| Everyone loves a special gift on their | | | | |
| birthday: especially our kids! I have put | | | | To the gourmand give a roll of sugar cookie |
| together a list of 10 memorable gifts you can | | | | dough from the grocery store, along with a |
| gift your children on their birthday without | | | | couple of cookie cutters, and a rolling pin. |
| breaking the bank. | | | | Again, this would be a lot of fun for the |
| | | | little one to make, and share with friends |
| Art supplies: almost all kids enjoy crayons, | | | | and family. |
| markers, stickers, colored pencils, gel pens, | | | | |
| special papers and scissors, sidewalk chalk, | | | | For the nature lover, a gardening kit with a |
| water colors, homemade rubber stamps, "how to | | | | couple of small pots filled with potting |
| draw" books calligraphy instructions, or | | | | soil, some seeds, and a plastic watering can |
| origami instructions and colored paper. An | | | | give countless hours of fun, while caring for |
| art supply gift not only encourages the | | | | the plants, and watching them grow. |
| youngsters to use their imagination, but it | | | | |
| can be an extra treat when you spend time | | | | A disposable camera will add a boost to the |
| with them using them. | | | | party. If your budget permits, add a small |
| | | | picture album, and you've instantly created |
| Books are always great gifts for any age: you | | | | wonderful memories of that birthday. |
| can get musical or squeaky books for the | | | | |
| little ones, short stories for preschoolers, | | | | A basket of fun: find an inexpensive basket, |
| adventure books for 9-11 year olds, and so | | | | or another container, maybe a pail for kids |
| on: there is a book for every taste. You can | | | | and fill it with fun, cheap stuff. For |
| also buy books about your child's interests, | | | | instance, silly putty, a water gun, a deck of |
| books about careers, etc. | | | | cards, sidewalk chalk, etc. For boys, you can |
| | | | add some little cars and for girls, throw in |
| A classic movie, which never goes out of | | | | some hair accessories. Finish it off with |
| style, great for when friends come over, or | | | | some candy or a pez dispenser and you have a |
| on that day when they are bored and nothing | | | | fun gift. If you find some fun, small things |
| else could help. | | | | that most kids think are neat, pick up a |
| | | | bunch so that at any time you have a supply |
| For older boys, a tool kit would be great: | | | | of items to mix and match for a birthday. |
| gives them the opportunity to work side by | | | | |
| side with dad, and possibly learn a life | | | | Children crave attention from important |
| skill. | | | | people in their lives, (mom, dad, |
| | | | grandparent, aunt, older sibling). Give that |
| For older girls, beads could mean hours of | | | | special child the gift of time: a day out |
| fun. Buy a variety of colors and shapes and | | | | with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or |
| watch you little princess enjoy hours of | | | | shopping for the gift of their choice. |
| happiness. | | | | |