Are you scrambling for a last-minute birthday present? It happens to every parent — the party invite that got buried at the bottom of the schoolbag, or the one that arrived so far in advance you completely forgot about it. We’ve teamed up with Schoolbooks.ie to bring you some quick ideas for when you need that last minute birthday present, to help take the pressure off.
Trying to get to the shops in between work, school runs and everything else life throws at you isn’t always realistic. One trick that works well for a lot of parents: keep a small stockpile of age-appropriate gifts and spare birthday cards at home, ready to grab whenever an invite catches you off guard.
In the meantime, here are nine last-minute gift ideas to help you out.
Last Minute Birthday Present Ideas
#1. Order Online
Invent Fantastic Flying Machines from Schoolbooks.ie
Instead of racing to the shops, why not order online? Many retailers, including Schoolbooks.ie, offer express delivery, and you can find everything from books and games to stationery, toys and tech in one place. You can even have the gift delivered straight to the birthday child, who will love getting a present by post.
A few fun gift ideas worth browsing on Schoolbooks.ie include:
- Invent Fantastic Flying Machines
- Children & Teen Books
- Ballerina Fibre Tip Connector Pen Box
- Little Hands Wooden Education Games
- Snazaroo Ultimate Party Pack Face Paints
#### Parents can shop hassle-free with Schoolbooks.ie!
Schoolbooks.ie has everything a busy parent might need for their children during the school year — from books to a great range of novels, stationery, learning resources, lunch items and more.
But did you know you can also find plenty of birthday gift ideas there too? Children’s books, face paints, painting sets, educational toys, games and much more. Best of all, express delivery is available if you need to send a gift in a hurry.
#2. Photo Gift
For a personal gift in a hurry, try printing out a photo of the birthday child and popping it in a frame. It’s something they can treasure for years to come. If you have a little more time, put together a photo book or order a canvas print — keep an eye out for online deals when you’re ordering.
#3. Voucher For An Experience
Instead of money, consider a voucher. A cinema voucher, a gift card for their favourite restaurant, or an experience such as pottery painting, bowling, swimming or water sports can all make a great gift. Depending on the value, they might even be able to bring a friend along too.
You May Also Enjoy: Excellent Experience Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens
#4. Homemade Gift
A jar of their favourite sweets, a batch of homemade cookies, or a small handmade craft all show real thought behind the gift. Pair it with a homemade card for an extra personal touch.
You May Also Enjoy: 40 Fun Ice Cream Cake Ideas You Need to Try
#5. Bouquet of Flowers
You might not think of flowers as a gift for younger children, but it can be a lovely surprise. One parent shared how she spotted a beautiful bouquet in the grocery store for her niece’s birthday and added it to her husband’s gift — the birthday girl felt so grown up and talked about it for weeks afterwards.
Sometimes the simplest things make children feel most special. Flowers can also be ordered online for delivery on the day itself.
You May Also Enjoy: 40 Ways To Make Your Child Feel Extra Special On Their Birthday
#6. Phone Credit
If the birthday child is a teen with a mobile phone and you know their network, phone credit is always a welcome and easy present.
You May Also Enjoy: 15 Quirky Birthday Gift Ideas for Tweens That Aren’t Money
#7. Clothes
Clothes can make a lovely birthday present. Whether you buy online or in-store, ask for a gift receipt and let the birthday child know you won’t mind if they’d prefer to exchange it.
#8. A Piñata Full of Treats
What child or teen wouldn’t enjoy a piñata full of treats? They’re widely available filled or unfilled from party supply stores, in designs ranging from unicorns to superheroes, so there’s something to suit every age.
#9. Name A Star For Them
Imagine having a star in the galaxy named after you. Every night, you could look up and picture exactly where it is. Several online companies offer this service, and you’ll typically receive a certificate to print out and present to the birthday boy or girl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good last-minute birthday gift if I have no time to shop?
Ordering online is usually your fastest option — many retailers offer next-day or express delivery, and some will even send the gift directly to the birthday child. A voucher for an experience or phone credit are also easy options that need no wrapping or shop visit.
What can I do if I completely forgot about a birthday party?
Keep a small stash of neutral, age-appropriate gifts and spare cards at home for exactly this situation. If you’re caught out with nothing in reserve, a homemade gift, a framed photo, or a quick online order can all save the day.
Are vouchers or experience gifts a good idea for kids?
Yes — vouchers for cinema, favourite restaurants or activities like bowling or swimming are popular with kids and teens, and they don’t require last-minute wrapping or a shop trip.
Related Articles
- Excellent Experience Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens
- 40 Ways To Make Your Child Feel Extra Special On Their Birthday
- 15 Quirky Birthday Gift Ideas for Tweens That Aren’t Money
- 40 Fun Ice Cream Cake Ideas You Need to Try
Save These Ideas For Next Time
Bookmark this page or pin it somewhere handy so you’ve got a ready list of ideas the next time a party invite catches you by surprise.
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