Inexpensive ideas for christmas gifts for (3) 2 year olds.

Megan - posted on 12/15/2012

Make a photo book with the faces of all the people who love your child...then "read" it together every night. Maybe even write a special blessing on one of the pages.
The little ones in my nursery love this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005N...

Teresa - posted on 11/12/2008

My 21 month old really likes the mess free Color Wonder markers & paper. I really like them too because she can play with them and if she tries to write on the wall or clothes or anything else it does not show up. They are pretty cool but kind of expensive. Babies R Us is having a sale on them this week.

Kim - posted on 11/11/2008

I must admit, I love the Dollar store too!! Also, when I go to Walmart, target, or kmart I always walk thru the clearance stuff - I've gotten great ideas and gifts! Another idea is the Salvation Army has a program for Christmas presents and they can also help with a Christmas dinner. Last year I was in the same situation, and was able to get a few bigger presents for each child along with some stocking stuffers, they also had a box with everything for dinner. A whole frozen turkey, stuffing, rolls, pie mix etc. They made Christmas possible for us!!

Michelle - posted on 11/11/2008

Dollar store, dollar store, dollar store! Some of my sons favorite toys were purchased from the dollar store! Deals has a ton of stuff there for all ages such as princess wands, streamers to decorate their room with, stickers, 3 pack of bibs to put on their little baby dolls, markers, and other things. Try there!

Jennifer - posted on 11/10/2008

My family didn't have an abundance of money when I was growing. The majority of my presents when I was this age were 2nd hand as well. I don't think it matters to them as much as it matters to you. I would say focus on making fun family traditions and that is what they'll remember more than the gifts. Save the $50 until they are 13...that's when they'll get really picky. :-) I love Jessica's idea of buying Halloween stuff for stockings. Gotta remember that one!

Cynthia - posted on 11/10/2008

I am going to make them some things. I made them ponchos (knit) for the winter. I also made them hats.



I had read in Parents Magazine that my neighbor gives me that one mom took pictures of family members and lamiated them and her kids used them as paper dolls. I thought that was a super cool idea.

Hannah - posted on 11/09/2008

If you are a creative person, you can make stuff for your kids, i do it all the time. such as sock sea monkeys, they are inexpensive and you can find the pattern on the internet. also making jewellery for them. some elastic and funky beads. paper mache money boxes, decorpage photo frames with a family photo, u can even make them clothes for their dolls. i guess you have to have the time for it, much luck

Cynthia - posted on 11/09/2008

I have tried my Mom's of Multiple Consignment sale and I was kind of disappointed in it. Each year I get less and less stuff for my girls. I did manage to sell some stuff and make some money which I have been putting away for their summer clothes.



I think I will go to the dollar store this week and see what they have. I think anything they can use to write and draw would be a huge help.



Thank you ladies for your wonderful ideas.

Marsha - posted on 11/08/2008

It is not important the size or price of a gift to 2 year old children. I think you are headed in the right direction with the finger paints. Dollar stores have a lot of good ideas for kids that age and will stretch your money a long way. When my daughter was small I got her paperdolls, coloring books, crayons etc. I wrapped each thing individually even if it was a headband and this made her feel as though she had a lot to open from Santa. Consignment shops also have like new toys. Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 11/07/2008

I once heard the best advice ever and I plan to follow it with my family.

Children should get 4 gifts for Christmas:

Something to READ

Something to WEAR

Something they NEED

Something they WANT



None of those items has to be overly expensive and it keeps Christmas from getting outta hand.

Jana - posted on 11/07/2008

Why does Christmas have to be about gifts? Your little ones are 2 and can't be totally influenced by what Christmas has turned into. Why can't you turn Christmas into a holiday where you do something together as a family. They are young enough that you can take the time that would normally be spent wrapping/assembling gifts and transform a basement into a "shopping mall" with "stores" set up where they can buy gifts. The items they buy can be toys they already have but havent seen in months, prices for toys can by 3 hugs for a bear etc.



I had an awesome babysitter when I was little and the one thing I still remember doing was a scavenger hunt. She hid clues around the house and we had to find the clues to find the prize. It was so much fun and didn't cost anything.



Now would be the time to create a tradition that doesn't revolve around getting things, but doing things as a family. Buying gifts will only get more expensive as they get older. Plus it would be a good lesson in "money doesn't buy happiness"

Wendy - posted on 11/07/2008

Have you tried "Craig's List"? You can find some really nice and inexpensive things for both indoor and outdoor play. Most of the time it is stuff that someone else's child got tired of or out grew....you can also post items to sell, swap or give away. Plus, there is a section of free give aways! Good luck, hope this is of some help!

Dawn - posted on 11/07/2008

Sometimes saving up every day things that we normally throw away can be fun for kids. Bread clips, lids, bottle caps, envelopes... If you enlist the help of neighbors, you can collect quickly before Christmas comes. It has to be alot though for them to think its fun. Also, there's no guilt about throwing them away when that time comes.

Tiffany - posted on 11/07/2008

I belong to a mothers of multiples group in my area and we get lots of gently used and sometimes new toys, clothes, books, etc at our consignment sales. We also trade toys so it's new to our kids. As long as it's in good condition my 20 month old twin boys certainly don't know the difference. I also get really nice outdoor equipment from my sister's neighbors who put it at the curb for trash pickup - a little tikes sandbox and little tikes picnic table, both in perfect condition. Maybe you can start trading with the moms in your area?

Jessica - posted on 11/07/2008

As strange as this sounds... I bought Halloween stuff that I could take out of the outer wrapping and put in stockings.... Also... you could buy Halloween costumes for dressup... plus right now most halloween stuff will be clearanced out because it is after Halloween... Have you tried Goodwill? I know Target donates their leftovers to Goodwill so you may be able to pick up stuff there! I have bought brand new stuff from goodwill with the tags still on them! The other thing is Ebay... you have to keep checking back and bid at the last moment... but you can get stuff cheap there (just watch out for the shipping charges!) My last suggestion is call around to see if any of your local shelters or churches can offer suggestions as to where to get free/cheap toys for your kids for christmas! hope it helps!