Indecisive Inspirations – 6 Present-Purchasing Tips For the Kid That Literally Wants Everything

Kids trends are moving at the speed of light.

Do you find yourself struggling to keep up with what is cool and what is so last week?  You are not alone!  Kids can be the toughest group to shop for.  They seemingly want everything, but the everything better fit into what is cool that week or else you will go down in history as buying something that is so not cool!

 

Fear not, as there are some timeless trends that surpass even the pickiest trend-following child.  Interested in learning more?  Read on for the top 6 gift purchasing tips for kids that want everything:

 

Start a new trend

Sometimes, the best gifts for kids are the ones that are unique and unexpected.

So, you can’t keep up with the trends?  How about setting one of your own.  Be the auntie who makes light up unicorn slippers or tie-dye shirts be the next must-have.  As the gift buyer, you must be willing to make a bold move, go against the grain, and be the wild gift giver at the party. Go on, give it a try!

 

Interactive Always Wins

Kids want to play, we know that.

However, even more than that, kids want to be played with.  Ever feel like your child is nagging you to the point of being crazy?  Ever tried just getting on the floor with some toys and really interacting with them?  It works every time, seriously, every time.

 

Buying gifts that promote interaction may not get the “wow this is the best gift!” look at the party, but later on, when the gift really counts, that kid will be so grateful that a parent, aunt, uncle, or friend is required to make the gift work.

 

Another interactive option is making the present an event in and of itself!

As opposed to going to a brick and mortar store to find gifts, take your kid on an adventure of some kind. Go to a movie, a sports game or even a concert. Just remember, you’re doing this for them, so make sure that you’re keeping their interests in mind when planning out a day. While your idea of a good time might be sitting back and relaxing with a good book at the beach, it might not come across as a heartfelt present when it comes to doing so with a 13 year old.

 

Nature Rules

What do kids love more than getting gifts?

Permission to get dirty of course!  Very rarely do you come across a kid that will shun the idea of running through puddles or making a sand castle.  Even a “too-cool” teen will often let out a childish moment and dig in to build a fort in the forest.  Not only is getting dirty fun, it is good for you too! Gifts that inspire being in nature and getting dirty will always be a winner.

 

This can also be a fantastic chance to mix gift-giving and the great outdoors.

Depending on the kid in question, camping gear or a tent setup can be the perfect present for those with an adventurous spirit of curiosity. It’s simple to put together, easy to maintain and can be a genuinely excellent resource for a family getaway.

 

Toys that imitate life

My daughter always seems desperate to unload the dishwasher with me, rummage through the ingredients I use to bake bread, even fold the laundry.  Gifts that imitate life tasks may seem boring, but bust them out on a rainy day and the kids will come running.  Tools for bread baking, cheese making kits, homemade pizza ingredients, accompanied with a monogramed apron.  Seriously, these gifts are golden.

 

Inspire creativity

It sure seems that toys, electronics, video games, all of the things that kids are raving about, all lack one key element:  creativity.  Fast moving images, sometimes violent images, plastic parts; none of these things are going to inspire the true creativity only a child can portray.  Buying gifts that inspire creativity is a great way for the modern kid to slow down and really be a kid.  Paints, clay, chalk, or building blocks are all great examples!

 

This can also be a great chance to get the child into a musical instrument.

Obviously, there may be some trepidation for the more noise-sensitive of parents, however, an instrument can be the perfect outlet of expression, especially for a younger person. While high quality guitars, basses and drum kits can lead you into the $1000+ price range, a simple starter setup can be found for as little as $100, especially if you’re willing to do some digging.

 

Dance Party

I have nephews ranging in age from four to fourteen, and they all love to listen to music.  Depending on the situation, I can even squeeze a dance party out of them.  There are so many awesome options for portable speakers these days, a kid can’t have too many.  Some are waterproof, handheld, tiny but loud, the options are endless!  Providing a gift that can boom the latest tunes in any situation is a sure fire way to get you to the top of the favourite gift giving list!

 

Article from E Hudes.