I’m pretty new to this whole “buying gifts for kids” thing. I can hardly figure out what to buy for MY kid, so buying gifts for other children is sort of overwhelming.
- What if they already have said toy?
- What if they are way too advanced for said toy (despite the recommended age range)?
- What if the parent has an issue with said toy?
- What if I have a budget?
So, I just wing it. I usually try to buy and make gifts that fit into my budget and also give the kids something to be excited about. But hopefully not be a piece of worthless garbage.
Here’s my latest attempt:
I love the way this gift came together because:
- It’s perfect for summer. Every kid needs a beach/water bucket and it can work for a wide variety of ages. Henry (and pretty much every other kid I know) loves sand and water. And loves pouring, dumping and scooping.
- It’s easy to put together, but ends up looking fun and personal.
- It’s affordable. I spent less than $10 on this package.
- It’s personalized. This is not just cute and fun, but also practical. If you take your beach bucket to a pool or beach, there are A MILLION CHILDREN SWARMING AROUND WHO ALL WANT YOUR KID’S TOYS. (Or, if you are my kid, you want every other kid’s toys.) But you know you will get your stuff back because the kid’s name is emblazoned on it all. It’s like putting a rainbow ribbon on your suitcase to see it coming around the baggage claim.
This set of toys is for Henry’s friend Regan. I happened upon the bucket and matching scoop and watering can at Target and immediately thought she needed them for her new water table.
I also added a little bath/water toy and Dollar Spot sunglasses into the mix. I think I spent around $7, but due to the fact that my kid is already obsessed with this set, I’m sure I’ll end up making him his own set, too. So double the price. π
With my Silhouette, I designed a simple name monogram with a scalloped circle. I fashioned smaller versions for the smaller toys. Then, I cut it all out of white vinyl and applied with transfer paper.
Literally, 10 minutes is all this took. Henry helped, or it would have taken 5.
The vinyl may not last forever, I’ll admit. If the toys are going to be used and played with (I sure hope), the vinyl may get dirty or come off. But, I think that’s okay. It’s pretty durable and when it does come off, it’s easy enough to remove or replace.
In the end, I think it’s a great gift idea for the kiddos in your life. But what do I know? I don’t even know what to get for my own kid.
Linking toΒ Weekend Reading at Serenity Now.
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Erin says
Cute and useful and fun! I look at kids’ gifts through the eyes of the parent, just because like you said, I don’t want them to have an issue with it…knowing that I, as a parent, can be a little picky about what fills up my house. For the record, I would totally love that gift. π
By the way, my sister’s name is Regan and I’ve only once known someone else with that name. π
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
I never realized the pressure that went into kid-gifts. This is a perfect solution. You are my mom-role-model. Just keep doing everything you’re doing.
Kim Woodward says
I make everything more stressful than it needs to be. Normal people just get a toy at Target and all is well.
I’m not normal. #statingtheobvious
Amanda S. says
So cute! What kid wouldn’t want more toys to play with in the dirt, sand or water! Love it! π
Amy says
Dang it, Kim! Stop showing everyone up! π
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Such a cute idea!
Justine says
I love to give “theme” gifts like this – and I love how you personalized it! I need to get my hands on one of those machines one day.
Kim Woodward says
You do. I truly use it almost every week for something. It’s awesome. I know you would love it!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
Super cute! Shopping is hard. The older kids’ friends are mostly all gift cards these days, but I’ll be jumping back in with little kids now with Abe, I guess.
Kim Woodward says
What? You mean my teenage cousins would rather have gift cards than a sand bucket?
Emily @ imperfect says
Sand/pool toys are my go-to for the under 3 set for spring/summer birthdays! I figure they are plastic and so generally need to be replaced about once a year…and have you ever met a sandbox that didn’t need an extra bucket? But, leave it to you to take the go-to birthday gift and make it that much more fabulous with a monogram. Well done, friend!
Kim Woodward says
I think there are few things a monogram cannot enhance.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Such a cute customized gift!
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
That is such a terrific idea. I am also always stumped when giving gifts to other people’s kids. Now they are at an age where gift cards are king, so that makes it easy π
Kim Woodward says
Totally easy – but that can get pricy!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Such a cute idea! It’s so hard to think of gifts for little ones sometimes!
Amanda says
Super cute… super cute name too π
Jill B says
This is great! I’m thinking I may do a modified version of this for a family beach trip. Although I may use a different shape for each kid, because none of them are of reading age yet. Hopefully this will prevent a lot of fights.
Kim Woodward says
Great idea! Any way you can avoid quarrels is a winner with me.
cassie says
adorable! these would be amazing party favors!
Stephanie @ Sandpaper and Glue says
what a cute idea! I need to put together something like this for my nephew π