My daughter started kindergarten last fall, and beyond the expected academically-focused changes (beginning math! learning to read!), I’ve noticed a big social one as well: a larger class, an expanded social circle, and invitations to so many birthday parties for school friends. At first, choosing a birthday gift for my daughter to give the birthday friend of the moment stumped me a bit: I don’t yet know all of these friends terribly well, and I don’t have a sense of their likes and preferences. But through bit of trial and error, I’ve hit on what seems to be a pretty reasonable strategy for giving gifts to help celebrate these classmate birthdays.

In general, the parameters I try to work within are:

1. Small in size: living in a city, space is always at a premium. I try to be respectful of the fact that I’m introducing yet another item to another family’s home by keeping the gifts themselves on the smaller side.
2. Consumable: I love the idea of giving a present that can be used up and won’t clutter a home or a landfill when it falls out of favor. Art supplies are great for this, as almost every child I know loves an art supply refresh, or a fun new coloring material they might not have tried. And once the window crayons or paints are used up, they’re gone! I’ve also given gift certificates for a local ice cream parlor.
3. Wide appeal: As I mentioned above, there are times I don’t know these school friends very well. I try to choose gifts that have wide appeal and are likely to be enjoyed by children with varied interests.
4. Affordable: I don’t feel a need to go overboard with these gifts. Affordable means something different to each of us, I’m sure, but in general I choose 1-2 thoughtful but reasonably-priced things.
5. Respectful of parent wishes: Occasionally, a birthday invitation will specify that party attendees not bring a gift or do something as an alternative to a gift. In these cases, I respect those preferences and either come empty-handed or fulfill the expressed desire for an alternative.

Pictured above are some go-tos of late for us: Kitpas window crayons (every kid I have ever met loves these!) and small age-appropriate card games (check out these list of team favorite coloring supplies and travel games for other ideas). We always add a homemade card and pull the gift together with homemade [recycled] wrapping paper and some colorful washi tape.

What’s your gifting strategy for school classmates? Do share any ideas that have resonated well for you or your child’s friends – I’d love some additional inspiration!

Shannon x

PS: At my daughter’s birthday last spring, a classmate gave her a gift wrapped and finished in custom ribbon that said “Happy Birthday! Love, [classmate’s name].” Such a clever idea for making sure it’s clear who the gift is from, and for helping to keep everything straight for follow-up thank you cards!