Inexpensive or DIY gifts for kids?

[justbeth]

We have lots of nephews and nieces and have always bought them all Christmas gifts, never anything huge, but a good chunk of money once it's all said and done. They also all buy Emma a gift. Since I SAH now I'm hoping by starting early I can shop savvy or DIY less expensive gifts. Does anyone have any go-to shops for inexpensive, but not crappy, gifts? Their ages range from 18 months to 12. I struggle most with the older ones (girl and 3 boys).

Do 12 year old girls like DIY pallet picture frames? Weathered wood projects are about the extent of my craftiness...

[starfishy]

To be honest I think I'd get them all a new book. Not to expensive and I have no time to be crafty. I would be all gung ho and then dec 23rd would come around and then you're buying something expensive because you can't finish everything in time.

[babywinks]

Can you do something like a memory/bulletin board for the girl? Or this


For the boys are they into something I particular? If one is athletic would they need a board to display ribbons, medals, etc?

[sarahandeddie]

I always try to scoop up the crayola art kits that are on sale for Black Friday.

[xanthepants]

I saw an awesome version of mermaid tv blankets as well as a shark eating your legs blanket on Pinterest for kids that didn't look too hard. Might make cute niece and nephew gifts if you can sew.

Otherwise, nail polishes, books, head bands, t shirt infinity scarf for the girl.

Pinterest might have an idea or two for a Lego storage or even ikea hack for a Lego play table if the boys are mid aged.

[justbeth]

J12 has some smart ladies. I don't have a sewing machine, but my mom does. Gonna have to check those blankets out.

[britbratjf]

Fleece tie blankets? If the boys have a favorite sports team you could get fabric with their teams.

[nursedesi]

Learn to crochet and make them hats based on their interests!

[heatherbee]

What about a movie ticket for the teenagers? I'm not crafty so I can't help there. Movie tickets are around $10 by me so it's not too expensive but something I think most teenagers could use and enjoy.

[justbeth]

Nov 1, 2015 21:32:53 GMT -5 nursedesi said:

Learn to crochet and make them hats based on their interests!

I wish! I've often wanted to know how to crochet/knit.

[justbeth]

Nov 1, 2015 16:52:45 GMT -5 starfishy said:

To be honest I think I'd get them all a new book. Not to expensive and I have no time to be crafty. I would be all gung ho and then dec 23rd would come around and then you're buying something expensive because you can't finish everything in time.

You know my lyfe. I always have good intentions that never quiet get finished.

[lkamenko]

Groupon has many deals on the custom pillows, pillowcases, blankets, picture on glass etc. Many of them just $5. You can personalize them for each kid.

[aimeefarrahfowler]

Preteens I would probably just give an iTunes card and earbuds or a small gift like a small clutch or makeup palette for the girls and a comic book or football for the boys (5 below has regulation footballs/basketballs/soccer balls) for $5.

Whenever I buy my BILs gift cards I like to get a small gift too that I can tape it to and wrap up.

I think it's sweet you want to diy something but I don't think kids would appreciate it.

For the smaller kids you could do hats and gloves or a set of coloring books and crayons and paints.

[justbeth]

I'd love to DIY something to be cheap... But cant think of anything they would actually want either, aimeefarrahfowler and I don't want to waste my time/money for something they toss. I think I might have to fight the Black Friday crazies this year.

[vanessalc]

How about a gift card and a fringe scarf? I've made them for a cheerleading squad and a girls hockey team, very easy, fast and fleece is quite cheap.

[vanessalc]

thefrugalgirls.com/2010/10/how-to-make-a-fleece-scarf-with-fringes-cute.html

[justbeth]

Those are cute vanessalc! I know at least two of the girls would wear those.