ChristusG Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 DH has lots of little cousins on his side of the family. There's probably about 10 of them, ranging in age from about a year or two old until about 10 years old. I'm trying to get a jump on Christmas shopping. I hate wandering around a week before Christmas and wondering what to get those hard-to-shop-for-people. And these cousins for the bill. Because there are so many, and we are not really close with them, I dont want to spend a whole lot. It would be awesome if I could stick to around $5 per child. I have no idea what to get that wont seem like junk. And the thing is, their families have quite a bit of money, so I always feel like I get them things that will end up in the trash. It would be great if I could find one item that I could get for each kid....the same item so it would make shopping easier and I could just purchase ten of them. But that's tough with that age range. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athena1277 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 What about a nice book for each (age appropriate, of course)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 I feel your pain. :tongue_smilie: We had a similar problem, and my eventual solution was to give up cousin gift exchange entirely. Since we're the only out-of-state gift givers, it cost us more to ship the gifts than to buy them. There was also the aspect of thinking they wouldn't be used much, with the multitude of other gifts. But, some small items that would be fun and could appeal to an age range: -Wikki Stix (http://www.wikkistix.com/). They sell smaller gift-giving sizes, and the nice thing is eventually they do get "used up" as carpet fibers get stuck to them, and they can be thrown away. -Small craft kits from Michael's or JoAnn -A type of chocolate/candy only available at Christmas. My kids love those chocolate oranges that you slam on the table to separate into the pieces. They come in lots of different flavors. -Webkinz Li'l Kinz or Ty Beanies 2.0, if they're into online playing. You can get them at Walgreen's and Rite Aid for $5-6. -Puzzles, but just vary the piece number for the age. Perhaps you could find a gift that becomes your yearly signature Christmas gift for the cousins - the same thing every year, but something that they can still enjoy every year. Then you won't have to go through gift-giving angst every year. My grandma always sent us licorice every year (along with other pieces), but we knew the licorice would be in the package and we looked forward to it. Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujsky Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 One year my aunt put together craft baskets for my cousin and I. There was glue, paper, pipe cleaners, pon-poms, scissors, stickers -- all sorts of stuff. For some of the older kids (4 and up, I'd say) you can do something like that. You can buy large packages of some of those supplies in craft stores and divide them up among the baskets. Christmas Tree Shop usually has craft kits for very little money. If you can hit a really good sale, you can do no-sew fleece blankets for the kids. I made them for my kids last year and they were easy. They ended up being a bit on the expensive side though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Maybe homemade scented play dough for the younger ones. (use unsweetened kool aid to add the color and the scent) You can pack this with a short piece of dowel or pvc pipe for a roller and a couple small cookie cutters. (or just store bought play-doh, it's always fun to have new jars!) For the older ones maybe the bits for a fun science demo or the soda/mentos thingy (link below). http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/2072 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan in SC Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 How about a gift card for a restaurant with good shakes for the older ones. My kids got $5 Chick-fil-a gift cards and they got 2 shakes each I think, which is something I won't normally buy them. They were thrilled! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 (edited) We just got this, and it's so much fun! http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/2072 These last forever, I use them too when I'm planning what curriculum I'm going to use for the new school year. :D http://www.crayolastore.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CRA+023002&. 2nd one down Rainbow Angels We did these last winter, simple pretty and fun http://www.achildsdream.com/handwork_supplies/wool_crafting.htm These are always fun esp. if you can find a cheapy pad of paper to put with it. http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Fairies-Scented-Markers/dp/B001HFF09I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1254776438&sr=1-10 Here are 2 crazy straw gifts: http://store.krazystraws.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KS&Product_Code=nstraw-1&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1 http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Silly-Straw-Glasses/300.501/456555.html Misc. goodies: http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/InAnimate-Sticker-Set/3307.010/456629.html http://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Flos-Coloring-Book-Streeten/dp/0811865525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254777224&sr=8-1 http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Balloon-Powered-Drag-Race/300.501/439607.html http://www.nocbay.com/prodDetails.asp?ID=654&link=219&link2=608 http://www.liveandlearn.com/rainbowribbons.html Edited October 5, 2009 by helena bad links & more ideas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Our Michaels has tiny approx 4" by 6" paint by number sets on sale for $1. I bought a whole bunch for birthday presents, along with $1 etch art paper the same size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 We've got a bunch of well off cousins too. We give each family a box of homemade reindeer kisses. The kids love them and we don't have to compete with presents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 A cute ornament for their tree. Write their name somewhere nicely in marker, too, to personalize it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 The little gumball machines have always been a great small gift for all ages. Gift cards to places like Jamba Juice, Baskin Robins, or general mall gift card. Novelty items from Archie Mcphee depending on the persons sence of humor: Bacon Bandaids Nun chucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Our family stopped doing gifts for each cousin as well, it was just too much. Now each cousin draws one name at Thanksgiving and buys a gift for that child at Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 6, 2009 Author Share Posted October 6, 2009 Thanks for all of the great suggestions!!! I really like the book idea. Would it be totally cheap to buy them paperback books as opposed to hardcovers? I'm not sure if I could find hardcovers for $5. I saw the $5 hardcover books at Kohl's, but those are so popular that the kids may already have those books. I like the gift card idea as well, but I think I'm going to keep that in mind till they get older. At this age, they will probably like something more tangible better. When they are older, I really won't know what to get them LOL, so gift cards to McDonald's or an ice cream shoppe will be great. I may put some sort of Christmas candy with the books, not sure yet though. I guess it depends on how much the books cost. I can handle books for 0-6 years old.....but what do kids after that like? What about 10 year olds? What kind of stuff do they read? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christielee7278 Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Thanks for all of the great suggestions!!! I really like the book idea. Would it be totally cheap to buy them paperback books as opposed to hardcovers? I'm not sure if I could find hardcovers for $5. I saw the $5 hardcover books at Kohl's, but those are so popular that the kids may already have those books. I like the gift card idea as well, but I think I'm going to keep that in mind till they get older. At this age, they will probably like something more tangible better. When they are older, I really won't know what to get them LOL, so gift cards to McDonald's or an ice cream shoppe will be great. I may put some sort of Christmas candy with the books, not sure yet though. I guess it depends on how much the books cost. I can handle books for 0-6 years old.....but what do kids after that like? What about 10 year olds? What kind of stuff do they read? Books A Million clearance section. That is where I get all of the Christmas cousin books!! Great prices and a lot of different choices. I can usually find something for all ages there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 I can handle books for 0-6 years old.....but what do kids after that like? What about 10 year olds? What kind of stuff do they read? I think it would depend on the child. You might want to look around on amazon for their 4-for-3 deal & see if there are any books that would appeal to these older kids. Maybe something like "The Phantom Tollbooth" or "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" would be a good pick? You could also buy them something like a kid sudoku book & a pen for solving the puzzles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christielee7278 Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Just another thought--My oldest LOVES getting gift cards. If you can't find anything else for the 10 yr olds, I think a gift card would be fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 6, 2009 Author Share Posted October 6, 2009 Books A Million clearance section. That is where I get all of the Christmas cousin books!! Great prices and a lot of different choices. I can usually find something for all ages there. Oooh, I totally forgot about that! They have a huge clearance section! I'll be hitting Books A Million in the near future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 (edited) DH has lots of little cousins on his side of the family. There's probably about 10 of them, ranging in age from about a year or two old until about 10 years old. I'm trying to get a jump on Christmas shopping. I hate wandering around a week before Christmas and wondering what to get those hard-to-shop-for-people. And these cousins for the bill. Because there are so many, and we are not really close with them, I dont want to spend a whole lot. It would be awesome if I could stick to around $5 per child. I have no idea what to get that wont seem like junk. And the thing is, their families have quite a bit of money, so I always feel like I get them things that will end up in the trash. It would be great if I could find one item that I could get for each kid....the same item so it would make shopping easier and I could just purchase ten of them. But that's tough with that age range. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! My dd just decided to make handkerchief dollies for her cousins today. They're easy. And cheap. We bought the hankies at Targe 6 for $3.99. We use scrap pieces of lace and ribbon. Took us less than 15 minutes for one dollie. This link is a picture similiar to the one we made. I've been googling for our directions but I don't see it, if you're interested I can scan them in and send it along to you. http://www.mocstore.org/handkerchiefdollkit.aspx Or here are some directions I found that pretty much sum it up too. http://craftzone.tripod.com/doll.html Handkerchief Dolls These make great crafts for church bazaars, bridal showers and hostess gifts. Start with an unfolded vintage handkerchief, and then fold it in half diagonally. Stuff cotton batting inside to form a head. Tie the neck off with a ribbon bow. Knot each of the two top corners to close the ends forming a pair of puffed sleeves and “hands.” Sew lace (vintage if you have it) around the bottom of the gown and across the top of the head to make it look like a bonnet. You can add small silk or dried flower bouquets in her arms, if you’d like, and join them with another ribbon bow. Edited October 6, 2009 by CalicoKat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radish4ever Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Crayon rolls or chalkboard mats or I spy bags if you are crafty (patterns can be googled pretty easily) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgm Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 magic tricks, deck of cards, clip on LED flashlights, dominoes, balls, barrel full of monkeys, jacks, yo-yos, apron/cookbook, juggling balls, wooden pop gun, bell for bike/trike, slinky, dress up accessories (fake mustaches, eyeglasses, spy hats, service bell for counter, purse, wallet, gloves, conductor's whistle, handcuffs & sheriff's badge, magnifying glass, magic wand, ..), switchblade comb, sliding puzzle, wooly willy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Unless the cousins are from 10 different families, of course, in which case this is no help. For example: videos (we give the Veggie Tales Christmas DVDs), books (if they'll read aloud or if they are reference books everyone might enjoy, like the Guinness Book of World Records), food, games, cookie cutter sets. If you can give the gift early, we've given an advent calendar and many, many copies of The Elf on the Shelf (Google it). Elf on the Shelf has been tremendously well-received by families with small fry. Last year, I made all of the cousins Christmas pillowcases and gave them before Christmas. These were definitely a hit, and it takes just over a yard of fabric per pillowcase. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieB Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 DH has lots of little cousins on his side of the family. There's probably about 10 of them, ranging in age from about a year or two old until about 10 years old. I'm trying to get a jump on Christmas shopping. I hate wandering around a week before Christmas and wondering what to get those hard-to-shop-for-people. And these cousins for the bill. Because there are so many, and we are not really close with them, I dont want to spend a whole lot. It would be awesome if I could stick to around $5 per child. I have no idea what to get that wont seem like junk. And the thing is, their families have quite a bit of money, so I always feel like I get them things that will end up in the trash. It would be great if I could find one item that I could get for each kid....the same item so it would make shopping easier and I could just purchase ten of them. But that's tough with that age range. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! I second (or third) the suggestion for an age appropriate book. If you know anything about them you could likely pick something that goes with their current "favorite" thing.....if not, a classic is always a good choice. Our non-homeschooling friends/family rarely have the classics laying around, but the kids always seem to appreciate the stories once they start reading it! Bookcloseouts is having a HUGE sale right now...50% off craft and hobby books; 85% off scratch and dent and even their regular stock is always at great prices and there are many many many choices below $5.00. Here are some coupons too (password for each coupon is bookcloseouts) $5 off $25 purchase get5off $10 off $50 purchase: clearance $20 off $100 purchase: brickcity-20 or supersave22-20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdurfee Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 We just got this, and it's so much fun!http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/2072 These last forever, I use them too when I'm planning what curriculum I'm going to use for the new school year. :D http://www.crayolastore.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CRA+023002&. 2nd one down Rainbow Angels We did these last winter, simple pretty and fun http://www.achildsdream.com/handwork_supplies/wool_crafting.htm These are always fun esp. if you can find a cheapy pad of paper to put with it. http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Fairies-Scented-Markers/dp/B001HFF09I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1254776438&sr=1-10 Here are 2 crazy straw gifts: http://store.krazystraws.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KS&Product_Code=nstraw-1&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1 http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Silly-Straw-Glasses/300.501/456555.html Misc. goodies: http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/InAnimate-Sticker-Set/3307.010/456629.html http://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Flos-Coloring-Book-Streeten/dp/0811865525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254777224&sr=8-1 http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Balloon-Powered-Drag-Race/300.501/439607.html http://www.nocbay.com/prodDetails.asp?ID=654&link=219&link2=608 http://www.liveandlearn.com/rainbowribbons.html Thanks for sharing these gems! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 How about puzzles? They're great for lots of different ages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.