What to give a child for a birthday when they have too many toys
The short answer: give them something to do, hear or remember rather than another thing to store. The best birthday presents for children who have everything are experiences, personalised items and gifts that arrive in a lasting routine.
Start with the child
Think about what they love doing, not what they already own. A child who loves animals may want a farm visit. A child who loves stories may enjoy a story with their own name. A child who loves making things may like a craft kit.
Birthday present ideas
- A day out. The zoo, a train ride, a soft play morning. Wrap a ticket.
- A personalised story. Starring them by name, with their name said aloud, and a birthday story at the right time. See the birthday page.
- A creative kit. Painting, clay, baking. Something that makes a mess and a memory.
- A membership. Local pool, library events, a museum pass.
- A keepsake box or memory book. For them to fill over the years.
- Money towards something bigger. Many parents appreciate a contribution to something they want.
- A book they will grow into. Pick one they can read together.
Check before you buy
- Ask the parents. They know the gaps and the clutter.
- Avoid duplicates. Check with other relatives.
- Think about age. Some experiences suit three year olds, others six.
- Consider space. Gifts with no parts and no packaging are a gift to parents too.
- Add a note. A handwritten line makes any gift feel personal.
Gifts that grow
A story plan keeps giving after the party. Snuggle Up Stories sends a new animated story each week and a birthday story when the day comes. A year is £99.99, three months is £27, and the first story for yourself is 99p.
Timing
Order a few days ahead for printed or posted gifts. Digital gifts can be sent the night before, and the first story arrives within 24 hours.
Ideas by age
- Age 1 to 2: soft books, sensory play, a stacking toy, a short personalised story.
- Age 3 to 4: craft kits, dressing up, a day at a farm or a small music class.
- Age 5 to 6: a science kit, a bike, a club membership, an adventure day.
- Age 7 and up: a class or experience, a bigger creative project, a book series.
Ideas that grandparents and friends can send
If you live far away, pick something that arrives straight away and carries your message: a story gift, a voucher for an experience, or a book with a recorded reading. A note with a personal line is worth as much as the gift itself.
Ideas for a party bag or small gift
- A small book or colouring pad.
- A packet of seeds to grow.
- A personalised bookmark.
- A sticker sheet.
- A small notebook and a pencil.
Small and useful beats lots of plastic.
Questions
What is a good birthday present for a 5 year old?
An experience or a personalised item, such as a story with their name, a day out or a craft kit.
What do you give a child who has everything?
Time, memories or something that fits a daily routine like bedtime.
What is a good last minute birthday gift?
A digital gift, such as a story, a voucher or an experience booking.
Make a bedtime story starring your child, with their name said out loud by Grandad Joe.
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