When you have young children, attending birthday parties can become a weekly event. In the preschool and elementary age set, kids tend to invite their whole class to their parties, which can mean more presents to buy. This can quickly add up, so what’s a thrifty parent to do? My solution is to create a “birthday box.” A birthday box is a stash of age appropriate gifts stored in the house for just these occasions. When it’s time for the next party, your child goes shopping in the box. This will save you money, because you will stock up on items found on sale.
Having a gift stash will also save you time and stress because you won’t have to stand in the aisle of the toy store trying in vain to explain to your child why you can’t afford the $I00 LEGO set, or latest skateboard for his preschool buddy!
Stock the birthday box with timeless gifts
The key to stocking your gift box is not only to only choose items that are on deep discount but also to stay away from fads, current trends, and time-sensitive items like calendars. Choose timeless gifts such as craft kits, art supplies, games, puzzles, and educational toys. That way, whether you have an opportunity to give the present tomorrow or six months from now, the gift will be appreciated.
Our publisher, Pamela, has a rather large family and often shops sales to stockpile items like journal books, little tubes of hand lotion and cute picture frames to include in a special birthday box for the frequent celebrations.
She also saves small cardboard tea boxes and decorates them with colorful paper or felt and sequins and has them ready to go when a special occasion comes up.
Shopping at party stores, drugstores and discount stores, online
Party stores always have a fun selection of small favors such as miniature animals, bubble blowing mix and art supplies.
I’ve found great gifts at Costco such as mega-packs of colored markers, play dough and multi packs of books. Sometimes I even break up sets and mix and match items to make gift sets, increasing the savings.
Craft stores such as JoAnn Fabrics and Michael’s often stock a selection of craft kits at slashed prices. Most drugstores have a toy aisle, and sometimes you will find smaller gifts at discounted prices. You can always package several smaller gifts together as one present. Or, tie a little treasure on a ribbon and make it part of the wrapping for a larger gift.
I once found some adorable clear bath soaps with a goldfish toy embedded inside. I bought several and tied them onto wrapped birthday packages. They were a huge hit, and cost me less than one dollar each.
When stocking up, check online stores, such as Mindware and Learning Resources. Both carry educational and unusual toys and games. Because these items are less common, you decrease the chance of giving a duplicate gift. When you’re on the sites, always check the sale or clearance sections. Some high-end toy companies can yield surprising bargains.
Book fairs have reasonable prices
If you have an elementary school-age child, you probably will go to at least one book fair per year. The Scholastic company offers fun kits and books paired with toys at these fairs, often for reasonable prices. At many schools, if you volunteer at the book fair you can get an additional discount.
Keep your eyes open for deals
The key to saving money is to keep your eyes open for deals every time you are out shopping. Keeping your gift box stocked will save you both money and stress over time. And, make sure you hide the box from your own kiddos, or they might go shopping for themselves!
Shop two special local resources for birthday box items
The North State has two wonderful local resources for small and unusual gifts, including:
The Creative Apple Teaching Supplies, 2201 Pillsbury Rd, Chico (530)345-0122 This well-stocked shop has a wide selection of small games, key chains, magnets, magnetic putty, magnifying glasses, miniature toy fairies and animals, jacks, finger puppets and much more.
Gaumers, 78 Belle Mill Rd, Red Bluff, (530)527-6166 has a huge variety of pretty stones, crystals and minerals.
Posted in: Birthdays, Youth & Teen
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