My mind raced as I looked over our bank accounts and thought about the budget. I’ve saved throughout the year for Christmas, but it’s still expensive.
Numbers swirled in my head as I tried to make the budget work. I planned what I would get, watching for sales and scoring great deals to get more gifts while spending less. My nephew had me stuck. He seems to have everything he wants, and anything on his wish list is over our budget.
My stomach felt uneasy when I thought about discussing it with my husband, and amending the budget we agreed on. Ugh. I want to be the favorite aunt, and show my nephew (and sister and brother-in-law) how much we love them…but we have a tight budget this year so doing this with big, fancy toys isn’t in the cards.
Not to mention, I know those toys will just end up in the corner covered in dust in about 2 weeks.
Here’s the Problem
I know I’m not the only one. The bills have been getting higher and higher (how did groceries get so expensive?) and a lot of parents are having trouble deciding how to make Christmas magical for their kids and their extended family.
I’ve even seen people thinking about taking out loans to fund their Christmas gifts this year. It’s not worth it. By paying for gifts with a loan, they’ll end up costing a lot more money, and peace of mind because you’ll be carrying the weight of that debt for months to come.
This is what makes the holiday season stressful.
But There’s a Better Way…
This got me thinking, what else can I give that won’t cost a lot of money, but will make me the favorite aunt? What can I give joyfully?
I began the search for the best gift that’s inexpensive but my nephew would love.
And I found it.
Sensory bins are amazing gifts that kids of all ages love. I’ve given these as gifts many times and always receive comments years later about how much they’re still played with.
What other gift have you given that kids still love years later? There aren’t many.
The best part is: These sensory toys are the perfect inexpensive gift, and offer many benefits to kids.
- Children practice their language skills by learning to describe what they are playing with, or how they are playing. Kids love playing with new and interesting toys, so they learn new vocabulary.
- Depending on the sensory bin, academic skills are often introduced. Kids will naturally count and find patterns in play. Some bins even can introduce measuring, letters, shapes, colors, numbers, and even name recognition.
- Fine motor skills are so important, as kids learn to manipulate small objects with their little hands. Sensory bins encourage scooping, dumping, squeezing, and pinching.
- Another important part of sensory bins is the social skills kids practice. Sharing, communicating, imagination, problem-solving, and creativity are all used when playing with a sensory bin.
- Kids use problem-solving skills when playing with their sensory bins.
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A Word of Warning
Not only will this be the favorite item under the tree, but if you have other nieces and nephews around, they’ll want one too. If you are giving this to a child who is not in your care, make sure the adult knows that this is a toy that requires supervision. Oftentimes sensory bins contain small pieces that could be harmful if swallowed.
Sensory bins are simple and inexpensive to make. When making mine, I made several at a time. Think about gathering some friends who are also looking to give cheap gifts this year, make them together, and split the cost, because certain items are cheaper if you buy in bulk. You could also leave those items out of your bin.
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Our favorite sensory bin (by far) is the baking kit. You can make this for $8.50 if you find friends to split the aprons and cupcake liners with.
All you need is:
Bin (I used sweater bins from Walmart. I got 4/$11. The bins are 16 7/8″ x 11 1/2″ x 8 3/4″, but any size will do).
4 Cups Flour
½ Cup Oil (I always use vegetable oil but I’m sure other kids will also work)
Sprinkles
Candles (optional)
Kitchen Tools (I got the set you see in the picture from The Dollar Tree)
Better yet, grab these plain aprons and decorate them together.
Directions: Mix the flour and oil until it is a consistent texture. Add the sprinkles and your toys/fine motor tools.
We also love our water bead sensory bin.
Water beads are such a fun toy for kids to play with. This sensory bin is a little more expensive to make because of the bubble tongs. I made it for $12.50.
All you need:
Bin (I used sweater bins from Walmart. I got 4/$11. The bins are 16 7/8″ x 11 1/2″ x 8 3/4″, but any size will do).
Bowls (I got two clear bowls at Dollar Tree)
Scoop (Also got this at Dollar Tree)
Shapes (optional)
Kids love to scoop, dump, and get their hands wet with water beads. I added some shapes I had laying around the house and turned it into a shape monster sensory bin where kids can learn their shapes and create fun monsters.
Directions: Soak 1 tsp water beads in 5 cups water overnight. Add fine motor tools and toys to the bin.
Dying rice also makes for a fun sensory bin. You can add letters so kids can practice their name, the alphabet, or just spelling words. Depending on what letters you get, you can make this for about $9 each.
All you need:
Bin (I used sweater bins from Walmart. I got 4/$11. The bins are 16 7/8″ x 11 1/2″ x 8 3/4″, but any size will do).
1 Cup Rice
10 Drops Food Coloring
1/2 tsp. Vinegar
Pasta
Colored Popsicle Sticks (Dollar Tree)
Pom Poms (Dollar Tree)
Directions: Mix the rice, food coloring, and vinegar in a bowl and shake until the food coloring evenly colors the rice. Lay out on a paper towel to dry overnight.
Keep Reading: Simple Sensory Bin Ideas
More Inexpensive Gift Ideas
The most important thing to remember when shopping for kids is that love to kids is equal to time. They don’t want the most expensive gift out there, and they don’t want cheap toys that’ll break within 10 minutes of playing with them. They want YOU. They want to know they are delighted in by YOU. Here are some ideas that won’t cost a lot, and will give you more time to make memories that kids will treasure for years to come. Remember, sometimes inexpensive gifts are the perfect way to show your kids you care.
Picture Books
Give a picture book you loved as a kid, or give one of your kids’ favorite books to a niece or nephew. To make it more meaningful, think of an activity to go with it. If you give the book, If You Give a Moose a Muffin, make muffins together. Remember- kids just want time with you, and this is a great way to give a small gift while making memories they will treasure forever.
Need ideas? Check out our favorite books:
The Most Important Thing to Do For Your Baby Starting Today
Best Books for Kindergarteners
Slime Kit
Little kids love slime. The best part is it’s inexpensive to make. Be sure to include a tablecloth from the dollar tree to help keep the mess to a minimum.
This is a fun way to get a little more time with your kiddo. They’ll love diving into the slime. Better yet, package up all the ingredients and make it together too.
Origami Kit
Older kids love origami. You can snag a book like this one, or make your own by printing off instructions you found online and cutting paper to the right dimensions.
To make this gift even better- spend some time creating together. You will have so much fun racing paper airplanes or testing your inventions together.
Art Supplies
This is the perfect gift for creative kids. Grab a set of inexpensive markers, finger paints or washable paint, a stack of scrapbook paper, popsicle sticks, ribbon, and tape. Stickers, cardboard, or any other fun craft supplies you have laying around the house will also make a good addition. Spend some time creating together. To make this more challenging, give yourselves a mission.
Cookbook
For the baker in your family, make a cookbook full of your favorite recipes to make with your kiddo. You can even grab a yard or two of fabric and make a special apron. Spend some time together making your favorite cookies.
Musical Instruments
Use with caution! If you buy a musical instrument for a niece or nephew, payback will follow. If you aren’t concerned about payback, make your own. Collect items to make maracas, drums, and tambourines. Wrap the items unassembled. Add a little bit of spice to your Christmas morning by assembling your musical instruments, turning up the music, and having a dance party.
Items for Pretend Play
Kids love to pretend, and it’s great for them too. Role-playing helps them strengthen social skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills, and it helps them better understand the world around them.
Giving items for pretend play doesn’t have to be expensive. Have old computer equipment laying around? Wrap up a keyboard and a mouse, along with some other safe office supplies so they can pretend to be at work. In any children’s museum we go to, the computer is always the most popular toy.
Continue Reading: 30 Genius Role Play Ideas with the best ideas for pretend play
Coupons for a Special Night
If your niece/nephew is old enough, give them a coupon to spend the night. Order a pizza, watch a fun movie, play some board games, and make it a magical night to remember. If they love legos, bust out the legos and build something. Remember, this night is about them and their interests. Check out our favorite board games you might enjoy playing together.
Coupon for a Date
Kids love to go on special dates with a loved one. Give them a coupon for bowling, minigolf, the zoo, or the movies. Take them to dinner or have a special picnic after.
Tickets
Buy tickets to a museum, zoo, or special show. This doesn’t have to be a membership, and not all children’s museums are expensive.
A Magazine Subscription.
They will get it in the mail every month, and you can spread out your spending. We love Clubhouse Jr.
Card Games
Simple games are a great gift. They teach strategy, logical thinking, sportsmanship, and any academic skills that are naturally used in the game. Of course, it’s also a fun way to spend some quality time together. We love Uno, Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza. For more ideas, check out our favorite board games.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Cheap Christmas gifts don’t have to be boring or low quality. You can even use them to make yourself the favorite Aunt. Kids want you. Your time. Your love. Time with you trumps anything that’s under the tree.
Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses, even if they’re family. Spending hours and hours searching for the perfect present that won’t break the bank isn’t necessary. Grab or make a thoughtful gift and that’s enough. A homemade gift is special. You don’t have to blow your budget and eat rice and beans for the next three months to make Christmas meaningful. What makes it special is YOU.
Want More?
If you liked this, you’ll love:
The Ultimate List of 50+ Meaningful Experience Gifts for Kids
Best Baby Toys for Educational Play and Boosting Development
Best Toys to Keep Your Toddlers Entertained and Learning
Most Meaningful {Skill Building} Gifts Your Preschooler will Love
Best Educational Toys for Your Kindergartener
Your Turn
What are your favorite inexpensive gift ideas?
