Looking for great birthday gifts for kids that really help encourage creativity and imagination? You’re going to love these budget-friendly ideas!

Let’s be honest: kids are getting harder and harder (not to mention more expensive) to shop for every year. We all want to get our kids something they truly love, but at the same time we want to encourage them to think for themselves…rather than letting a screen do the thinking for them!

These top 5 ideas are perfect for your own kids, or for nieces, nephews, and your friends’ children. They’re even budget-friendly enough for all those classmate’s parties that your kids get invited to! Let’s check them out!

1. Get Some Books

You can never go wrong with books. Think of them as an investment in your child’s future! Reading helps them use their imagination and encourages them to explore new worlds. The best part? Kids are never too young (or old) for a great new book! Just grab something age-appropriate and engaging, and you’re good to go!

2. Get a Diary

Getting kids’ diaries as birthday gifts will encourage them to pay more attention to details and chronicle their days. Who knows, keeping a diary can be the start of a great writing career. You can get affordable diaries for your kids from The Works. FYI, while many think of diaries as a gift for girls, there are plenty of designs that work for boys, too! I still have all of the journals that my son kept when he was younger. He loved writing and came up with the craziest stuff. I can’t wait to look back at them with him when he’s all grown up!

3. A Pack of Pencils

Don’t just stop at getting diaries and personalized notebooks for kids. Get a pack of pencils, too! Think about it: wouldn’t you be more likely to write if you had fun pencils? I know when I get a great new pen, I can’t wait to try it out! There are so many fabulous sets out there. My house is overflowing with pens and pencils, yet we still never have too many.

4. Building Blocks

Contrary to what some people might think, building blocks are absolutely not obsolete or out of fashion. In fact, they’re more popular than ever, thanks to so many clever sets. Grab chunky blocks for a restless toddler and watch them spend the afternoon building or go with more involved sets that keep older kids busy for days on end! A gift of building blocks can also help boost your child’s creative abilities.

5. Coloring Book and Crayons

If there is one gift that has universal appeal, it’s coloring books. Like books, this one is perfect for all ages! Thanks to the adult coloring craze, even teenagers are breaking out the crayons and creating new worlds! Make sure you include a great pack of crayons or colored pencils.  Grab a book for yourself and turn it into a bonding experience!

With these five simple yet fun gift ideas, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something affordable that your kids will love!