[New] Birthday presents on a budget

Party invitations are a thrill for children, less so for present-buying parents! However fun does not have to be expensive. Here are some great gift ideas that will delight the recipients without breaking the bank.

The present box

Buying gifts throughout the year (during the sales or ad-hoc promotions) and setting them aside saves money and avoids the lastminute panic shopping dash. Great gifts to keep an eye out for are the mini Orchard Toys games (www.orchardtoys.com), which are usually not gender specific, cater for a broad age range and retail at £5.35. Look out for craft or gardening kits, books and outdoor games such as skipping ropes, hula hoops, goalie gloves or frisbees, which have lasting play value.

Multi-packs

Multi-packs can be divided up to create gift sets, which can be very cost effective. Mix and match the items to suit the age and interests of the birthday child. For younger kids, a bundle of ten books (The Works usually sell ten books for £10), a party pack of bubbles or a bumper pack of assorted playdough makes a great gift.

Savvy shopping

We love Chalkboard and QT Toys on Northcote Road and Pandemonium on Sheen Lane, who have a selection of low costs items.

Favourite ‘go to’ gifts

Presents that get children outdoors or being creative are always a win;