I need to buy Hanukkah presents for 1 yr old boy and a six year old boy (plus a birthday gift for each as it will be a combo party.) Then just Hanukkah gifts for a 11/2 yr old boy, 2 yr old boy, 3 1/2 yr old girl. 1 almost 4 year boy and girl, and a 9 year old girl. I’d like to stay under $25 except for the birthday ones with $50 as a max. I am clueless what is in these days and what is age appropriate even though some are very close in age there is a big difference between a two and 3 year old, etc.
I also have an 11 yr old and a 13 yr old but I think gift cards will be more appreciated by them.
I have a month before party but want to send gifts ahead in case bad weather on the day prevents us from going.
I like buying presents at Costco because they can be easily returned and HI is full of locations.
Did you want individual gifts or group gifts for these children? I often can’t resist a cute outfit or book and cash (for their education fund). For older kids, I often give hoodies and again cash for ed fund.
Age appropriate books are usually appreciated for young kids. Could be an amazon gift card with a suggestion to use it for books or something else that would be useful.
All the children sit around and open up their presents together and it’s not really fun for wee children to open a card with a check in it for their educational fund.
My kids loved being pulled in a wagon for many years. They also loved art sets, wooden blocks, train sets, lego. I’ve bought many of these over the years. Washable stuffed animals were great when they were small—they’d have Rea parties for them.
For the 1-3 year olds, choose something that will be classic and also ok if they already have some but could use more. Like a building toy - wooden blocks, duplo legos or wooden puzzles.
@abasket, funny you should mention Melissa and Doug as the dad of the 9 yr old worked for them until about a year ago. She was even used in their catalogue ads!
Love your suggestions - especially puzzles.
I actually thought about finger paints but the mom’s might kill me.
If you know the families, try to get an idea of whether they have toys you can add to. For example, if any of the kids have a dollhouse, you can always buy more stuff for it. If any of them have a train set, e.g., a Brio train set, you can buy additional pieces. If one has a play kitchen, you can buy pots and pans, pretend food, etc. If one likes dolls, you can buy a doll stroller, doll crib, doll clothes. If they have Duplo blocks, buy more.
Also…do they live in an apartment or a house? Do they have a back yard? Climate? If they have a winter, there are some really nice children’s sleds that will set you back $100+.
I’d also plug magazine subscriptions. National Geographic has kids’ magazines for different age groups, so do Ranger Rick, Highlights, etc. My toddler grandchild loves getting mail!
Another idea is a gift and then a small gift card to Barnes and Noble for the kids 5 and above. So fun to get to go and pick out something they like - but you know it will be something fairly legit - like books, puzzles, board games - all that good B and N stuff!!!
And “haha” to the fingerpaint! I am a big fan of playdoh - but I know many parents hate it or won’t allow it !!! My kids played with playdoh kits for HOURS for YEARS!!! They would play with it right now if I put it out on the kitchen table when they are over!!!
Good idea re best toy lists. Thx. I will check them out.
Northeast in homes in the suburbs.
They all have kitchens (even the boys) train sets; dolls, blocks, etc., pretty much everything a kid could possibly have.
Not buying $100 gifts for any of them. I have 7 other kids on H’s side to give to also - but they all live far away so they get money (plus they are all over 9 except two new baby girls.)
Do boys still love train sets? I remember how expensive all the “special” pieces were - bridges, certain cars, etc.
You may need to ask parents for special suggestions.
I used to really stress about finding great gifts. Now I have resorted mostly to gift cards or gift receipts, and just picking something that I like for the person.
Absolutely they still love train sets! I gave my great nephew all my son’s Thomas trains, tracks, people, bridges, tunnels etc. He went bananas! Plus they love cars and trucks too.
I used to give the same gift to every child for the same year so I tried to find something unisex and that could cover an age range.
Buddy pillows - there are many different companies that have them, but they are about 2’ x18" or so with different themes like ballerinas, firemen, sports teams. They can use them to watch tv, in the car, in their rooms.https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/3/pillow-buddy
