Rising costs and limited budgets can cause stress when it comes to buying gifts. Check out some of these low-cost gift ideas to help support a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.

Move and Groove

Active bodies support active minds, healthy hearts, and strong muscles. Many of these gifts can be used in several ways - even more of a bargain!

  • Bubbles - stomp them, chase them, clap them, pop them with your elbows!
  • Hula Hoop - spin it around your waist, skip through it like a jump rope, or chase them as you roll them down the sidewalk.
  • Ball - keep it up in the air, play catch, or use it as a bowling ball with your choice of pins.
  • Chalk - use your chalk to draw a maze, obstacle course, practice math, or draw safe spaces for when the floor turns to lava!
  • Painters Tape/Colored masking tape - just like the chalk, create shapes, spaces, letters, numbers, and more. You can even add them to the wall! Check out some more ideas here.  
  • Jump Rope - try out your best jump rope tricks, or play Snake in the Grass. Don’t let the snake get you!
  • Frisbee/flying disc - use it to play tic tac toe, bowl, or flip it over to act like ice skates on carpet.
  • Bean bags - see how many you can balance on your head, play bean bag hockey, or pair them with the hula hoop for a game of toss. Find more ideas here


Let’s Eat!

Do you have someone in your family who likes to help in the kitchen? Kids who help make meals are often more likely to eat them. The kitchen is more fun with their own special set of tools. Check out some of these ideas to start your own set.

  • Lettuce knives or age-appropriate cutting utensils
  • Cookie cutters
  • Cutting boards
  • Apron - you can even decorate it yourself!
  • Strainer/colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bowls
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Vegetable brush


Drink up! 

With all of that moving and shaking, you’re bound to get thirsty. Have fun staying hydrated with these ideas. 

  • Water bottle or reusable cups - decorate your bottle or cup any way you like.
  • Ice cube trays with fun shapes - try adding slices of fruit or fruit juice to make these even more special. 
  • Crazy straws
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP in cooperation with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and University of Maryland Extension. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.