Best gift for child you don't know

[Allme501]

So we have started to get invited to birthday parties through nursery for children we don't really know.

I don't feel obligated to go or take a gift, I want to do both but obviously it's tricky as I don't know them and I don't want to keep the price fairly minimal. They are all turning 4.

What are your go to gifts for these occasions?

A Waterstones voucher if we really didn't know them. Or Lego.

Lego sets
Crayons sets or colouring
Jigsaw
A Smyth's or any toy store voucher
Or even just money in a card

A book
Pyjamas
Beanie Baby
A ball
Play doh

I disagree with pp. Clothes/ pyjamas are not a good idea as you may not know the size or whether the child even likes pyjamas (mine only wears nightdresses, for example). Books are also tricky unless you know their reading level.

Mini Lego kits and small craft kits are best in my experience.

I've got a party coming up for a kid we don't know very well at all, he's turning 3. I got him an Orchard Toys matching game, says it's suitable for ages 3-7. It was about £8 so felt quite reasonable.

Play doh. My go to is always this x

You don't need the reading level of a child turning four. You can buy a book that is enjoyable to listen to.

The majority of children wear pyjamas. You know roughly what size a child is who is turning four.

One could equally say what if they choke to death on some Lego (on their birthday of all days!) or don't like craft because they only like musical toys. 🙄 If your child is allowed to not like pyjamas then other children can not like craft kits or Lego.

I just get something age appropriate in the supermarket from the toy section. I don't decide before hand. I usually spend upto £10.

If you have an Argos nearby it's always worth checking out their 2 for £15 or 2 for £20 deals and stocking up for the next party.

I'd probably get this

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3313787?clickPR=plp:56:242

I always go with crafts, a mixed craft box is always used, or play dough / one of those paint your own ceramic things are good. My GD was given a water bottle on her last birthday which came with stickers to decorate it with, she absolutely loved that

I think there’s a lot of parents who’d be quite pissed off about their child being gifted play doh, based on the “what toys do you ban in your house” thread this week.

@StuckInsideofMobile - you don't need a reading level for a four year old! Just buy a nice book. 4 year olds aren't reading to themselves except in exceptional circumstances, and there are millions of lovely children's books to choose from.

Age appropriate books are always good,

Colouring stuff, dress up stuff, lego/duplo, wooden trains, whatever your child says the child likes (sometimes they know, especially if it's a shared interest) basic games like Snap or Shopping Cart, basic children's jigsaw... the age guides are usuallh on the packaging and are a good guide.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was thinking to get a copy of The Velveteen Rabbit. I thought that might be something different as I'm sure they will get lots of more typical toys and it would be a nice keep sake they could have for a few years. Not sure x

Keepsakes are gifts usually from loved ones not random parents of other children.

I'd stick to sticker books or similar.

I always just bought something that my child of the similar age would like - it has usually been received well.

Honestly nobody expects an expensive, sentimental or well thought out gift from a nursery friend. It's really fine to stock up on small generic things and give those as party gifts when you're in this stage of being invited to multiple parties. If you give a gift which is too extravagant it might make the parent feel awkward.

Ah, ok. I don't want to come across as over familiar for anything so will just go with something generic but not messy. Thanks.

Just get a nice card and stick £5 or £10 in it. Job done

Usborne Lift the Flap books
Paint sticks (these are genius, and not messy)
Bath toys
Fidget toys

Things where more than one is useful - water bottle, nice hat or gloves. Fun pyjamas.

Magnets

The Velveteen Rabbit is a lovely book! If that’s in the price range you're going for, give It! It doesn’t have to be something generic. My DC got and gave some really thoughtful gifts even at class parties. We had a brilliant toy shop nearby and I enjoyed shopping there. Playmobil is another great option if you are not sure. I personally wouldn’t give a voucher or money as young children really enjoy opening presents that they can immediately play with.

I agree Velveteen Rabbit is lovely but chances are they will have it already! Along with any other classic children’s books

I go to The Range and stock up on crafty gifts, they often do random clearances on perfectly good presents!

£5 in a card.

Cheaper in the long run (no driving to shops, wrapping paper etc) and actually useful

Crayola mess free colouring kit
Sticker activity book

Small Lego set
Bracelet/necklace making set

have a look for offers. If you're in the uk go to the works. Just buy a book, sticker book or colouring book. Whatever is on offer. Stock up for other parties. Unless your kid is best friends with them, i would just give a book, maybe two.