This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Want to know some great last minute gift ideas for children? When my children where little, one of my least favorite things was when they came home with an invitation to a birthday party. It usually came home the day I had just gotten home from doing all my shopping. Now I had to plan another trip to the store with my child, so they could pick out a present.
This article will focus on inexpensive, last minute gift ideas for children birthday parties. One of the best things you can do to help eliminate the stress that comes from those unplanned shopping trips is to have an array of gifts already bought and ready to go. Have a place where your children can go “Shopping” in your home filled with fun gifts that any child would love.
It would also be helpful to have gift bags, wrapping paper, and cards ready to go. Sometimes those are the things I forget, even when I did go to the store for a present. It is so frustrating to need to go back to the store another time, just for wrapping paper.
This post is all about 31 inexpensive last-minute gift ideas for children birthday parties.
1. Gift Cards
Let’s start with gift cards! They are always fun because then the child gets to pick out their own gift. It isn’t always the most enjoyable gift at the birthday party and small children won’t always appreciate it, but it is one of the easiest gifts to have on stock at the spur of the moment.
2. Money
Money was one of my kid’s favorite. They loved making a cute card and putting money into it. This Birthday Party Money Holder-Cash Cake would be a fun way to display money for any kids birthday party.
3. A Bank
A bank for kids to hold their money is a great gift. This Money Maze Puzzle box is a fun way to camouflage kids’ money.
4. Rubik Cubes
Rubik cubes are well loved by children. There are so many different types of rubik’s cubes to choose from. It may even be nice to get a book on how to solve the puzzle you purchased for them. That will provide many hours of fun.
5. Brain Teasers
Brain Teasers are also well liked and will encourage hours of entertainment that doesn’t include a screen.
6. Candy
Kids love Candy. Throw in a candy bar, especially if it’s their favorite, with any gift. It is sure to be a hit.
7. Gumball Machine
A gumball Machine was one of the best presents my kids ever received. They loved having gum at their fingertips. It’s a great way to save money with a little reward. The gum didn’t last long but it sure was a well-used gift.
8. LOL Dolls
LOL dolls are so popular right now. Here are some mini-LOL Dolls that would be fun for any child.
9. Barbies
Barbies are another classic toy that never seems to go out of style. There are so many to choose from, which means there is a good chance that the child doesn’t already have the Barbie you have chosen.
10. Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies are always entertaining to have around. This toy brings hours of fun and communication without using a telephone.
11. Nerf Guns
Nerf guns are by far the best bang for your money. (“Bang”-see what I did there.) Buy an extra set of ammunition and you will find darts all over your yard for years to come.
12. Legos
Legos are a must in any child’s life. They offer a whole new world with so much creativity. There are Lego sets for every occasion, and for everyone. You should be able to find something that will fit your personality and your budget. My personal favorite are the flowers that are for adults, not kids.
13. Dodgeball
How about a nice dodgeball or two for the birthday party. It seems like all kids like to throw, kick, punch or hit a ball. It will probably be the most used present at the party. Pair the ball with some candy and smiles will be plentiful.
14. Chalk
I remember the first time one of my kids got this, thinking “why would anyone buy chalk for a present.” I guess I am not the creative type and was humbled fast. As soon as all the presents were opened the kids took off with the chalk to the sidewalks. My kids loved creating scenes on our driveway. Chalk has been a staple at our house ever since.
15. Bubbles
Bubbles are another classic form of entertainment. Chasing and blowing bubble are compelling to children. This 2 pack Bubble Machine Gun would engage children until the bubbles run out. Make sure to buy extra bubbles.
16. Writing Tablets
Writing tablets are one of the coolest new inventions. My children loved the scratch pads they use to get for their birthdays. The downside was once they created their drawing they were done. They had to buy more paper to continue creating. Now you can take a picture of their creation and then push the button and start all over. They come in lots of different colors. These are amazing.
17. Beads
Rainbow Pony Beads are another gift for the creative mind. Kids use these for hair braids and jewelry making. There are so many fun colors to choose from. So many possibilities.
18. Jewelry
Jewelry is always appreciated. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a necklace or a bracelet with your initial. This may be a hard one to have ahead of time, but if you have plenty of time this one would be fun.
19. Jewelry Kit
Children would also love making their own jewelry. There are a lot of kits out there that have all the tools to make jewelry.
20. Water Toys
Water toys are always a hug hit. Why do kids love getting each other wet so much? This is a fun water blaster set that holds a lot of water and fills up easily.
21. Games
Games are always a win, especially those that include everyone. Here are a few of my favorites for kids.
22. Books
There are a million books out there, and they are easy to give. Everyone loves a good book. Find one of your favorites and buy a few copies to keep on hand for the last-minute birthday that catches you by surprise. Here’s a good joke book. Who doesn’t like a good joke?
23. Coloring Book
How about a good coloring book with colored pencils, crayons, or markers?
24. Drawing Book
Another type of book would be a drawing book that teaches kids how to draw simple objects. You could even include some drawing pencils.
25. Fuse Beads
Kids will play with fuse beads for hours! They make little pictures or designs with the beads, and then a parent irons them together so they last forever. My kids love to make fun designs and give them to their friends.
26. Art Kit
Art kits are great gift ideas for children because they have everything you need to make something artistic. There are kits for bracelets, keychains, suncatchers, wooden magnets, flowers, painted dinosaurs, paper crafting, sewing kits, stationary, journals, and so much more. If you can imagine it, they probably have it.
27. Science Kit
Another fun set is a science kit. Again, there are many different options out there for kids who are curious about the world.
28. Fake Nails
These fake nails would be fun for any child that likes to dress up without all the mess of fingernail polish.
29. Squishy Toys
Squishy toys are loved by kids. Here’s a pack of 36 different ones. Maybe you could give a couple paired with some candy in a water bottle. Be creative with these cute little toys. Kids will love them.
30. Fidget Spinner
Fidget spinners are so relaxing and incredibly fun to hold. There are many types of fidget spinners made for kids.
31. Water Bottle
Creating your own water bottle would be an exciting project to do with kids, and a fun gift ideas for a birthday party.
This article focused on 31 inexpensive birthday gifts for a child’s birthday party. Don’t let the stress of another spontaneous party invitation catch you by surprise. Be prepared. Grab several of these ideas to have ahead of time. Then when that birthday invitation arrives at your home, you will have the perfect gift without the hassle. Birthday parties will then become a delight.
This post is all about 31 inexpensive last-minute gift ideas for children.
Looking for last minute gifts ideas for ADULTS? Check out THIS post for 41 Easy Last Minute Birthday Gifts for Friends.