Shopping for presents for kids can be tough. It's hard to know what they like, what they want and how much to spend. What do you buy a kid from class, cousins, friends' kids - even your own kids? There are birthday gifts and Christmas presents for kids, so the costs can add up. To help you pick the perfect gift we have the right present for every occasion right here at your fingertips.
Contents
What to look for when buying presents for kids
When choosing gifts for kids these are the things you want to look for while making your choice;
Price
What are you looking to spend on this present? All the kids presents you buy over the year can really add up, so make sure you set a budget and stick to it. One way I save money on class presents and presents for best friends is to have my child make the card, and maybe the wrapping. That means that my whole budget can go to the present rather than the expensive card and wrapping. Otherwise, I buy my wrapping in bulk to save.
Quality
I like to choose presents that are of good quality and have longevity. Often my daughter wants to buy her friends more 'fad' toys, but when I'm buying for my daughter I try and make sure I choose toys and books that will last. We end up with way too much disposable plastic crap that she plays with for five minutes and then forgets about. So I try and make the majority of our presents higher quality.
Age Appropriate
It can be tempting to buy something that is aimed at older children, especially if it's a popular toy or video game. However, it's important to make sure you are shopping in age range - especially for children under three, due to choking hazards. If you are choosing a video game or book, make sure they are age suitable and at their ability level.
Get Creative and Think Outside the Box
You don't just have to buy presents - think about making them as well. Unique presents for kids are usually very appreciated and DIY often makes the perfect presents for best friends and family members. One of my daughter's favourite gifts was a t-shirt one of her friends made her for her birthday. It can pay (or save) to think outside the box and come up with cheap presents for kids that they will love.
Best presents for 5 - 7-year-old girls and boys
Garmin VivoFit Jr 2
One of the most popular gifts for kids right now, the Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 Fitness Tracker is perfect for early learners who are discovering the importance of health and fitness. It tracks steps, sleep, and daily activity, plus has an ultra-durable design to withstand being worn at home and school, or even in the pool. You can sync it with a compatible smartphone and set up reminders to complete chores, finish homework, brush teeth and more. They come in a range of styles, including Disney characters.
Lego
Lego is the go-to gift for any occasion. There is a massive range of sets in every theme you can think of. From Minecraft to Star Wars, to Disney and Best Friends. There is Lego for as little as $3 and is priced up to several hundred dollars for the giant sets. When choosing a set, choose the right age range on the box.
Sylvanian Families
I'm sure you remember these from when we were kids. Well, they have well and truly made a comeback. There are so many cute sets, characters, houses, and activities. You can build a whole town! Never mind the kids, I'm obsessed with all the miniature detail. Prices range from as little as around $10 and go up to the hundreds for the large sets.
Craft Activities
There is always a massive array of fun craft activities, from slime making to beads, presents that kids can make are always a winner. There is clay, fairy gardens, crystal growing kits, painting and plaster sets, rock painting, jewelry making, candle making and so much more. Kits often start at around $10.
Bikes or Scooters
If you have active kids then a new bike or scooter might be the perfect choice for them. We have put together comprehensive guides to choosing a new bike and choosing a new scooter.
Beanie Boos
If you want the best cheap presents for kids then Beanie Boos are just what you are looking for. They have giant sparkling eyes and there are hundreds available in the range. The medium ones retail for under $10 and they are a massively popular collectible for boys and girls. So if you don't know what to get a class friend, odds are they would love a Beanie Boo.
Best presents for 8 - 11-year-old boys and girls
Lego Mindstorms
One of the best coding presents for kids, Lego Mindstorms isn't cheap by any means but if you have a child or children that love to code then this is the gift for them. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 lets you unleash a world of walking, talking and thinking robots that do anything you can imagine. Complete a series of challenging missions using the intuitive icon-based EV3 Programmer App for tablet devices to build and program TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM and GRIPP3R, and then create your own programs. Take your robotics skills to the next level with the companion EV3 Software for PC and Mac, with its more advanced yet familiar programming interface. For instant control, download the free Robot Commander app for smart devices or use the infrared remote control included with each set.
Board Games
From traditional board games such as Monopoly and Cluedo, to newer games such as Exploding Kittens and Go Extinct, there is a board game for every kid. Board games are great for learning brain development and for interacting with their friends in person - no screens allowed!
Educational Science and STEAM gifts
STEAM and Coding are hugely popular these days and gives children the chance to learn while they play. Science, STEAM and coding presents can kids can turn an interest into a passion. Some of our favourites are the STAR WARS LittleBits Droid Inventor Kit, the Makeblock MBot V1.1- Blue Bluetooth Version, and the Tabletop Robot.
Vuly Trampoline
A Vuly trampoline is an investment in fun! They will last for years and will have the kids bouncing for hours. We have one and it's still the most popular thing in the garden. The Vuly Lift comes with covered springs and a shade cover to protect the kids while they bounce. There are also a number of additional accessories such as the Vuly Deck, to practice the skateboard movies, the basketball hoop, and the water mister. They will never want to get off!
Best presents for 12-year-olds
By the time kids get to 12, they are less interested in toys and start developing other interests. Here are some of our favourite ideas for them.
Google Home Mini
The Google Home mini is perfect for your pre-teen. Use it to answer questions, play music, operate your TV and endless other things. Kids will love asking Google to help with their homework, play their Spotify accounts and so much more.
Mickey Mouse Accessories
For the bigger kid that still loves the magic of Disney, Typo has a fantastic range of Disney merchandise. Pencil cases, travel accessories, notebooks, earrings, phone covers and a whole lot more are available online.
Fitbit Ace
If you want to keep your pre-teen active try getting them moving with the FitBit Ace. The Fitbit ace is a showerproof wristband made for ages 8+ that tracks and rewards steps, active minutes and sleep.
This post contains affiliate links. Don't forget to visit our other shopping guides!
Ultimate Pillows
If you'd like to get rid of you teen for a few DAYS, get them Assassin’s Creed. Make sure it's not when they have serious homework to do. Great game for dad's too!