Thoughtful gifts for Children

Thoughtful gifting is difficult, thoughtful gifts to children is way difficult specially when it comes to low or no experience.

Just  the other day while wrapping a gift for neighbour's  daughter I realized that  I spent almost  an hour fretting over how difficult it is to find something decent that children would really use. With short notice of birthday parties and last minutes purchases I always fear duplication. It worsens when all parents from the same vicinity buy from the same stores  and the children end of getting multiple copies of the same gifts .

So here is my list of thoughtful gifts.

1. Piggy Bank: A good way to inculcate a habit of savings in children or atleast a good attempt. Buy a pretty one that a child can keep in his room and give him few coins in an envelope as starter. You find tons of these online and even in toy stores
2. Jewelry/Storage organizers : The mothers of young daughters would thank you for this gift as there are so many trinkets lying around the house and mostly we run out of storage spaces. Get something that can be hung in a cupboard or can be rolled up. If you are a DIY enthusiast you can make  one easily. There are so many tutorials floating on internet
3. Sports stuff: Apparently there is a wave of lawn tennis around me and rackets strings keep coming off. You can  buy rackets, skipping ropes, football, softball, darts, archery set etc
4. Soft toys : Do I have to write anything about it? I love them, you love them and obviously kids love them. 
5. Barbie accessories: Girls tend to have multiple barbie dolls but the accessories worn out or get lost in a few days. You can replenish them by giving barbie accessory sets. 
6. Planting Kit: I couldnt keep this off the list. Put together a lovely ceramic pot,  soil packet, a sapling or seeds, a tiny watering can and a note on how to go about it. Would take some time  to write the note but would be worth it. 
7. Time :  If you are a parent of the child and working long hours like everybody around, this would be the best birthday gift! You can print a simple voucher with some time allocation(like 4 hours)  and undivided attention. This may sound weird but given a choice to a child on materialistic things versus affectionate behaviour they choose latter e,g Candy versus 5 minutes on lap for good behaviour. 

Another bonus tip for working parents who have to send their children for a birthday party every fortnight.(Yes! they have better social life than us). Buy multiple gifts in  one go along with some wrapping papers.  Will save those last minutes rush to your nearby toy store. You can  also buy gifts when you are on a holiday purchasing unique items or just buy online where you might find better options to choose from.