If you have children, you know that most of the time (especially when they're little), they get more enjoyment from the box a present came in than that actual present itself. Perhaps imagination counts for much more than a mere toy can provide at that age range. However, cats are also known to truly enjoy a good box.
Shopping can be hectic, to say the least, when Christmas rolls around. Last-minute shoppers scramble to find just the right present for their partner, child, in-laws, etc. Not to mention, sticker shock can set in heavy during these last weeks before the second-most popular holiday of the year.
One area that is particularly expensive year after year is children's toys and electronic gadgets. Clothing can rank up there in the price range as well, depending on the brands you shop. Having also been children at some point, we all know how deflating opening up new socks and school clothes can be when we really want the newest iPad or Kindle Fire. If you're hoping to spend less this year but still make great gifts for the smaller humans in your life, we've got some excellent ideas to get you started.
1. Stuffed Animals
Buying a new stuffed animal for the little ones in your life might not be very frugal. However, if you know a thing or two about sewing, creating cute pillow animals or the stuffed variety is a fun, thoughtful way to make a child's Christmas that much brighter.
I've also seen crocheted stuffed animals that are beautifully done and make great gifts for the young children and new babies in your family. Whether you want to give them as keepsakes or to enjoy as a buddy, these gifts are perfect for a frugally-minded giver.
2. Arts and Crafts
Children love to create. They enjoy all the aspects of painting, play dough, Slime, crayons, colored pencils, school glue, pom-pom dots, and the like. Supplies are easy to pick up on a budget at stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar.
For $20 or less, you can get tons of art supplies and a cute bucket to package them in. For that price, you can throw in their favorite candy bar as well and give the little ones in your life hours or creative fun to enjoy after they've unwrapped all the presents.
3. Christmas Ornaments
A few colored sequins, decorative pins, and styrofoam balls make for excellent Christmas ornament decorations. They can also be one-of-a-kind presents for children looking for a unique gift.
When I was young, we made several of them to decorate Christmas trees at my church. It was a fun activity that kept me busy and gave me something to be proud of. You can make an ornament and build a kit for the young children in your life who like such activities, and the cost is minimal.
4. DIY Girls' Night In
Young girls who are looking to be “one of the big girls” love items that make them part of that crowd. Lip gloss, jewelry, gift cards, and heels can all make the young ladies in your life feel all grown up without the heartache.
If you've got a special young lady you want to shop for, small makeup kits, lotions, nail polish, jewelry makers, and other great stocking stuffers can go a long way in helping her feel like a “grown-up” without the bluntness of actually dealing with grown-up issues.
5. Boys and Their Toys
As a mom of a four-year-old boy, I know just how much my son loves anything he can use in the dirt. If you've got a boy in your brood who loves to get dirty, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for you to consider.
Boy-sized garden tools, actual Tonka trucks, toy dinosaurs, tow trucks, fire engines, ambulances, or helicopters are all great for giving your little guy a chance to have fun and get dirty all at the same time.
6. Stickers and Puzzles
My younger children love stencils, puzzles, and tiny stickers that help them express their feelings. They also get to tell stories, and their creative side flourishes. My older children also enjoy more complex stickers and puzzles that keep them entertained and offer a creative outlet to add to their journaling time.
If you're looking for a frugal option for children of any age range, you can purchase stickers and puzzles in a variety of age-appropriate levels to give each child in your life something to enjoy on Christmas Day.
7. Books
Whether you're buying a full set of your child's favorite manga or scoping out what your local library is selling, remember that people of all ages love books. Small children are especially fond of books that offer new adventures or ways to be creative.
You can get books on your child's passion topic or purchase a few new experience books for your children to enjoy. Either way, you're going to score major points if you bring books to the present haul on Christmas.
8. Where's Waldo?
I loved the Where's Waldo books when I was little (and even today). I spent countless hours pouring over intense pictures to spot the man in the red and white striped shirt. Today, hidden picture books are still a big hit for young children who love a good challenge.
If you're also looking for a bit of nostalgia, you can still purchase the Where's Waldo books on platforms like eBay and Etsy. You'll get to do some of your own seek-and-find that you can pass on to your children.
9. Game Night
Some of my fondest memories of my childhood come from sitting around our kitchen table playing Scattergories, Boggle, and Jenga with my family. As a self-proclaimed word-nerd, I love games where thinking of new words or word-associations are the main goal of the game.
However, I also love physical space challenge games like Jenga. If you're looking to buy presents for older children in your family, new board and card games can offer hours of fun and laughter.
10. Timmy the Tool Boy
Like dirt, boys and girls love tools that allow them to fix things like the adults in their lives. Having a little helper when it comes time to hang a new picture on the wall or measure for new cabinets can be a fun learning experience for the small boys and girls in your life.
If you aren't up to real “little” tools for your favorite helper, you can easily purchase the plastic look-alikes. However, if your Mr. or Miss Fix-it wants the real thing, you can order tool supplies that feature real hammers, screwdrivers, scissors, tape measures, and other necessities in just the right size for small hands. We bought my son a set and put the scissors up until he got a bit bigger.
11. Slingshot
If you have an active child who isn't quite into sports but wants something fun to do outside, slingshots are a fantastic option. With a little instruction and positive reinforcement, your little ones can practice their aim.
One of the great things about this toy is that you can make one with a sturdy, thick rubber band and a durable “Y-shaped” stick that fits the size of your little boy or girl's hand.
12. Science is Fun
Science classes are usually some of the funnest times you can have in school. Whether you're learning about robots, kinetic energy, dry ice, or potential energy, there's always something happening.
If you have little ones that love to learn, a Rubix cube, sturdy cubes, a soda can robug, bug-catching kits, and other “science” gadgets can give them hours of entertainment and teach them valuable lessons as well.
