Go-To Gifts for the Inevitable Preschool Birthday Parties

It finally happened this year. My kids came of the age of the “birthday party”. I was mildly surprised when we received our first birthday party invitation from one of the girl’s little preschool friends. And it was followed by another… and another. So, there I was with two super excited little girls on my hands and of course the daunting task of finding a present for a child I don’t know well (or at all). I have a ton of child development knowledge and I have two children of the same age, so this shouldn’t terrify me as much as it does. But, you have to consider the following:

Will it meet that individual child’s expectation?

Do they already have it?

Will their parents approve?

So. Much. Pressure.

As a result, I developed a list of go-to gifts that I feel have made the above scenario a tiny bit easier (that also won’t break the bank).

1. All Natural Art Basket – I am in love with these organic (and super fun) crayons; and this earth paint. Throw in a pad or two of paper, some brushes and even some homemade play-doh and cookie cutters for good measure.
2. Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden – This is an educational (bonus points!), fun and interactive gift to give. I recommend that you include a $5 bill to cover the cost of the insects they will have to send out for.
3. Enchanted Fairy Garden Kit – This one is a craft project, a building/planting project and is fun to watch as it grows.
4. Playmobil Carrying Case Playsets – You just don’t see playmobil as much anymore, so it’s a safer bet that the kiddos won’t already have them. Generally pretty pricey, but some of the smaller sets – especially the carrying cases – are right in the birthday party budget.
5. An experience. The options are endless here and adding a cute little gift to tie the theme together makes it extra cute. Gift certificates to a pottery painting studio can be given with a watercolor set for example. A gift card to an  indoor play space can be given with socks for them to wear when they go. Or a gift card to a book store can be given with your child’s own personal favorite.

   

6. Wooden Peg People – Whimsical, unique and just plan fun, these adorable peg people will stand out among the other pre-packaged gifts.
7. All Natural Hair Chalk – Pair this with a headband or two, some bows and barrette and any other hair accessories you would like. Tons of styling fun that washes right out.

So there you have it. My go to list for preschool birthday presents. Please add any suggestions you might have in the comments section and know that if you invite my children to a party in the next year or two, you are likely getting one of the above!