Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything: 10 Ideas They’ll Actually Use
Buying gifts for kids who have everything is hard. The toy box is full, the cupboard is full, and the birthday party will add another pile of plastic. So what do you give a child who doesn’t need anything?
Our answer, after years of making kids clothes in the Hunter Valley, is to stop thinking about more and start thinking about them. The gifts that stick are the ones that say “I know who you are”. Here are ten ideas that work for birthdays, Christmas and everything in between.
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Three rules for buying gifts for kids who have everything
- Personality beats price. A $35 gift that feels like it was made for them beats a $100 gift that could be for anyone.
- Useful beats novel. If they’ll use it every week, it won’t end up at the back of the cupboard.
- Slow beats big. Things they can collect, grow or get better at keep giving long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
1. A t-shirt that matches their personality
Clothes as a gift? Hear us out. Kids who have everything still wear a t-shirt every day, and kids love wearing something that says something about them. A funny character tee lets a child show the world who they are without having to say a word. It’s also a conversation starter in the playground.
Every Flipsy character has one small worry, and that’s the point. Kids see a bit of themselves in a monster who’s scared of the dark or an echidna who just wants a cuddle. Here’s how to match one to the kid you’re buying for:
The cuddler: Spike the echidna
For the kid who hugs everyone, the dog and the postie. Spike loves hugs more than anything, even though spines make that tricky. Try the Free Hugs tee or Cuddle Expert.
The giggler: Chuckles the kookaburra
For the kid who laughs the loudest at every joke, even the ones they didn’t hear. Try Chuckles: Ha Ha Ha! or Belly Laugh.
The treasure hunter: Binny the ibis
For the kid with pockets full of rocks, shells and “useful” bits. Binny loves treasure and chips in equal measure. Try Binny: Finders Keepers or Chips Please.
The bedtime negotiator: Snug the monster
For the kid who needs one more glass of water and the hall light on. Snug lives under the bed and is scared of the dark too. Try Snug: Moon Hug or Nightlight, Please.
The careful one: Swoop the magpie
For the kid who likes to check things out first, or who’s just learning to ride. Try Swoop: Training Wheels.
The water baby in training: Gulpy the goldfish
For the kid starting swimming lessons. Gulpy is a goldfish who’s not so sure about water, which makes him great company. Try Gulpy: Up For Air.
The cheeky one: Peely the banana
For the hide-and-seek champion. Peely is a banana in a monkey suit, hiding from the monkeys. Try Peely: Nothing To See Here.
Tees are $35, printed on soft garment-dyed cotton in kids’ sizes 5 to 14, with little sizes 2T to 4T on selected designs. Size exchanges are free, so if you’re unsure, check the size guide and go up a size. You can see the full range in funny kids t-shirts.
More gifts for kids who have everything
2. A matching bucket hat
A hat is something Aussie kids genuinely need (Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and sun protection matters most in childhood), and most families never have enough. Our kids bucket hats are UPF 50+ with a wide 6.5 cm brim, and each one matches a character tee. A tee plus a hat makes a gift that looks planned.
3. Something to collect, slowly
Collecting is one of the great joys of being a kid. It’s about the hunt, the swapping and the set that’s almost finished. A character sticker pack ($6) is a lovely start, and there’s an everyday and a Christmas pack for each character. Every first Flipsy order also comes with a free starter pack: collectible stickers, a collector sheet and a mystery mini character. See Flipsy collectibles.
4. A story where they’re the hero
Our free read-along stories let kids create their own hero, then join Snug, Swoop or Gulpy on an adventure. It’s free, so it pairs well with a physical gift: a Snug tee with Snug and the Dark at bedtime is a lovely combination.
5. An experience instead of a thing
Think wildlife park passes, a climbing gym session, a cinema trip or a day at the beach with just them. Kids remember days out far longer than they remember toys.
6. Lessons in something they’re curious about
Swimming, drawing, guitar, coding or cooking. A term of lessons is a gift that grows with them.
7. An annual pass
A zoo, aquarium or museum membership turns one gift into a year of outings, and it’s great value for families.
8. Their own field kit
A magnifying glass, a notebook, a small torch and a guide to Aussie wildlife. Pair it with our post on funny Australian animals kids love for some weird facts to get started.
9. A “yes day” voucher
A handmade voucher for a day where they choose the meals, the park and the movie. It costs very little and kids treasure it.
10. A gift for someone else
Let them choose a donation to an animal rescue or wildlife carer. It’s a lovely lesson for a kid who already has plenty.
Free shipping tip: shipping is free over $80. A tee and a matching hat ($70) plus two sticker packs ($12) gets you there. Buying for Christmas? See our guide to Australian Christmas gifts for kids and our stocking fillers under $10.
Gifts for kids who have everything: FAQs
What do you buy a child who has everything?
Choose something personal, useful or slow-burning rather than another toy: a t-shirt with a character that suits their personality, a sun hat, something to collect, lessons or a day out.
Are clothes a good gift for kids?
Yes, if they have personality. A funny character tee gets worn every week, while plain clothes feel like a chore. Check the size guide and choose a brand with free size exchanges.
What are good gifts for kids that aren’t toys?
Experiences, lessons, annual passes, books, character tees, UPF 50+ hats and sticker packs to collect are all great gifts that aren’t toys.
What size t-shirt should I buy for a gift?
Go by the child’s height and chest rather than age, using the size guide. If they’re between sizes, size up. Flipsy tees come in kids’ sizes 5 to 14 (2T to 4T on selected designs) with free size exchanges.
What is a good gift for a 6 year old who has everything?
Six year olds love things that feel like theirs: a character tee that suits their personality, a sticker pack to start a collection, a story where they’re the hero or a special day out.