You or someone you know might identify themselves as a “bad gift-giver,” which is why we recommend assembling a gift basket! Gift baskets are a great way to hedge your bets when giving a gift. While putting together gift baskets can sometimes be a challenging creative task for parents, family friends, or grandparents but there is no denying that seeing your child’s face light up makes your effort worthwhile! Whether you’re assembling a gift basket for a sick child, a children’s get well gift basket, or any other gift basket for a child, here are our children’s gift basket ideas for preschool (3-5 years) and middle childhood (6-11 years) aged children!

Children’s Gift Basket Ideas Essentials:

Whatever theme or reason behind your children’s gift basket ideas, here are some essential items that you will want to include in your child’s gift basket:

Thinking Outside the Basket: While the name implies the use of a basket, you can also use a more creative container such as a customized cardboard box, a shatterproof plastic container, a small backpack, or even a themed pail for easy carrying. Wicker baskets are a traditional way of containing a gift basket, but that doesn’t mean you need to use one! If your basket is a gift basket for a sick child, consider using a brightly colored theme to help contrast the dreary ambiance of a hospital.

Sweet Treats: What child doesn’t love candy? You can purchase individual packages of candy and add them to the basket or fill a small mason jar with your child’s favorite candies to give a more personalized touch to the gift basket. If you’re a master baker, then try adding cookies, cake pops, or cupcakes as an added bonus! For homemade treats, try separating the goods from the rest of the basket to limit any chance of a mess. If this is a children’s get-well gift basket for a child under hospital care, just be sure to check in with the child’s nurse or parents to be sure the child can safely consume the candy while under medical care!

Salty Treats: While sweet treats like candy and gummy candies are the first choice among children, don’t forget the savory treats that your child might enjoy! Try adding things like beef jerky, pretzels, or canned chips into the basket. The same sweet treat ideas rule applies to this if your gift basket is a children’s get-well gift basket for a sick or recovering child. Be sure to check in with the child’s parents or medical staff before allowing them to consume savory treats.

A Huggable Bedside Bauble: Getting your child a plush bear may seem cliché, but it’s a classic choice that childhood development professionals agree is beneficial for developing young minds. Stuffed animals are vital for children’s development because it allows them to play pretend and use their imaginations for mimicking interactions with other people. While most children will age out of their plushies by ages five to six, some will take longer than others. In a gift basket for a sick child, we recommend a cuddly companion for your child, no matter what age they are.

Toys That Test the Mind: Adding a creative puzzle toy to your child’s gift basket is a great way to keep your child preoccupied and will help stimulate their developing brains. When choosing a puzzle to include in the gift basket, be sure to choose a toy that is small enough to fit around the other gifts. This children’s gift basket idea is a sure win for children who are recovering or hospitalized because it will help them pass the time.

Bountiful Books: Similar to puzzle toys, this children’s gift basket idea is an excellent gift to include for all ages, gift themes, and occasions. Books help children learn about the world around them and are a great way to stimulate children’s brain development. Picture books are typically recommended for children ages 3 to 8, but this is often a suggestion and not a hard-set rule. If you’re unsure what kind of book to get the recipient child, check in with the child’s parent and decide from there.

When In Doubt, It Really Is The Thought That Counts

If you’re like many other Americans, you might self-identify as a bad gift-giver. That is perfectly okay! Gift giving can be a complex undertaking, this is especially true when gift giving to a child. That’s why it’s important to stick to easy, uncomplicated, and winning gifts that kids love when assembling a gift basket! If you’re still unsure, then asking the child or the child’s parents is a surefire way to brighten their day, no matter what the occasion is.For get-well gifts and other gifting needs for a hospital patient or healthcare professional, visit Cloverkey gift shops today!