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.

Quick note: do yourself a favor and sign up for cash back from Rakuten, there is no catch, it’s just free money – that link gets you an extra $40 for free. They have a really handy Chrome extension so you can get cash with one-click without leaving the site you’re shopping on.

under $50

1. SunPrint paper kit, $17

   For the difficult-to-impress child with a penchant for science experiments, art projects, and/or picking flowers.

2. Gem water bottle, $40

   This would pair well with an experience gift, like tickets to the natural history museum, or a gem puzzle.

3. 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. 

4. Marcel the Shell figurine, $30
   I’m getting this for my gentle child who quietly hoards trinkets and absolutely adores Marcel the Shell.

5. 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.

6. Eyelike sticker books, $7

   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.

7. John Derian sticker book, $24

   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.

   

8. 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. 

9. Classic bunny slippers, $17.

   For a Very Cozy child.

10. Canvas name sign, $28.

    I’d get one for my boys that says “Charlie and Mick’s room” and let them color on it. 

11. 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.

12. Gold star headband, $28.

    For a child who loves playing dress-up/ accessorizing boldly in public. 

13. 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.)

14. Custom view master slides, $35.

    I’m planning on giving Eleanor a set for her tenth birthday with photos throughout her childhood.

15. 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…

1. 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.

2. Dart board, $85

   For a kid who likes cornhole and wouldn’t be inclined to stab a family member with a dart.

3. Sandcloud towel, $119

   For the child who wants THEIR OWN space at family picnics/ the beach.

4. 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.)

5. “Not today, Satan” pillow, $110.

   For a preteen who likes a good joke and funny mantra.

   

6. 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.

7. Triple set of earrings, $88

   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.)

8. 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. 

9. 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. 

10. 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.