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Have you ever spent an exorbitant amount of money on a gift for a child and then watched that child ignore it only to spend hours playing with a cardboard box? Most of us have. The truth is, something inexpensive that sparks imagination and creativity is often a better, longer lasting gift than something pricey you bought at the store.
Here are some creative gifts you could get a child that won’t break the bank.
1. Rock Decorating Kit
My nephew is obsessed with a rock my sister painted as a child – it’s still used in my parent’s house as a door stopper. A rock decorating kit is a license for creative freedom and also something you might still be using 35 years later like my family.
Decorated rocks can be used as door stoppers, little animal friends, planter decor, or a splash of color in an outdoor garden.
Make the Rock Decorating Kit
Total Cost: $13.98
- Rocks ($Free). I like lighter-colored rocks where the paint will be more visible.
- Paint ($8.99). I like these acrylic paint markers (no mess!) but you could also go with a puffy paint or a regular acrylic paint set.
- Fun Decorations ($4.99). Make it special with some kind of decoration. I like these googly eyes but there are so many options.
- Rock Painting Ideas ($Free). Search for some fun, age appropriate rock painting ideas. Print them out and include them with the gift.
2. Inventor Box
This gift really aligns with the concept of a cardboard box being the most entertaining toy of the bunch. An inventor kit is a collection of miscellaneous items kids can use to create some kind of imaginative masterpiece – and it can be used over and over again.
This kit works well if you plan ahead and give yourself time to collect the free items.
Make the Inventor Box Kit
Total Cost: $10 – $20
- Paper and Cardboard ($Free). Collect paper and cardboard from around your house. Use delivery boxes, cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, etc.
My local thrift store has large rolls of paper, but you could always purchase a roll of craft paper. - Miscellaneous household items ($Free). Think bottle caps or jar lids. Think styrofoam packaging material. Consider when you are throwing things out if they could be of use in the inventor kit.
- Craft Items ($4-6 at thrift store). Consider including traditional craft items like feathers, pipe cleaners, or popsicle sticks. I often see things like this at the thrift store, but you could also purchase them.
I also often see cheap marker sets at the thrift store. - Tape or Glue ($4.99). They’ll need a way to hold everything together, like this fun masking tape set or some craft glue.
- A Container ($Free to $5). You will need a container to put all this stuff in. A cardboard box will suffice, but you could also find something at a thrift store.
3. Treasures Box
For kids who love collecting little treasures, a box they can decorate themselves is a perfect gift. This one is similar to the Rock Decorating Kit in that you provide an item that a kid can make their own.
Make the Treasures Box Kit
Total Cost: $16.98
- The Box ($7.99). You need a wood craft box. The least expensive is 5.99 but I think there’s a nice one for 7.99.
You could also get a bulk pack for less $ per unit if you are looking to do this for multiple kids. Michaels usually has a lot of very small boxes for just a few dollars in store. - Paint ($8.99). The acrylic paint markers will work great here.
- Wood Stain (very optional, $7.47). Staining the box with wood stain before giving it as a gift will make the box look really nice, but it is an extra cost.
This can also be $Free if you have leftover stain somewhere around the house.
Note: In my experience, it takes about a week for the smell of the stain to fully dissipate, so if you decide to stain the box make sure you have enough lead time.
4. T-shirt Decorating Kit
This will be a blast from the past for anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s! But you know what? It’s still fun. And pretty inexpensive. This one’s also really easy to put together.
Make the T-shirt Decorating Kit
Total Cost: $14.46
- Youth T-shirt ($4.49). Michaels has youth T-shirts in store for $4.49. Amazon has them for a lower price, but you have to bet a bundle. White is classic but any color can work.
- Puffy Paint ($9.97). You’ve gotta have the puffy paint, it’s a classic.
If your budget allows, there are also some really fun glow-in-the-dark and glitter puff paints available.