Buying gifts for young people you don't know
March 8, 2015 8:36 PM   Subscribe

I want to buy a gift(material or otherwise) for two young people, ~5 years and ~14 months. I want it to be meaningful and not a token gift. Snowflake part: I have no idea what these children like.

I have no young people in my life and have no experience to draw from, but I want to get them something that will influence their lives in some small way, rather than a toy that just takes up space on their shelves.

Their dad is in Tech but I have no reason to believe that he's inculcating science-y values into them.

My go-to gift has always been books, but I have no idea what to get them. They are both girls, if that matters.

I am not constrained by money, but I need to have it by next Sunday. I am in Vancouver, Canada, if that makes a difference.

TIA
posted by prufrock to Grab Bag (11 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: Books could be good. Mo Willems is great and you could get some Pigeon board books for the toddler and some Elephant and Piggy books for the 5 year old. Those were some of the most memorable books that my kids enjoyed during those years of their childhood.
posted by gnat at 8:50 PM on March 8, 2015


Hmm. As an avid reader, I was going to say books. Books have easily been some of the most influential things in my life. Is there any reason you want to get them something other than books? For that age group I'd suggest The Little Prince, or Dr Seuss.

As for non-book ideas, maybe a family membership to either Science World or the Vancouver Aquarium? I loved science world when I was a kid, my dad took me all the time. Or for something smaller, piggy banks with their names painted on them.
posted by CautiousClam at 8:53 PM on March 8, 2015


I like to give magazine subscriptions (they have Baby Bug for 6 mos. & up) Zoo or museum memberships are good too if you think the parents will take them. Retail Me Not has a good discount if you decide to go with the magazine. I think the mag has a gift card you can print out.
posted by BoscosMom at 8:58 PM on March 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


Play silks.
Membership to a kids or kid friendly museum local to them.
Sandpit.
Hammock.
posted by mythical anthropomorphic amphibian at 9:00 PM on March 8, 2015


Why not ask their dad what they like?
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:09 PM on March 8, 2015


Could you get a portrait painted from a photo of them? Or some other nice artwork that fits their style - for a child but something that will grow with them. I bought my niece a storybook-style painting of the ocean (they live on the coast) that now hangs by her bed. Something on the wall that they will see over the years.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 9:57 PM on March 8, 2015


The two best gifts we have ever given to children of unknown interests are
1) play silks and
2) vouchers to a (good) INDEPENDENT book shop that's local to the families.

Always support your local bookstore. Their advice and the ongoing relationship with them that vouchers start is the most precious gift of all.
posted by taff at 10:17 PM on March 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Stomp rocket from an independent toy store or your local science center's gift shop has been a big hit for 5 year olds. Nth-ing Mo Willems books.
posted by childofTethys at 4:11 AM on March 9, 2015


Subscription is a great idea for the older kid - in Canada we have Chirp magazine. Books: the Mr Men or Little Miss series. Fun if you inscribe them! Art supplies, markers, Lego sets are all fun and educational. How about a huge map of the world? I put one in our kitchen and we refer to it daily. Plan Canada donation (eg some farm animals for a family in need)?
posted by leslievictoria at 6:14 PM on March 9, 2015


You can actually google your question on Google and on Amazon. I tried it and got some great gifts for friends' kids.

Also, anything Lego is popular with 5 year old boys and probably Minecraft as well (I know it is for 7 year old boys.). I agree ask the dad. 5 year olds are pretty easy to buy for once you know the thing they love to talk about.
posted by lillian.elmtree at 6:32 AM on March 10, 2015


Response by poster: Thanks for all the recommendations, folks. I ended up with:
Mo Willems - Don't Let the Pigeon drive the bus
Beatrix Potter - Peter Rabbit gift set
posted by prufrock at 7:50 PM on March 14, 2015


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