How to buy gifts for kids

It’s the day before the birthday party, and you still haven’t bought a gift for your child’s friend. You have no idea what they like, or even where to start looking. With your kids in toe, you hit the local shopping centre, and the nightmare begins…


We’ve all been there. Even when we don’t have kids, the task of buying a gift for a child that they’ll actually like and play with is daunting. 

Here are some tips I’ve developed over the last few years that will hopefully come in handy the next time you need to buy a gift for a child:

1. Set a budget 
Somehow the bright colours and flashing lights of a toy shop or toy department are designed to bamboozle parents so they spend more. It’s really easy to overspend on gifts for kids, especially if you are buying multiple things as opposed to one large gift. This is why it’s important to set a gift budget before you start shopping. 

When setting your budget, consider: how well you know the child (are they family, a close friend, or an acquaintance?) and what they bought your child for their birthday. The last point might sound harsh, but you don’t want to embarrass the child’s parents by buying something really expensive when they bought your child a modest gift. Buying gifts for kids shouldn’t become a game of one-upmanship. In saying that, I would always rather spend a little more on a gift if I know the child will genuinely love and use it. 

If there’s a gift you’d really love to buy that’s slightly out of your budget, consider making the card and/or wrapping paper at home to save a few dollars. A store-bought card can set you back $5-$10, which you could add to your gift budget if you get your kids to make a card at home. 

2. Find out what they’re into 
Most children go through phases of being into certain movies and movie characters, such as Frozen, Thomas the Tank Engine, Peppa Pig, Spiderman, Star Wars, etc. This can be a great source of inspiration for buying a gift. Just remember that the child may move onto something else as quickly as they got into the character or movie they like now. If you’re buying a Frozen t-shirt, for example, get it in a size that fits and they can wear now. If you buy the next size up, they might be into something else by the time it fits! 

3. Consider what your child would like to receive as a gift
Putting yourself in the other child’s or parent’s shoes (if the child is still very young) will definitely help to identify the right gift. If you’re friends, chances are you will have a few things in common and might appreciate the same gift. 

If you have an older child, get them involved and ask them for their opinion on what to buy or what they would like to receive. If their advice is helpful, take them shopping with you as most kids will know what’s cool and what’s not. 

4. Consider the gift from the parent’s perspective
Is the gift: noisy, difficult to put together, or does it require expensive batteries?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, think very carefully about how much you want to maintain a good relationship with the child’s parents!

5. Shop on your own 
If you have young children (five and under), shopping with them can be a special kind of hell. The last time I took my three-year-old shopping to buy a friend’s birthday gift, she had multiple tantrums because she didn’t get the toys she wanted. At this tender age it can be difficult for them to understand the concept of buying a gift for someone else, and you risk spending more money by buying them something to keep them quiet! 

Keep them firmly strapped in their stroller and occupied with a snack (a lollipop is the best value) while you shop, or go without them. I like shopping for gifts in the evening after my kids have gone to bed. My local shopping centre has a late-night shopping evening on Friday nights when most of the shops are open until 10pm (some are even 24hr!). This is a much more peaceful, effectively way of shopping, and gives me time to think and ponder different options. 

6. Consider other options 
Some kids are really tricky to buy for, simply because they already have everything. This is usually applicable when the birthday boy/girl has siblings who also have lots of toys. In this case, it’s necessary to think outside the box. 

An experience, such as trampolining, bowling, or a trip to the zoo could be a better option. Experience gifts also create fun memories for children that they will hopefully treasure forever. Just be mindful of picking an appropriate experience that suits the child e.g. a child that’s scared of heights is probably not going to enjoy indoor rock climbing! Vouchers could also come in handy here, especially if the birthday child is taken on a special ‘shopping date’ with mum and dad to pick a gift. 

7. When in doubt, buy clothes!
Everyone can use clothes, especially special clothes that parents wouldn’t necessarily buy for everyday wear. When in doubt, I always go a little bigger with the sizing so that kids can ‘grow into’ an outfit. 

8. Get organised
Buy early 
It’s easier said than done, but avoid the last-minute rush of trying to find a gift. Even if you see an item online and go into the store to purchase it, I often find they never have the design, colour or size I’m after, and then there’s no time to order it in. 

Buy online 
It’s often cheaper and easier to purchase kids gifts online – the item is delivered to your door and you don’t have to face the shops with your kids in toe. 

Set reminders on your phone
I set two reminders: one a couple of weeks before the birthday so I have time to shop/order the gift, and another a week before if I need to post the gift to ensure it arrives on time. 

You could also block out some time in your calendar to actually go shopping for the gift in your lunchbreak, after work, in the evening, or after work. 

For more gift ideas, check out www.mrgift.com.au

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: DIY Metal Detector $29.95

Have you ever wondered if there’s buried treasure in your backyard??? 
If so, then you need one of these…


Why we love it:

  • This metal detector is so easy to build that anyone over 8 years old can have a go
  • It’s also educational and a great way to learn how electromagnets work.
  • A great gift for men who love gadgets, electronics and understanding how things work. 

Marvelous Mother’s Day Gifts

Marvelous Mother's Day gifts
Gifts to say ‘thanks Mum’…

I recently learnt how to braid my daughter’s hair. My technique is still very much a ‘work in progress’ thanks the the fine, unruly mop she inherited from me, but the whole experience took me back to my childhood when my own mum was learning to braid my hair. I recall wiggling and whining as she implored me to sit still while she practised tirelessly. She mastered this challenging task with perfection, and I now have a new appreciation for the time she invested. It’s these little ‘investments’ our parents make that are often overlooked until we get older and become parents too. This Mother’s Day, spare a thought for the little things (in addition to the big things) that our mothers do.  

Whilst we specialise in quality gifts for men, we try to source special gifts that are versatile enough to suit men and women. So here are ten of our favourite Mother’s Day gifts for 2016 below…

We’re also offering a $10 DISCOUNT on all orders from now until midnight, Wednesday 20/4/16.  
Use Discount Code MUM in the Discount Code field when you place your order. 

This offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, or redeemed for cash. But please feel free to share with family and friends:)

Sow n Sow Seeds
1. Sow n Sow Seeds $9.95 each or 2 for $15
Choose from a variety of traditional favourites and Australia Natives, such as: Trio or Herbs, Forget-me-not, Enchanted Garden, Kangaroo Paw, Wattle, Wisteria, Billy Buttons, and Everlasting Daisy. 
Go-comb hair comb
2. Go Comb $14.95
As the name suggests, this comb is small-but-mighty and an essential for every purse or wallet. 
Kobo Seeds Candles
3. Kobo Seeds Candle $44.95
Available in delicious aromas including: Catalan Calendula, Siam Poppy, Sommerset Thyme and Wild Tomato. No relaxing bath would be complete without one of these! 
Burgon and Ball Gardening Gloves
4. Burgon and Ball Gardening Gloves $41.95
The high-quality, comfortable fabric of these gloves will protect delicate hands from spiky plants and other elements in the garden…and they look pretty too!
Suck UK Bottle Light
5. Suck UK Bottle Light $21.95 each or 2 for $40
Now you can turn those empty wine bottles (with interesting labels) into beautiful lights for your table or outdoor entertaining area with these safe and handy USB rechargeable lights. 
Vintage Record Coasters
6. Vintage Record Coasters $29.95
Lovingly made from the labels of original 33lps, these coasters are a unique accessory for the home, with no two sets alike. 
Keep Calm Band Aid Kit
7. Keep Calm Band Aid Kit $11.95 each or 2 for $20
If there was ever a time to “keep calm” it’s when you need a Band Aid. This handy set of plasters are perfect for the kitchen or office draw, or even your handbag. The bright colours are also a great distraction for bumps and scrapes. 
Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver
8. Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver $9.95 each or 2 for $16
Every women needs one of these in their handbag. If not in their handbag, then in their desk or kitchen draw. They are only the size of a pen, but have eight different sized heads to cover a variety of jobs.
Karlsson Wall Clock
9. Karlsson Wall Clock $74.95
A stylish clock is an essential for every home, and this Karlsson Floating Stripes clock certainly ticks the ‘timeless style’ box. 
Call Key Key Ring
10. Call Key Key Ring with LED Torch $14.95 each or 2 for $25
No one likes looking for lost keys, especially when they’re already running late! The solution? Simply attach the Call Key Key Ring to your keys. The next time you need to find them just whistle or shout and the built-in sensor will activate a high-pitched beeping noise and flash the LED torch. Such an amazingly useful, thoughtful gift will ensure that Mum loves you the most!

Handmade gift of the week: DIY nuts and bolts chess set

Now this handmade ‘nuts-and-bolts’ chess set would be a unique gift for a chess and DIY fan…

Image from www.macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com

Why we love it:
  • This is a really creative, effective use of nuts and bolts 
  • The pieces are durable and long-lasting. 
  • This is a ‘real man’s’ gift that would look great in a Man Cave. 
  • This will have you looking at the bits and bobs in your hardware store in a whole new light! 

Handmade gift of the week: DIY Cork Dartboard

This stunning dart board serves two practical purposes: it’s a great way of protecting your walls from stray darts, and a wonderful use of corks from wine bottles…



Why we love it:

  • This piece is simply beautiful. The cork has a lovely natural, warming effect. 
  • Providing you have the right frame and mount it properly, this would be pretty easy to make. 
  • No Man Cave would be complete without one of these!
  • This would make a great gift for a man’s special birthday – 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th+
  • This makes a great conversation piece and darts is a fun, social game for men to play on a Boy’s Night In. 

Handmade gift of the week: Jack Daniel’s soap dispenser

Every home NEEDS one of these soap dispensers – imagine the character that a gorgeous bottle like this would add to your bathroom…


Image from www.curlybirds.typepad.com

Why we love it:

  • The black and white label of this Jack Daniel’s bottle looks timeless and stylish, especially set against a white vanity. You could, however, use any other bottle to suit your bathroom decor. For example, a blue Bombay Sapphire bottle would look great in a blue bathroom, or a green Martini bottle would also make a great statement. 
  • Keep a look out for interesting pumps on soap dispensers in discount or secondhand stores. Metal pumps offer a premium look. 
  • Soap dispensers don’t just belong in the bathroom – this dispenser would also look great at the kitchen or laundry sink, or you could even fill with shampoo, conditioner and body wash for your shower. 


Check out our other handmade gifts here…

Handmade gift of the week: Wine bottle and glass holder

If you’ve ever tried to juggle several wine glasses and a bottle of wine at the same time, then you’ll appreciate this handmade gift. This is an essential gift for entertaining at home and outside – simply grab the neck of the bottle and off you go… 


Why we love it:

  • If you’re just getting into woodwork and have a few of the basic tools, this this a great project to try. A simple stain looks great to finish this piece, but you could play around with different paint colours, patterns or even use stencils to decorate your holder – your imagination is the limit!
  • You could personalise this with a message or monogram for the recipient. 
  • This would make a fabulous wedding, engagement or housewarming gift. Add some nice glasses and a bottle of wine to complete the gift! 

Check out our other handmade gifts here…

Handmade card of the week: Birthday present card

We love simple handmade cards – I would challenge anyone to make a version of this beautiful card. 

Image from www.jaymamalme.blogspot.com.au

Why we love it:
  • This is a super simple card that anyone (even kids) could make thanks to the easy shapes. 
  • This is a great way of using up left over wrapping paper and ribbon. 
  • This card would suit anyone – man or woman – of any age, depending on the colours and patterns you choose. 
  • You could hand-write or print the ‘Happy Birthday’ text, depending on the look you wanted to go for. 

Gift wrapping idea of the week: DIY Fruit

Fruit isn’t just for eating…it’s also for wrapping presents!


Why we love it:
  • Fruit is bright and colourful – how could anyone not love a gift wrapped in these vibrant colours?
  • Using boxes as the base for this type of wrapping is a great idea, especially when you need to glue on seeds, etc. 
  • Kids (of all ages) will love this type of wrapping – it appeals to their imaginations 
  • The bright primary colours are suitable for a boy or girl recipient. 

Check out our other gift wrapping ideas here…