One of my favorite parenting hacks is something I learned from my mom when I was a kid. She was a working mom with three children who were invited to lots of birthday parties. Before there was Amazon overnight shipping, she was constantly having to run out and shop for last minute presents.
Eventually she learned to find one or two gifts that any kid would love and stocked up on several at a time. She kept a collection of Barbie dolls and plastic robot claw toys in her closet at all times. When we were headed out for a birthday party, she could just grab one of the gifts she always kept on hand.
I used this same strategy when my kids reached the age for birthday parties. I would go to Target and buy 10 $1 birthday cards, then head to the local frozen yogurt shop and buy 10 gift cards. Whenever the girls were invited to a birthday party, we already had a stash of gift cards ready to go without having to make a separate trip.
Eventually, the frozen yogurt shop closed and I found other gifts to stock up on for birthday parties. This list includes a variety of affordable options for different age ranges. Most of these gifts also run on sale frequently, so when you find it at a good price buy several to save your future self time and money!
Ice Cream Shop Gift Card
This was my go-to gift for YEARS and it was always a hit. I think every kid loves a trip with Mom or Dad to get ice cream or frozen yogurt and load up on the toppings. The parents always texted me later saying that it as the perfect gift; they appreciated a fun outing with their kid a lot more than more toys they really didn’t need.
Robot Claw Toy
This is the same classic toy my mom bought back in the day and it still holds up for an inexpensive toy that almost every kid will love. Buy this pack of 4, making each one less than $10.
Magic 8 Ball
I had completely forgotten about these until my daughter received one several years ago from a friend. She thought it was one of the coolest gifts she received. I think it’s a good bet that the birthday boy or girl doesn’t have one and will be amazed with this “magic” gift.
Colored Pencil Set
This colored pencil set is extremely affordable and often on sale. It’s a great gift for kids who enjoy arts and crafts. The 24 pencils come in a sturdy case and feels like a high quality gift for a great price. When it runs on sale (sometimes lower than $5) buy several sets to keep on hand.
Clay Bead Bracelet Making Kit
Another gift that feels a lot more expensive than it is! This bead making kit comes in a case with a variety of colored beads and a ton of charms and jewelry making accessories. It is often on sale for around $5 so definitely worth stocking up when you find it on sale!
Galaxy Lights
Kids love this easy way to add some fun lights to their bedrooms. They can personalize the color and display so it’s a gift any kid would enjoy. These can be more expensive than the other options on the list so I keep an eye out for any deals that pop up. Here are two versions we have purchased.
