The Extremely Opinionated Gift Guide for Elementary School Children
From a mother of four with acute junk fatigue
My kids don’t need any more gadgets, kits, sets, characters, games, or toys. I have a limited gifting budget (don’t we all) and even tighter patience budget, so I’ve rounded up some items that don’t cost a ton and *probably* won’t get broken or donated.
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under $50
SunPrint paper kit, $17
For the difficult-to-impress child with a penchant for science experiments, art projects, and/or picking flowers.
Gem water bottle, $40
This would pair well with an experience gift, like tickets to the natural history museum, or a gem puzzle.
Color wheel necklace, $29
For an artsy kid who loves jewelry. I own this, it’s a high quality piece that has lasted nearly ten years.
Marcel the Shell figurine, $30
I’m getting this for my gentle child who quietly hoards trinkets and absolutely adores Marcel the Shell.Odd Apples book, $14
The humble apple, glamorized to no end in this masterful photography collection. A good pick for a child who enjoys apples and fun facts.
I’d get a set of these for a little one who travels during the holidays or has to sit quietly in church. Great quality, terrific variety.
The stickers in this thick book are a bit weird and very artistic, which makes it delightfully low stakes but a very impressive budget gift for an older kid who really enjoys art.
Light up drawing t-shirt, $25.
For children who are still young enough to love glow sticks but old enough to appreciate a party trick. Pairs well with a pack of glow sticks and/ or mirrorball.
Classic bunny slippers, $17.
For a Very Cozy child.
Canvas name sign, $28.
I’d get one for my boys that says “Charlie and Mick’s room” and let them color on it.
Days-of-the-week hair clips, $35.
My girls specifically asked me to put these in the guide. Eugenia Kids is a mom-owned, made-in-the-USA brand, by the way! Also en Español.
Gold star headband, $28.
For a child who loves playing dress-up/ accessorizing boldly in public.
Fancy playing cards, $15.
Giving these to my kids this year, now that they know simple games like solitaire, war, and speed. (As a kid I had a beloved deck of cards that was Just Mine and I still use them when I play cards at my parents’ house.) (Also: WOW these.)
Custom view master slides, $35.
I’m planning on giving Eleanor a set for her tenth birthday with photos throughout her childhood.
Ladurée macarons, $31.
For the child who is always asking if we can go to Paris soon. (Get them now and keep them in the freezer until the night before.)
over $50
Maybe you’re like me and you don’t have a giant gift budget, but in case you’ve got some wiggle room…
Longtime wearables: cardigan, $84 // winter coat, $70 // dress, $57
I like giving each of my kids one special piece of clothing that will get worn for at least a year.
Dart board, $85
For a kid who likes cornhole and wouldn’t be inclined to stab a family member with a dart.
Sandcloud towel, $119
For the child who wants THEIR OWN space at family picnics/ the beach.
Instax mini, $80.
For the whole family, really. I’ll cry if I start talking about how much my kids’ Instax photos mean to me. (Film comes out to about $1 per photo, FYI.)
“Not today, Satan” pillow, $110.
For a preteen who likes a good joke and funny mantra.
Crossbody bag, $49.
A small adventure tote for the slightly aloof kid who always asks if they can bring their purse – crossbody so they won’t take it off and forget it.
For a child with pierced ears who wants to be able to sleep in/ shower in/ forget about their earrings. (I own and love several Studs earrings.)
Yoto mini player, $70
If you don’t have a Yoto yet, this is a splurge-worthy gift. Very user friendly and barely qualifies as a gadget (completely screen free). No wifi required, kids manage it themselves, counts as reading. Also extremely cute.
Micro Mini scooter, $76.
Another splurge-worthy gift. We love this brand and have definitely gotten our money’s worth. I think ages 3 and up enjoy these the most. Related: a non-terrible helmet.
Oil painting starter kit, $200.
For a child who has outgrown markers and asks to go to museums on days off from school. Must include a promise to frame and hang their work prominently.
JOHN DERIAN STICKER BOOK!