldest just turned 16, mix of boys and girls.

I usually spend about £10-15 but found last year (I got them all nice insulated water bottles (except the baby)) that the postage ended up pretty expensive. None of them live nearby so handing them out isn't possible. I know the answer is probably money or a gift but I'd rather not (or combine a tenner each with some small thing). I'd also rather something that isn't going to be chucked straight into landfill.

I've thought about just not doing it anymore but that feels a shame for the younger ones.

Gifts don't all need to be the same but there are a few family groups in the 10 as well as a few singletons so the gifts need to look equivalent.

Any ideas?

Some things I have sent by post and have been well received: Cotton twist kit, Biscuiteers biscuits, simply cake co mix a mug, initial/personalised keyring, hotel Chocolat Xmas crackers, mini marshmallow toasting kit (older ones), next year's annual,
How about an advent calendar each instead? DHs aunt sends our kids one every year (just a cheap chocolate one) and they love it!

Books seems the obvious one. Flat and easy to post....

Do you have amazon prime? That's what my siblinga usually do and prime it to their address then the parents wrap it at their end!

Hmmmm... a tough brief!

Maybe a microfibre beach towel for the older kids? I'd imagine that could be useful. This one comes in many different designs:
amzn.eu/d/13JnbXF

Perhaps a busy book for the toddler(s)?
Where's Wally/search and find books?
Activity/sticker book for the younger ones?
A bluetooth beanie hat for the teenagers?
Pyjamas?
Scarf/gloves?
Jewellery?
A small torch?
A bag... drawstring/shopping/back pack?
Headphones/earphones?

Thanks both. I do have prime and I've occasionally send some things direct but I've normally paid for wrapping and then it's just the same extra price again. I haven't thought about getting the parents to wrap but I guess that is an option.

Books is a good idea. My only doubt is that I don't really know the DC very well. Some I've only met once or twice and some I've not met for many years. I therefore tend to go neutral. It's usually easier for the little ones, a nice pair of Pjs etc. I've done things like mugs with hot chocolate or pencil cases with fancy pens and pencils, that kind of thing. I don't really know if any of them are readers.

I have:
Family 1 = M16 & M11
Family 2 = M14
Family 3 = F13 & F10
Family 4 = F13
Family 5 = F9, M6 & F 20 months
Family 6 = M3

and thanks @finallychangedmyusername Lots of good ideas there. I was hoping maybe for things that would qualify as a letter - not asking much :)

First 4 I'd just send cash. Last few books.

Flow rings were a big hit with my DS and are flat when you receive them then bounce up when taken out packaging. Very soothing when they flow up and down your arms! Getting them for my niece and nephew this year: www.amazon.co.uk/ASPIRE-UK-Ring-Kinetic-Sculpture-Interactive/dp/B08PZGQ71X/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=HBKBWAXFHQCB&keywords=Flow+rings&qid=1666700347&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjk5IiwicXNhIjoiMy45NyIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=flow+rings%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-3

Wooden models, lots of different kinds, flat to post: www.amazon.co.uk/UGears-Steampunk-Clock-Wooden-Puzzle/dp/B07XT19YY2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3EIZJ4S7JR7LT&keywords=Small+wooden+model&qid=1666700568&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjA2IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=small+wooden+model%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3

Diamond art kits are fun

Board game/card game, Exploding Kittens is meant to be good

Stationery, nice notebook

Letterbox cake www.notonthehighstreet.com/avacardy/product/just-to-say-personalised-treat-card?awc=18484_1666700917_e6954cdc717c219c26abc713ff001fcb&utm_source=AWIN&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimlinks&utm_term=78888

Readly subscription for a few months, access to hundreds of magazines. Could be good for older ones: gb.readly.com/

Colour your own bag for little ones: www.theworks.co.uk/p/craft-activities-for-kids/colour-your-own-bag-assorted/5052089294622.html?CAWELAID=720011340002894501&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt6aBhDKARIsAAyeLJ2_ZLW1MAq__NczL4meDffFAuFFOPVhkojc1yIOIYGPhjF5gK96mq0aAs1OEALw_wcB

Resin bookmark personalised: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1085303531/personalised-bookmark-resin-bookmark?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_d-books_movies_and_music-books-book_accessories-bookmarks&utm_custom1=k_Cj0KCQjwkt6aBhDKARIsAAyeLJ2UR-DzZgP2vgRfPnorfWU_C-Cwvz1SWMPnNLNKTeiGs7pRf4IRiDUaAkqAEALw_wcB_k&utm_content=go_12583170882_119673330877_507934654058_pla-316657190591_m__1085303531engb_526994998&utm_custom2=12583170882&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt6aBhDKARIsAAyeLJ2UR-DzZgP2vgRfPnorfWU_C-Cwvz1SWMPnNLNKTeiGs7pRf4IRiDUaAkqAEALw_wcB

Sorry for the giant links 😂

I would go for really good quality pens or pencils, e.g. lovely Staedtler fineliners or similar.

For the older ones I would just transfer money for them to get what they want. I get why you want to send presents but most teens would prefer to be able to put the money towards something.

To be honest for a teenager I've only met once, I would be just sending them money or vouchers (or more honestly, nothing!)

For the younger ones, an age appropriate book.

There are lots of subscription type gifts you can buy as a one off. Eg toucan boxes are craft kits for up to age 8, think they’re about £14 but may have a joining discount. My niece is 7 and gets a history type one with a magazine and stuff. You can get baking ones too. I don’t know about teenagers but there’s probably something similar but age appropriate? They are designed to be posted and you can get them sent directly. Toucan boxes come in a brightly coloured envelope with the kids name in big writing, my daughter is always excited to receive hers!

Stickers
One of those sewing kits in a flat bag
Pack of nice felt pens (Eg Tombow)
Badges
Money

Little ones you can get some small books, Aldi/lidl/homebargins/Poundland all do nice childrens books. My DD got some lovely thin books for her birthday from Aldi, little red riding hood is her favourite. she loves them as she gets to answer questions and put stickers in the right places. I also bought her some Mr Men books for £1 from poundland, small and light to post.

Other good books to post, the hungry caterpillar, the tiger that came to tea, anything Julia Donaldson. Or clothes for the little ones.

If you don’t want to send cash do gift cards, the pre teens £10 Roblox (robuxs) or Fortnite (V bucks) would go down well. Or cinema gift cards.

For the teens Sports Direct, Costa, Starbucks or again cinema. My 8yo & 10yo DDs would love the Roblox and Fortnite cards but also would any of the others mentioned.

I give my teen DN & DNs cash, but if I was going the gift card route I’d definitely choose one of the ones I’ve mentioned. I wouldn’t dream of buying them gifts anymore unless it was something I knew they wanted.

These are definitely the safest bets, I don’t know any child or teenager who wouldn’t like these.

I would definitely go gift cards for the 1st 4 families. Maybe attached to a personalised chocolate bar or a Christmassy bar.

The others sticker books, these were always a winner with my dds. Or a storybook. You can get lovely personalised ones. I think the website is called wonderbly, dd1 has a Charlie and chocolate factory one and they both have the lost their name ones. I bought them on offer so worth waiting for voucher codes!

Thanks everyone. Lots of great ideas to look through and I've not decided yet. I tend to not do gift cards as they expire, places go bust, they get lost, there isn't somewhere to use it close by, it's either too little or too much for they want to buy, I'm not sure if it's somewhere they would like etc. Also location wise, most aren't in or near a decent sized city (some are quite rural).

I used to really enjoy the shopping and deciding what to get but I'm really not feeling it. I'd half decided to limit it to those not yet in high school but that leaves one family with two kids where I'd only be buying for one of them. I'm thinking maybe not to bother at all or maybe just to deliver a box of sweets or something for them to share.

I'm sure they will all get plenty from closer family anyway. They all have 4 grandparents too, something that my own DC never had, so plenty of folk to spoil them.