I have a ten year old but I take her to the store and have her pick out the gift. I add input but it’s mostly on her at this point.

Thanks for the ideas! I don't like to ask the parents because I hate it when I get those texts. It makes me feel uncomfortable, like I'm asking for a gift. My DD has her own ideas for what she wants to give these kids but sometimes her ideas are inconvenient.

I was thinking of some of the ideas on this list so this confirms I'm on the right track. Thanks!

I do a formula: art kit (sewing, beads, bracelets) or Lego kit (flowers) or journal with gel pens + book (like National Geographic weird animal facts) + something small like a keychain chapstick.

Also stock up during J Crew Factory 70% off sales to get things like kids sunglasses, hair accessories, fun socks, and pencil cases which are easy to add onto a gift.

Anonymous wrote:Legos- my 3rd grade DD likes the Lego Creator animals and Lego Friends line, a lot for $10-$30

Squishmallows

As an adult, I would even enjoy these things. I bought myself a Christmas Squishmallow not long ago because it made me laugh (green moose that reverses into a peppermint).

Lego Creator 3-in-1 sets are a preferred gift in my family. I also like to give career Barbies with fun jobs. Target has these and is an easy gift receipt.

I don't mind tiny beads. I mind dirty or stainy kits like moon sand, paint, glitter, "rocks" you scratch away at, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want generic gifts? I send the mom a text asking what kind of things Susie likes.

This. I don’t buy generic gifts. I try and buy something for specific kid. I’ll ask DD for suggestions and if she is no help I reach out to the parent for suggestions. If they suggest a gift card I’ll do that with some fun candy from five below.

I always like to give a gift receipt. .but itf you just want a buy in advance generic gift do gift cards. Kids will enjoy both the picking out and the purchase