As an aunt to many nieces & nephews, I know how hard it can be to find just the right gift for each one.
When you’re not with them every day, it’s hard to know what their interests are.
But after over 21 years of experience buying gifts for nieces and nephews of all ages, I can give you a little idea of what kinds of things to get for them that they’ll LIKE.
For this gift guide, I tried to find presents at every budget level for a variety of ages.
I hope you can use some of these ideas for Christmas or birthdays for kids of all ages in your life!
How Much Should You Spend On Gifts For Nieces & Nephews?
When approaching the task of coming up with how much to spend on Christmas gifts, think about the number of gift recipients:
- How many nieces and nephews are there?
- What type of money am I willing to spend per person?
If you only have a few kiddos to shop for, then the price per child will not be as limiting.
Although it might be a good idea to keep similar budgets for siblings so you don’t accidentally get Tommy a Segway and Ann a book about seagulls! LOL
If you have a baker’s dozen nephews and nieces total, you may want to set a lower total per person, especially if you are giving multiple gifts a year.
If you are just giving gifts because you are stopping by or giving one of many a birthday gift, then definitely don’t feel guilty about a low, low budget.
Less than $10 per child is great!
Special Occasion Gifts for Nieces + Nephews
If it is a special occasion, Christmas or a bigger milestone in a child’s life (such as sweet 16, graduation, ..) then more budgeting and foresight may need to be involved.
I have lots of nieces and nephews so for the sake of my own financial planning, I am going to cap gifts at $50 each.
Presents For Young Family Members {Newborn to Around 8}
When you are shopping for little ones, don’t stress too much about the big price items! Ages 0-8 year old’s love cardboard boxes!
Here are some items under $10 that still are cool and elevate the cardboard box option – and you can join in on the fun.
1. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Flip ‘n Pancakes Playset
This creation kit is fun and playful and will keep your niece or nephew entertained for hours. (Which will make your sibling very very happy with you.)
My own kids have had the same Play-doh sets for years and still play with them. Every so often we just replace any dried up dough.
2. LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Kai’s Blade Cycle Ninja Motorcycle Playset
Lego sets are always a hit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a child (or even and adult) that didn’t enjoy receiving one.
If you’re looking for a safe choice that will surely go over well, you can’t go wrong here.
3. Safe Dart Board
These darts using Velcro so they are safe to have around small kids. They are also safe to have around your furniture.
I’ve found that these sorts of games are wonderful for teaching as well.
You can really work on some basic counting skills using playtime.
Low Cost/ Inexpensive Options
Just stopping by for a fun afternoon or sending a care package?
Here are some basics that are classics for a reason!
4. Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk
Simple, fun and easy to use. Sidewalk chalk makes a great creative way to spend some time outside and is an uncomplicated gift for any young family member.
The best thing about chalk is that it’s mostly an outside activity, which gets the kids outdoors having fun (easier said than done sometimes!)
5. Play-Doh Party Pack
I love giving party packs as side gifts along with money or if I have a bunch of young family members to give gifts for.
This is an easy way to ensure everyone gets a little something in large families.
6. The Original Slinky
This old school gift will make them laugh and will make a great addition to their collector item shelf.
7. Gift cards are money!
Try finding out a key interest of your niece or nephew, if possible. Sometimes, there are just too many kids – so little time!
Keep to that budget and stay calm!
One of the easiest inexpensive options I’ve found that is a ton of fun for kids is a gift card to the Dollar Tree!
They love picking out their own gifts and you never have to spend more than $5. It’s a win-win for everyone.
I have also given small gift cards to restaurants. My nephews love Wendy’s and Chick-Fil-A so I get them a few bucks on a card and they are over the moon.
Fun Jewelry Make Great Gifts
There are so many options for jewelry to commemorate your special relationship with your niece – and they don’t break the bank!
Under $25 AND free shipping!! Double score.
Jewelry can span so many age groups – what girl from big to small doesn’t love a new necklace?
8. Aunt-Niece Necklace
This adorable necklace is a great way to show your niece how much you care about her and help grow that special bond.
9. Niece Crown Necklace
Do you have a niece that is tough and doesn’t take crap from anyone.
She’ll love this necklace and the message behind it.
10. Dinosaur Brontosaurus Necklace
Little girls (and big girls) love dinosaurs as much as little boys do.
This inspiring message and adorable simple shape will make a cute gift for your niece.
Custom/ Personalized Presents
Gifts are also beloved when they are personalized.
Necklace with a name? Perfect.
Custom wallet to hold the ID for the new driver? Score.
11. Personalized Name Necklaces
These delicate necklaces in pretty script font are a no brainer gift for any niece.
I know my girls love dainty fonts, so I’d personally go with font #2, #3, or #6.
12. Personalized Slim Wallet/ Minimalist Leather Card Holder
Teens usually get their first bank account and job around 15 – 16 years old.
Getting them a custom initials wallet to hold all their hard earned cash will be a thoughtful, cool present.
13. Personalized Wooden Piggy Bank
I remember my first piggy bank. I think most people do as well.
Mine was a little silver pig shaped one that opened in the middle and as a little kid, I would often open it to count how much money I had. It’s a great memory.
This bank can be made into any letter with any name applied to the front.
14. Custom Wooden Baby Name Puzzle for Toddlers
A custom made puzzle is not only a good learning toll to teach a little one how to spell their own name.
It is also a great gift idea because helps little hands learn to grasp and recognize shapes. This will make a wonderful all around learning gift for little kids.
STEM/ Tech Gifts for Nieces and Nephews
While I stand by not buying Tommy a Segway, unless you can afford a Segways for all, there are tech options that – when on sale – do not break the bank if you have a limited list.
Think about the Amazon Kids Fire – it is often on sale and it comes with a year of games!
15. Fire 7 Kid’s Tablet
A kids Fire tablet is a relatively cheap way to gift a family member this holiday season.
For my own kids, it replaced the DVD player in the car for long road trips.
They can play games on it when they have to accompany me to their siblings sports practices on those rainy days when playing outside isn’t an option.
16. Echo Dot
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy to use and how much could be done with this little device.
Your little niece or nephew will be able to replace their radio and alarm clock and have a way to call their friends and family members using this one little dot.
They can also stream music from their phones or tablet on this speaker.
17. FujiMax Instax Mini 7
I have seen a few of these this summer being used by kids at camps or sports or at the pool.
They can make instant memories that they will cherish for a lifetime with this mini camera.
Novelty/ Matching Clothing of Your Niece or Nephews Favorite Stuff!
Usually, the goal of a gift is for someone to know that you thought about them and to leave something that they will remember you by.
Why not leave them all matching shirts of your favorite show or a show you all watched together?
You will officially be the best aunt or uncle ever if you do this! 🙂
y cool aunt got me a funny t-shirt like this when I was little, and I still remember it to this day!
18. Matching Shirts For the Family
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian™ “Best Kid in the Galaxy” T-Shirt for Kids
- Stranger Things Sweaters for the Family
- The Office Graphic Tee Shirt
Find some themes that apply to your family for that extra special touch.
A Simple, but Greatly Appreciated Item
19. A Money Notepad!
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve given a money notepad as a gift to my nieces and nephews.
It’s honestly my absolute favorite present to give an older teen because they always need cash!
If you’d rather do a larger denomination gift card, here are some unique ways to give gift cards as gifts >>
Learn how to make this amazing DIY item >> DIY Money Notepad Tutorial
More Gift Ideas from WhatMommyDoes
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