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Buying gifts is difficult of the best of times. We agonize about choices, worry about finding something that fits and panic until the moment we receive good feedback. It can make even Christmas and birthdays seem daunting. Even if you know someone well, it can be almost impossible to find something you know they will like – and that you know they don’t already have.
Matters are complicated further when it comes to buying for children. Be it a niece, nephew, child of a friend or a friend of your child’s – it’s a tricky time. Buying for our own children is simple because we already know what they have; we have a good idea of the things we would like. But most of us have been children receiving gifts we haven’t loved, and it’s only natural as adults we don’t want to inflict that upset on others. We want to be the grown up who gives the great gifts and receives thank you notes with genuine feeling behind them.
Matters are complicated further again, as the relationship you have with the child’s parents can be influenced by these gifts. Your friends and siblings see their children as an extension of themselves. As a result, they naturally want to feel that you know their child well, and see that manifested in gifts.
So there’s no doubt: buying gifts for kids is a testing time. Unfortunately, there are few safe bets with children. If you have two identical ten-year-old girls, they will invariably like different things. What would delight one of them would infuriate the other.
Trying to navigate this world by yourself can be tricky. We’ve all been sitting in front of a computer screen, desperately trying to find something that we can make fit. But you’re not alone in this problem or this quest. So let’s look through a few options – and a few cheats.
One of the easiest markers available is age, as it can help influence the choices that you make. While that is going to be our primary focus, remember a few tips to help make the decision easier.
Tip #1: Listen throughout the year.
If the child in question is of an age to talk, then pay attention to the things they say through the year. They will express a preference for something. It could be a favorite animal, a band or an author – as soon as you hear it, note it down. If they’re older, don’t be above snooping on social networks to get some idea of the things that that enjoy.
Tip #2: Discuss cost.
This is a frank conversation that all parents need to have when it comes to buying gifts for one another’s children. You don’t want to spend too much and force the parents to think they have to reciprocate on your child’s birthday. At the same time, no one wants to common across as cheap. Discuss beforehand a spending limit, and agree no one is going to exceed it without discussing it with each other. It can save a lot of hassle down the road.
Tip #3: Give yourself time.
Buying at the last minute is one of the biggest causes of ill-thought out gifts. If you know there is a birthday coming up; they start planning a fortnight prior. For Christmas – with potentially longer delivery times – then start thinking in November.
Tip #4: Don’t go on gender.
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One of the surest ways to insult someone is to buy a gift that is gender-specific. There are entire campaigns with the central theme of ensuring toys are for all genders, and you don’t want to unwittingly offend someone. In the case of an exception – such as a child directly asking for something you consider gendered – then discuss with the parents first. Keep colors in mind, too. Stay away from pink items for girls and blue for boys. Yellow is a great gender-neutral color, and green and red also work.
You can avoid this issue if you have frank discussions with their parents. Some people won’t mind if you buy a girl a Barbie but a boy an Action Man. Neither perspective is more correct, but you have to be sure you’re walking the line on the right side.
With the caveats out of the way, let’s start at the very beginning.
0 -2 Years
Gifts in this age bracket should almost always be discussed with the parents first. What does the child need? For a start, buying a random toy has high chances of resulting in duplication of something that they already own.
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If you don’t feel comfortable going down the parental advice road, then playful, bright things are your best bet. Mobiles are engaging and can be beautiful, becoming a style piece with a function. Wall art is also a good idea, as are books that are either textured or pop up.
For what not to buy, avoid clothing. You might see some tiny outfit you think is adorable, but they’ll grow out of it almost instantly. The one exception is hats, which have a little more durability.
2 – 4 Years
By this age, children are aware of the world around them even if they cannot fully immerse themselves in it. Toddler gift ideas are thin on the ground, as it’s tricky to know what’s too old and what’s too young.
Around this age, children are beginning to get a strong sense of self. Personalized items are a great option, such as bears holding a love heart with the child’s name. Musical and sensory toys are also welcome, though try not to pick something that is going to annoy the parents! To guarantee satisfaction, always check reviews so other parents can give their take on what an item is like to live with.
5 – 8 Years
At this age, school supplies are your best friend. Cute notebooks or binders with characters on them; it’s not hard to find something that’s attractive as well as useful.
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At the top end of the age bracket, experience days also come into play. They don’t have to be expensive, and have a longevity to them – in the form of the memories made – that other options do not.
9 – 12 Years
The preteen age group is one of the hardest, though it does have its advantages. For example, jewelry becomes an option now that there’s less of a risk of choking hazards. Watches can also work well, being both attractive and giving the feel of a “grown up” gift.
Toys should be avoided unless directly requested.
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This age group is very sensitive to what’s in and what’s out, and it’s too easy to go wrong. Don’t feel you can take advantage of a craze – such as loom bands or Tamagotchi – as this has an immediate problem. Loom bands and Tamagotchi may have been all the rage in years gone by – but where are they now? Unless you don’t mind your present being very in-the-moment, go for something that’s going to last a little longer.
If you’re tempted to buy clothes, then gift vouchers for popular stores work better than actual items. Yes, it seems somewhat impersonal, but by finding out their favorite stores, it can seem a little more involved.
13 – 16 Years
The ages of music and how teenagers identify with them. While previous years may have seen a CD purchased and gift wrapped, technology has improved things. A subscription to a streaming service may be welcomed and can be a gift they are reminded of every month.
You can also look at magazine or website subscriptions.
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Teenagers in this bracket tend to have a good idea of who they are and what they like, so it’s not difficult to find something that fits. If they have a favorite TV show, there are hundreds of places to find hand-made items. Mugs are ever-popular due to their constant use, while keyrings are a daily reminder that you care.
16 – 18 Years
It may be impersonal, but gift vouchers come into their fore in this age group. At this age, teenagers are convinced that no adult could understand them. We don’t know what’s acceptable and what isn’t, so let them choose for themselves.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Return to the idea of experience days also, opening up the scope of what they can do. When they reach driving age, look for driving-themed gifts which can open the world up to them.
If they are attending college or university imminently, then think of items that might be useful. A toaster may seem like more of a gift for a newlywed couple, but will be welcomed by a prospective student facing life without home-cooking.
At the end of the day, any gift that you buy will be given with the best of intentions. The very fact you are looking for tips shows that you care. Even if the child doesn’t love what you buy now, in the years to come they will learn and appreciate the effort that’s gone into it. Stick within a budget, know the parent’s wishes and rely on what you know about the child. Doing those three things will more than likely guarantee success.
Gift Ideas For Children – Tips For Ages 0 to 18 Years https://t.co/1h8nEQuIkO #ad What tips do you have? pic.twitter.com/UZpjf0RNre
— Danelle (@DanelleJohns) September 6, 2016
Do you have any wonderful tips or experiences that you would like to share? Which age group do you think is the easiest to shop for?
Personally for me the easiest is 0-2, they seem to LOVE anything you get them. Next favorite is teens because you can give them cash to get what they want, being they are usually hard to please. Everything in between is so difficult, their minds change daily on what they like or want. I am looking forward to hearing your tips and experiences with purchasing gifts, especially with the holidays right around the corner.