Thursday, February 22, 2018

How I Do Kids Birthday Gifts.

Hey friends! Today I'm dropping in quickly to talk about something that used to stress me out BIG TIME.

I'm talking about birthday gifts.

No, not for my own kids...for the birthday parties my kids are invited to.

I don't know about you but finding time to shop for a birthday gift for someone else's child stresses me out.  I don't know what they like. I don't know what they already have.  And in true Amanda fashion, I usually forget about the party until the last minute.  ;)

Someday I'll be super organized.  #someday


I learned long ago to let the little things go and shopping for the perfect birthday gift for each birthday party the boys' were invited to was one of those things that had to go.  I just couldn't do it.  And honestly, I hope no other mom feels stressed trying to buy my kids a birthday gift.  Those boys are happy with 5 bucks and a hug. (Or a manly fist bump.  Whatever.)

So instead of gifts, I am now a cash-only gift giver.  You may be one of these too and I salute you, girlfriend.  It is just SO much easier and what kid doesn't like cash!?!

To make things as simple and efficient as possible, I also started buying blank birthday cards in bulk to have on hand at all times.  Let me tell you, it is so much easier to just grab a card from the stash, have the boys write a little note, sign their names and throw in some money.  Done and done five minutes before we leave.

And if I don't happen to have enough cash on hand, I will do one of two things.

1.  Drive through an ATM on the way to the party.

2.  Raid my kids' wallets.

Yeah...I don't love admitting that but they always have cash!  And not to worry--I always leave an IOU so I can keep track of what I've stolen borrowed. ;)   They always get repaid.  I'm an honest mama.

Last weekend I used up our last card from our stash and needed to order new ones.  I got on Amazon and was looking through the options and they had some seriously cute ones!  And you can't beat these prices.  If I go buy a ready-made Hallmark card, it could cost as much as $5 a card and considering these 8-year-old boys are barely even glancing at these cards, I find that a total waste of money.

When you buy these blank cards in bulk, you get them for super cheap but they are still so cute which is just a win all around.

So if you are still riding the struggle bus when it comes to presents for your kid's friends, try this instead!  If you want to get a little more creative with your monetary gift, try giving the cash in all singles.  My kids think they are SO RICH when they get even just $10 in singles.  It just looks like so much money to them.

Need some ideas for cute blank card bundles??

Here are some of my favorites over on Amazon.

I love this bright and classic 20 card set.  Great for girls or boys and only $15.



And ohhhhhh this set caught my eye because y'all know I LOVE color!  (I mean...have you seen my Etsy shop?!  Color fanatic.)  The black chalkboard looking background against all the pretty colors is so pretty!  This is a set of 8 for right at $1 a piece.  These would be so cute for any age child as well as adults, teachers, friends...anyone!  I want one.

And I love the rustic and colorful flair of this set.  At .60 cents each, this cute set of 20 cards is a great option!  I can't decide which design is my favorite.  Maybe those colorful cupcakes against the wood backdrop.



This set of 48 blank cards is a really great option if you need them often for graduations, congrats,  thank you notes, baby shower gifts, sympathy as well as birthdays.  I like to keep a set of these on hand too and they have come in handy so many times.

And for $13 for 48 cards, it's kind of a no-brainer.  For those of y'all who want to do the math I'll do it for you (with the help of my calculator).  That's .27 cents per card.  These are 4x6 cards too, not scrawny little ones.  
#yeeeessssssssss

And these cute cards just made me happy as soon as I saw them!  Aren't these little party hats adorable!?!

You get 48 of these 4x6 cards for under $11!  So stinkin' cute.  Classic, adorable and gender neutral. Love.



And if you want to go a little fancier, try these cute pop-up cards!  These are so perfect for little boys!

And finally, I have a feeling these funny dog cards are what my boys would pick out.  These are quirky and funny and memorable, that's for sure!  I ordered a pack of these and can't wait to show them.

They come in a pack of 24 for just $10 and have both girl and boy dogs.  I think these are so great.  



So yeah, I know this was kind of a random topic for today's post but I just had to share.  I know that giving money in cards is not an original idea.  But having blank cards on hand at all times is just one less thing I have to worry about in life and ANY kind of small life hack is a win in my book.

I'll be back tomorrow for some fun new Friday Favorites!!



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10 comments

  1. For the record, Nixon loved getting cash for his birthday!!

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  2. I feel the same way! And if I can't give a thoughtful gift then I'd rather not give one. Cash is always thoughtful. I also like giving gift cards to the movie theater or like the trampoline place. And I tunes cards! My kids LOVE those

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  3. Why is getting other people's kids gifts so hard?! It is though!!! This is a great idea!

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  4. Now that my kids are older (teens), they definitely just want to give cash or gift cards for friends. These cards are all so cute and such a deal. I just about cry anytime I have to pay $4.99 for a card. For Valentine's day, I noticed some of the fancier cards are now $6-8...what?!? Trader Joe's is my go to for $1 cards! Have a great Thursday!

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  5. Great post! I've been buying these card boxes from Amazon for years, but I needed a reminded to order more.
    Why are kids invited to 100 parties in the spring and summer and only like 5 in the winter?! Seems like that to me! Have the best day :)

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  6. I'm a cash giver too! It is so hard to buy for other kids! and I just ordered a set of those cards because I always forget and have to run to the store on the way to the party, oh and get cash back! HA

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  7. Great idea. Especially when you don't even know the child! And I never thought to buy cards from amazon! Thanks!!!

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  8. Cash all the way baby! My son was rolling in the dough after his last party! 😂

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  9. Cash is king baby! You cannot go wrong with that gift! I like the idea of giving singles, kids would love that!! I've been meaning to order bulk cards on Amazon too!

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  10. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back down the road. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend! gifts for her

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