Gifts for Young Children

Most people have at least a few young children in their lives who they want to give gifts to, from nieces and nephews to godchildren to friend's children to their own children. It can be tricky to strike the right balance between fun and useful, especially as younger children are still learning to appreciate the thought behind gifts. Here are some ideas to get you started brainstorming.

BOOKS AND MOVIES

Most kids love being read to. Books are easy to tailor to tastes, whether the parents' or the kids' or both. And a lot of books can be found second-hand in great shape for very little money. The same can be said for movies, and many families enjoy watching classic family films together--one of my brothers has made it a tradition to give my kids a Disney movie each Christmas with some snacks to enjoy while watching it.

If you're not sure what title is best, gift cards to bookstores work well too. By the time kids are about four or five, they have fun feeling grown-up by picking out and paying for their own things at stores, and most parents will appreciate that the children are picking a book which is relatively easy to store instead of a toy that can get lost or broken. Gift cards to movie theaters are good choices too, if the children are out of the baby stage.

TOYS

So long as you know the parents aren't already overwhelmed with THINGS, a small age-appropriate toy is certain to be appreciated. Puzzles, art sets, figures or plushes of favorite animals or characters, dolls and action figures--you have a lot to choose from. You can also ask if there are sets you can add to, like more Brio train tracks, Barbie accessories, toy food for a kitchen, or LEGO.

SWEETS AND OTHER FOOD

Most kids have a sweet tooth and will be thrilled to get candy. The main concerns with these is dietary restrictions. A bag of lollipops can't be enjoyed by a child sensitive to food dye, and package of cookies is frustratingly tempting to a Muslim child during Ramadan, a Jewish child on Yom Kippur, or a Christian child during Lent. Some food isn't safe for younger children, for example, toddlers who keep swallowing gum might choke on it. Check with the parents if you have any questions about the appropriate kind of treat for a child.

HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Even young children can understand and appreciate having something just for them. Every preschooler and elementary-aged child that I've made a purse, wallet, afghan, pillowcase, or similar item for has loved that it's personalized in some way, even if that's just the favorite color. My mom has had great success embroidering keychains, washcloths, and handsewn plush toys for my cousins' children.

A lot of children seem to be enamored with kitchen items, stationery sets, and garden tools. If you know a child into these things, they're fun to pick out and easy to personalize as well.

Clothing can be good if you know the child will appreciate it. My daughters love getting new Christmas dresses from their grandparents each year. Not every kid does though, so check with the parents first, and be sure to get information about the right sizes.

GIFT CARDS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, CASH

My children have most of my old toys and most of my husband's old toys. They don't need many more. But they have piggy banks and enjoy filling them up. They also love being able to get a treat at an ice cream or fast food store. 

Getting mail is fun for kids--they almost never get any, so the novelty is pretty special (and it's never a bill!). My husband's grandparents renew a subscription to a children's nature magazine every year, and I give my nieces and nephews a subscription to another. There are other fun things to get in the mail too: a family friend once sent us a coupon to redeem for caterpillars we could raise into butterflies! My kids absolutely loved the experience (do check that such coupons can be redeemed where your recipient lives; some are only good in certain areas).

Money for the future is a common gift from grandparents and great-grandparents, such as savings bonds or college tuition credits. These are so appreciated by the parents, but the thought might go over a young child's head, so be prepared for that. If you're concerned such a gift might not be fun enough, you can always add a packet of stickers, markers, candy, or other small conveyance gift. 

GIFTS THAT NEED CARE

Always, always, always talk with the parents before giving children an animal, even caterpillars you only keep a couple weeks. Parents generally don't appreciate having to be the "bad guy" who says the child can't keep the puppy or kitten or fish, or having to go buy all the necessary equipment for an animal.

A plant is a much safer option, but if you have any doubt whether it will be difficult for the family, talk to the parents. There's a chance someone might be allergic to the plant or that they may not have the space in the yard for it (if they have a yard at all) or that they're about to go on a trip that means they'll come home to a dried-out, dead plant.

Fragile items can be beautiful heirlooms, but be sure that they're appropriate. A delicate crystal figurine is very nice for a Christmas ornament, but less ideal for sitting on a toddler's dresser. 

When in doubt, ask!