Gift-giving is a wonderful way to teach kids about thoughtfulness, generosity, and the joy of making others happy. But let’s be honest—when it comes to choosing gifts for their friends’ birthdays, kids can sometimes feel overwhelmed or default to picking something they would want. As parents, how can we guide them to make thoughtful, age-appropriate choices without taking over the process? Here are some tips to help your child become a confident and considerate gift-giver.

Before jumping into gift ideas, sit down with your child and ask them about their friend. What do they like to do together? What are their friend’s hobbies or favorite things? This helps your child think about the other person’s interests rather than their own.

For example:

• “Does your friend like art, sports, or science?”
• “What do they talk about the most?”
• “What makes them laugh or get excited?”

This conversation can spark ideas and make the process more personal.

Kids don’t always understand the value of money, so setting a budget is a great way to teach them about making thoughtful choices within limits. Explain that a meaningful gift doesn’t have to be expensive—it’s about the thought behind it.

You can say something like:

• “We have Ksh. 5000 to spend. Let’s think about what your friend would love within that amount.”

This also helps avoid situations where they pick something way over budget (we’ve all been there!).

Encourage your child to think outside the box. Instead of defaulting to toys or gadgets, help them come up with gifts that reflect their friend’s personality. Here are a few ideas:

• A book in their friend’s favorite genre
• A DIY craft kit (like friendship bracelets or painting supplies)
• A small plant or succulent for a nature-loving friend
• A personalized item, like a notebook with their friend’s name on it

If your child is stuck, you can suggest a few options and let them choose the one they think their friend would like best.

Involve your child in the entire process, from brainstorming to purchasing or making the gift. If you’re buying something, take them to the store and let them pick out the item (within the budget, of course). If you’re going the DIY route, let them help with the creation.

A big part of gift-giving is how the gift is presented. Help your child wrap the gift or put it in a nice bag, and encourage them to write a card or note. This adds a personal touch and shows their friend that they put thought and care into the gift.

Involving kids in choosing gifts for their friends’ birthdays is about more than just picking out a present—it’s an opportunity to teach empathy, creativity, and the joy of giving.