WORDS: Josh Moore
When choosing an affordable gift for a child, you may be tempted to purchase the latest electronic gadget or media player—especially if they’ve been asking for it. However, the positive effects of experiential gifts are far more powerful than material goods. Giving experiences encourages social connection and helps improve personal relationships. Here is a variety of budget-friendly gifts that check off these essential aspects!
Look for Ways to Save
You might be worried that educational toys, games, and experiences will cost a whole lot more than buying a more traditional gift. However, there are plenty of ways to save money when you shop at big retailers online. Look for deals and coupons to purchase discounted games, different educational flashcard sets, science kits, building blocks, and puzzles. The trick is to shop as soon as possible since the season’s most popular toys go quickly each year.
Inexpensive Toys That Inspire Learning and Creativity
Perhaps you’re looking to purchase a budget-friendly gift that educates your child and keeps them entertained. Keep an eye out for toys and games that teach cognitive skills and encourage the imagination. Educational toys and games foster these skills while also inspiring creative thinking.
Books, chemistry kits, craft supplies, puzzles, activity sets, and clay sets are all good options. Additionally, board games like Roll and Play, Three Little Piggies, and The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game make excellent budget-friendly gifts for young children.
From Toys to Learning Experiences
Educational toys and games are just as important as experiential gifts when it comes to personal growth and development. For instance, affordable but learning-based toys like kinetic sand, magnetic building blocks, and themed books all help children improve their skills during their earliest years.
Giving a child the gift of a learning experience will provide them with the skills to last a lifetime. A children’s tool kit that is durable and functional can create a fix-it attitude at a young age. An indoor herb garden for kids is a great gift that brings a little piece of nature into the home. Indoor gardens can include clear panels to watch the roots grow or faerie houses for fun.
Give the Gift of an Experience
A trip to a local museum, children’s theater, history center, cultural festival, state park, or historical landmark may be the perfect budget-friendly gift. For instance, some experiential gift ideas for families with young children include:
- An afternoon at the local library where they can grab as many books as they want
- Tickets to an amusement park, waterpark, or trampoline park
- Exploring the exhibits at a local science museum, sculpture park, or kid-friendly art gallery
- Visiting a zoo, aquarium, or botanical garden
- Attending a local production of Disney on Ice or Sesame Street Live!
When giving the gift of experience, it’s vital to be ever-present with your children. If you constantly stay busy at work and often find it difficult to get away, learn to delegate a few tasks, and set aside quality time with your family. Even if it’s just an afternoon here and there – everyone will appreciate and benefit from the experience and having your undivided attention.
Some cost more than others, but most kids are excited to go anywhere with you, and the point is that you’re making memories.
