12 Little Gifts to Surprise your Kids With

After school treats

Have your child’s favorite drink or special afternoon snack waiting on them when they get home from school. This is extra meaningful on days they’re studying for a big test or finishing up a giant project!

Stickers customized just for them

If your child likes to dress up their notebooks, backpacks, phone cases, water bottles, or just about anything else with stickers -- be the cool parent and order them some custom stickers that fit their personality. Search Etsy for creative ideas! You can even snag some personalized with their name! Don’t underestimate how much older kids like stickers ;) You may be surprised!

Kinetic sand

This stuff is all the rage these days from toddlers up to teens. It’s a calming, sensory thing that’s easy to clean up and won’t ruin your furniture!

Daily affirmation cards

Everyone can benefit from repeating a few positive mantras before they start their day, but these can be especially helpful for our kiddos! Check out this list of affirmation card sets organized by age and topic! If you’re creative and have time, you can design your own on a free program like Canva.

Tablecloths to color on

Keep younger children busy while you get meals prepped and give older kids an opportunity to zone out and doodle just for fun! You can order themed colorable tablecloths on Amazon or just cover the table in white butcher paper and let them design their own masterpiece!

Kid-friendly happy hour

Kids hit a midday slump just like adults do! Surprise them with an afternoon trip to their favorite fast food joint for half priced drinks or dollar menu favorites. Here’s a quick list of cheap eats stops to check out.

Vintage candy

Do you have a favorite candy from childhood that your kids have never laid eyes (or tastebuds)on? Peanut butter bars? Cherry sours? Necco wafers? Stock up on your old favorites and give your kids some insight on what treats looked like when you were growing up!

Game of Phones

Have teenagers who struggle to put their phone down? Break this digital scavenger hunt game out to have some family fun without fighting over screen time! Teenager approved, laughs guaranteed.

Spontaneous picnic lunch (or dinner)

Sometimes a change of scenery is a gift in itself! Pack lunch or dinner to go and head to your nearest park and eat outside as a family.

Something cozy

Soft and calming things are always a win. Leave a new throw blanket, fuzzy slippers, or warm socks on their bed to let them know they deserve a rest!

Yoga dice

Turn exercise into a game! If you have young ones who just need to keep their bodies moving, try out a set of Kids Yoga Dice. These are super friendly for kiddos as young as 3 years old. For older kids, turn these into a morning or evening challenge they can add into their routine.

Magazines that follow their hobbies

Whether your kids are into animals, science, music, or dance, there’s a magazine out there for them! Keep them exploring their hobbies by getting a subscription to an educational magazine they can look forward to each month. Plus, kids love getting things in the mail!