Small token gifts for kids I don’t know

[hanatheabanana]

I’m taking my mum to her friends place and there will be two children we’ve never met. Mum’s giving her friend a Christmas gift so doesn’t want to appear rude.

What can we buy today as we’re going over this evening. This was all last minute - me taking her, the children being there hence the urgency. I think they are 8-10, 4-6.

Sweets or small craft kit?

Book voucher?

Selection box? Hot chocolate spoons? Christmas activity book? Someone in a similar situation once bought my DDs a bottle of Christmas bubble bath, which I remember went down well.

Bath bombs!

Small selection box is ideal (that’s what people give us who come here with a token and the kids love it)

It's a bit of a minefield when you don't know them. A small selection box would be a great solution but some children don't / can't eat chocolate; Christmas bubble bath - what if they have eczema?

Maybe an age appropriate Christmas decoration?

Hot chocolate bombs or stirrer sticks. John Lewis sell Cocoba

Fun stationery. Chocolate. Voucher from Amazon, Waterstones, etc. The Works always have a variety of gifts that would work - if you're able to pop into one today.

It is a minefield! There are loads of children in our circle and a number of them have different allergies, dietary preferences, a few parents only want natural fabrics clothes or real wood toys, some only sparkles and glitters. One always specifies no sweets or chocolate ever so we’re aware how difficult it can be. Selection box might be a safe option. I hope

A token gift is a lovely idea!
Maybe something to keep them occupied while you adults chat if no other children there? Craft kit (ages are usually written on back of boxes), sticker and colouring book for younger one? I would steer clear of any food items incase of allergies. Christmas story book? Home bargains have some lovely cheap games like happy family's etc

I'm sure they will love whatever you buy and it's a very kind thought 😊

@hanatheabanana could you phone your friend and check? A selection box will almost certainly be ok but it would be embarrassing for you if the child was eg diabetic and had it taken straight off them.

Sticker books are almost universally enjoyed by kids of those sort of ages, and parents don't hate them either. Might give you 5 minutes peace as well...

Lego sets - gingerbread men or snowmen?

If in doubt..... selection box.

But surprisingly the most popular gift by far with primary children of all ages at an event I helped with this week was a Snackles blind bag (£5). We ran out because we thought it would be only girls or younger boys who chose that, but actually they all wanted one.

Haribo - as vegan or a book token