29 Free Things You Can Get Kids for their Birthday
When it comes to celebrating a child’s birthday, finding the perfect gift without breaking the bank can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are plenty of creative and thoughtful presents that won’t cost you a dime. Whether you’re a parent, relative, or friend, this list of 29 free things you can get kids for their birthday is packed with ideas that are sure to bring joy and excitement. From handmade treasures and fun experiences to special gestures and digital delights, these gifts prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a birthday unforgettable.
Read on to discover how you can make a child’s special day magical with these cost-free surprises!
Handmade Coupon Book
Create a personalized coupon book filled with fun activities and favors. Include coupons for things like “One movie night,” “Extra bedtime story,” “Ice cream outing,” or “Day at the park.” Tailor the coupons to the child’s interests and make the book colorful and creative.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Organize a nature scavenger hunt in your local park or backyard. Make a list of items for the child to find, such as a smooth rock, a feather, or a specific type of leaf. This activity combines adventure, exploration, and learning about nature.
Storytime Session
Give the gift of stories by organizing a special storytime session. Gather a selection of the child’s favorite books and set up a cozy reading nook. Enhance the experience with voices for different characters and interactive storytelling.
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DIY Craft Kit
Assemble a craft kit using materials you already have at home. Include items like colored paper, markers, glue, scissors, and any other craft supplies. Add instructions for a few simple projects, such as making paper animals or decorating picture frames.
Digital Greeting from a Favorite Character
Create a personalized video message or digital greeting from the child’s favorite fictional character. Use a costume or get creative with a voice recording and graphics. The personalized message will feel special and unique.
Homemade Baked Goods
Bake a batch of the child’s favorite cookies, cupcakes, or other treats. Involve them in the baking process for added fun, or present the goodies as a surprise. Package the treats in a decorated box or tin for an extra touch.
Memory Lane Scrapbook
Compile a scrapbook of cherished memories. Include photos, drawings, and mementos from special occasions, trips, and everyday moments. Add captions and notes to make the scrapbook a meaningful keepsake.
Backyard Camping Adventure
Set up a camping adventure in the backyard. Pitch a tent, bring out sleeping bags, and plan activities like star gazing, storytelling, and making s’mores. This experience offers the excitement of camping without leaving home.
DIY Puzzle
Create a custom puzzle using a favorite photo or artwork. Print the image and cut it into puzzle pieces. The child will enjoy putting the puzzle together and appreciating the personalized touch.
Virtual Experience or Tour
Take advantage of free virtual tours or experiences offered by museums, zoos, or aquariums. Choose a virtual tour that aligns with the child’s interests, whether it’s exploring space at a science museum or watching animals at a zoo. Each of these ideas offers a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate a child’s birthday without spending money, making their day memorable and special.
Personalized Playlist
Create a playlist of the child’s favorite songs or songs that are special to both of you. Include a mix of upbeat tunes and calming melodies. You can also add a personalized cover art to make it more special.
Garden Planting Kit
Put together a kit with seeds, soil, and a small pot for planting. Use seeds you already have or collect from your garden. Teach the child how to plant and care for their new plant, making it a fun and educational activity.
Treasure Hunt
Design a treasure hunt around your home or neighborhood. Create a map and a series of clues that lead to a hidden “treasure.” The treasure can be a small toy, a special snack, or a handwritten note.
Homemade Slime Kit
Gather ingredients for making slime, such as glue, baking soda, and food coloring. Include a simple recipe and mix-ins like glitter or small beads. Kids love the hands-on fun of creating and playing with slime.
Talent Show
Organize a family talent show. Encourage the child to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or telling jokes. Create a fun stage area and enjoy the performances together.
Origami Set
Assemble an origami kit with colorful paper and instructions for various origami shapes. Teach the child how to fold paper into animals, flowers, and other fun designs. This activity is both creative and calming.
Virtual Game Night
Plan a virtual game night with friends or family. Choose free online games that everyone can enjoy together, such as Pictionary, trivia, or charades. This allows the child to celebrate with loved ones, even from a distance.
Photo Shoot
Set up a mini photo shoot at home or in a scenic outdoor location. Use props, costumes, or themed backgrounds to make it fun. Capture candid and posed shots, and later create a digital album or a physical photo book.
Homemade Cardboard Fort
Build a fort out of cardboard boxes. Decorate the fort with paint, markers, and stickers. This creative project can become a cozy reading nook or play area for the child.
Science Experiment Kit
Gather materials for simple science experiments that can be done at home. Include instructions for fun and safe experiments like baking soda volcanoes, homemade crystals, or simple circuits. This gift combines fun and learning. These additional ideas provide even more ways to celebrate a child’s birthday with creativity and thoughtfulness, all without spending any money.
Virtual Storytime with a Loved One
Arrange a virtual storytime session with a grandparent or other relative who lives far away. The loved one can read a special book or tell stories, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for the child.
Printable Coloring Pages
Find and print free coloring pages from the internet that feature the child’s favorite characters, animals, or themes. You can also create custom coloring pages using their own drawings or photos.
Homemade Friendship Bracelets
Use threads or strings you already have at home to make friendship bracelets. Teach the child how to braid or weave different patterns, and make matching bracelets for them and their friends.
Virtual Museum Tour
Take the child on a virtual tour of a famous museum, like the Louvre or the Smithsonian. Many museums offer free online tours and interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational.
DIY Bird Feeder
Create a bird feeder using materials you have at home, such as a milk carton, pine cones, or toilet paper rolls. Show the child how to assemble and hang the feeder, and enjoy watching the birds that come to visit.
Handwritten Letters
Write a series of heartfelt letters to the child, each one to be opened on different occasions (e.g., when they’re feeling happy, sad, or need encouragement). These letters can be a cherished keepsake and source of comfort.
Outdoor Adventure Kit
Put together a kit for outdoor exploration, including items like a magnifying glass, a small notebook for observations, and a map of local trails or parks. Encourage the child to explore nature and document their findings.
Virtual Art Class
Organize a virtual art class with a friend or relative who enjoys art. They can guide the child through a fun art project using materials you have at home. This can be a great way to learn new techniques and create something special.
Shadow Puppet Show
Put on a shadow puppet show using a flashlight and paper cutouts. Create a simple storyline and characters, and have fun performing the show for the child. You can also let them create their own puppets and participate in the show. These additional ideas offer even more creative and cost-free ways to make a child’s birthday special and memorable.
