Monetary gifts for kids are totally fine, especially if you feel like toys are going to waste. You could give cash or pop the money into a cute card with a little note. Alternatively, you could consider gift cards for their favorite stores or activities, like books, craft supplies, or even a local experience (like the movies). It’s practical, and parents often appreciate it too because it can go toward something the child really wants or needs.

I like the idea of ‘fiver’ or ‘tener’ parties. Each guest puts $5 or $10 in the card envelope and the birthday boy/girl can buy something they really want. It saves the guests a lot of angst too.

If it was my kid, and they were gifted money, I’d be stoked! There’s nothing worse than lots of toys which get broken or thrown around the house and you end up having to throw them out!

I have seed the idea of requesting a “fiver” for a party (particularly with the younger kids), I think it is refreshing. In the wording I’ve see, the party child mentions a particular item they are saving for and asks guests to contribute in-lieu of a gift. The child gets to understand the value of money and saving, the guest doesn’t have to try and guess what they want, and the parents wont need to deal with lost of stuff.

Yep these days I think its a much better option or a westfield gift card.

Yes cash is a great gift for young and old. Better for then to buy a toy or something they really want, then spend a lot of money on a toy, looks like you haven’t spent hardly anything once it is out of the packaging, and cast aside after a day. Cash is better than gift cards.

Not a bad idea, maybe ask the parents too and see what they think. They would probably prefer it too.

My kids are 11 and 9 and prefer to receive money now. I guess it depends on the age. If you are worried about money then a gift card would be the next best thing.

I have done this for years with my nephews and they love coming to the shops with me and picking their own thing out or saving it up for a bigger item they really want

Gift cards are a good idea. My daughter still receives either Dymocks, Coles, or Westfield gift cards.

It really depends on the kids ages. I would say young kids probably prefer a toy, but older kids would enjoy picking something out themselves.

It is very hard to buy for children these days. I have trouble buying for my own, when it comes to extended family and friends I cringe at the thought. I now buy each child a gift voucher or I buy a card and put money in the card. It is less personal but I’ve noticed the kids ( and some parents ) appreciate it more. It gives them the opportunity to buy what they want or save for something bigger.

I think I wouldn’t mind gift cards for kids, then I could take me out and they could choose something they really want. Even young kids. But probably depends in the parents.

I would get activity books or picture books, fact books they’re always fun to read my little one loves to read

It depends on the age of the kids, but when they are really young, cash to go into their bank account works. This happened with my kids, one nanna always gave cash and by the time the kids were old enough to understand about money and banking there was a nice amount of money in their accounts. Gift cards are great too because the parents and/or kids can pick exactly what they want.

I think it depends on who the children are and what your relationship is like with their parents.

My nieces for example would be happy with a book and inside I would write “deposited $X into your account to go towards your car/house/Europe trip” or something like that.

I personalise money gifts with a special card and personalised words.

I think a voucher is ok. At least then it seems as though you have put some thought into it and they can get what they really want.

Depends of the age of kid. Sometimes is good to ask parents for advice (if its not your child) . Money are ok or gift card/experience voucher.

Money is fine as a gift and they can then buy what they want which may be toys or books or whatever they choose.