Please list some of your best buys for other children's birthday presents.

[hulababy]

DD has loads of birthday parties coming up. We have 5 birthday parties (plus a Halloween party and a Bonfire party) all within 4 weeks of each other! LOL

So, I have to get more organised with this birthday present malarky, and thought others might benefit too.

I normally spend up to £10 on a birthday present, but more than happy to get bargains

ur birthday parties are mainly for 5 year old girls, but have some boys and some different ages coming up as well.

So, what have you bought that has been a success recently - how much and where from?

Please

Drawing/cutting and sticking stuff. Not specific craft kits that need adult input, but shiny paper, zig-zag scissors, pens etc. that kids love.

I did that for my nephew NP when he was 7 and got a moan from his dad about the cost of processing the film - you can't please everyone I'm afraid. DN loved it though

I usually try and phone the appropriate parent and ask what would be appreciated for birthdays. That is too much effort for Christmas I'm afraid as I buy for too many children.

I recently bought a 'decorate a pot then grow a plant in it' type present for a 6 year old. She loved it but she is an only child and her mother was happy to do this with her.

Another mother who's child received the same present thought it was nightmare present as it was 'something else' when had to find time to do with her dd. Either way it was the same to me.

I really don't buy presents to please the parents and tbh pleasing the children is pretty difficult unless you know them really well. The reason I buy most children's presents is because they have bought ds something and it is 'expected'

I would really prefer not to bother and one day will have the courage not to.