I feel like my kids have every toy imaginable. I am constantly fighting the clutter, trying to reorganize, and donating toys, books, and clothes to charities. Of course, at every birthday party and holiday, we end up with more.
I know other moms feel like this, as well, because recently, I started noticing a trend: “No Gifts needed!” on birthday invitations. I totally get it, but at the same time, the idea of showing up to a kid’s birthday party without a gift gives me major anxiety.
I surveyed my mom friends and came up with a list of gifts that will not take up space in your home but will create great experiences!
1. Subscription to a Magazine
The Week Junior is a great magazine about current events and interesting topics from around the world. Highlights Magazine is still a classic, and my kids loved it when Grandpa got them a subscription for Christmas!
2. Haircut Gift Card
Giving a gift card to a fun kids’ haircutting place like Sharkey’s or Happy Kids Haircuts is a great way to celebrate! Both salons have TVs at almost every station and are a really fun experience.
3. Art Class Gift Card
If your town has a local art or pottery studio, a gift card is a great way to show a creative child you care. I recommend Children’s Art Classes or A Maze In Pottery. They both have summer camps that work for kids ages toddlers to teenagers.
4. Movie Gift Card
A gift card to a local theatre is an awesome gift, but even better is helping a friend join the “Summer Movie Club at the Alamo.” The site says, “Kids Camp is an affordable way for families to watch great films together during most holiday breaks. Choose your ticket price – $1-$3-$5- buy your tickets online to reserve your seats in advance. 100% of ticket sales are donated to local nonprofits working to make our community a better place.”
5. Pizza Gift Card
A pizza night is simple, easy, fun, and will be appreciated by both children and parents!
5. Ice Cream Money
Summer is coming, and we all love the sound of the Ice Cream Truck coming down the block, but who, like me, never has cash on them at the right times? Buy a cute card, put a little envelope inside it, and label it “Ice Cream Money,” so it’s available all summer!
