It’s Saturday morning and you’re going through your child’s backpack for the first time this week, pulling out sticky juice boxes and teacher’s notes when you find a small envelope. It’s an invitation to a birthday party — that’s in two hours. No worries.
You’ll be covered with this list of last-minute birthday gifts you can put together in a flash:
- Gift Card to a Restaurant
Pop by your local fast casual restaurant on the way to the party and pick up a gift card. Kids love having their own “credit cards” — and they’ll love the idea of going out to dinner with their own money.
- An Annual Membership
From the zoo to the local inflatable playground, most places kids love to visit have annual memberships available for purchase online. It’s the easy-peasy gift that keeps on giving.
- A Bouquet of Flowers
Little girls will feel so grown up when presented with a beautiful bouquet from the grocery store. Have an extra five minutes? Add a helium balloon or two. Most grocery stores have an assortment ready to go.
- Toy Basket
Run into the nearest drugstore — they usually have an aisle dedicated to small toys. Grab a bunch of small, inexpensive toys, a colorful gift bag, some ribbon and a card and you’re all set!
- Scratch Tickets
Also available at your local convenience store, scratch tickets are always a thrill for kids. The possibility of winning money — even 10 bucks — makes these a very cool gift.
- An Endangered Animal
Visit the World Wildlife Fund and sign up to sponsor an endangered animal in your young pal’s name. Panda, polar bear, shark, tiger and hedgehog are just a few of the options. Print off a certificate for gifting right away.
- Hobby or Celebrity Magazine Subscription
Most tweens and teens will be thrilled with a new celebrity magazine, such as Tiger Beat. Magazines on the birthday kiddo’s favorite hobby or sports are also a good bet. Hop online and sign them up for a subscription.
- Name a Star in Their Honor
Visit the Star Registry to have a star named after the birthday child. Print off the certificate and dust off a frame to stick it in.
- Movie Night
Tape a certificate that reads “Use this toward the film rental of your choice” and a $5 bill to a box of microwave popcorn.
- Playdate Coupon
Draw a little coupon on a piece of construction paper and make it good toward one playdate at the venue of the birthday child’s choice. Put it in a birthday card and you’re good to go.
- Cold, Hard Cash
Cash is still king. Stick one dollar for each year of her life in a card. (Go with a $20 bill for tweens and teens who aren’t as easily impressed.)
A last-minute gift doesn’t have to be a fail — but check out 7 Birthday Party Fails to see some real doozies. Are there two children celebrating their big day? Read Buying Birthday Gifts for Twins: Everything You Need to Know.
Need some extra help organizing or setting up the party? Hire a babysitter or housekeeper to help out for a few hours.
What are your favorite last-minute birthday gifts? Share in the comment section below.
Rachael Moshman is a mom and freelance writer. She loves birthdays, but isn’t always great about keeping up with the calendar. These last-minute gift ideas have come in handy many times.
