Putting out a shoe without candy: small gifts that keep on giving
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Putting out shoes three or four times costs more than you think. Here's how to choose small gifts that fit the bill, stay within budget, and are still used a week later.
In mid-November, a shoe suddenly appears by the heater, and then the calculations begin. Three or four times a shoe is placed, maybe two children, and every evening something needs to be put in that fits, isn't too expensive, and isn't just another bag of candy. Those who solve it on the evening itself buy things that are too expensive or too large. Those who plan it once beforehand and order in October or early November are done in ten minutes — and save money for the December 5th gift.
First, calculate what you need
The amount per evening seems small, but the number of evenings adds up. Put it side by side before you order anything:
Situation
Evenings
Per gift
Total
1 child, modest
3
€ 2.00
€ 6.00
2 children, average
3
€ 3.00
€ 18.00
2 children, larger last evening
2 × small + 1 × large
€ 2.00 / € 10.00
€ 28.00
Most parents opt for a few small items and one slightly larger one on the last evening. This works better than three times the same medium-sized item: the evenings are distinct, and you order specifically instead of three separate times.
What actually fits in a shoe?
The opening of a child's shoe is narrow and not high. Anything that comes in a box will stick out or simply won't fit. Flat, narrow, and flexible items do fit: a small bag, a set of cards, a sticker roll, something on a string. Before wrapping, place the gift next to the shoe — you'll immediately see if it will go in or if it needs to be placed next to it.
Doesn't fit? Two solutions that don't spoil the moment: hang it in a small bag from the shoelace, or place it in a box next to the shoe. If you choose a box, make sure it stays closed; an open box will spill when picked up.
Small yet worthwhile: under €3
This is the category for the first evenings. It's about something that can be played with or used immediately.
For the evening when the gift should be something special, small building sets and games work best: they cost around ten euros and won't be discarded in a corner a week later.
Toy packaging includes an age indication. This is not for decoration: it indicates small parts that can come loose. For children under three years old, avoid anything with loose minifigures, small balls, and button-cell batteries. Bouncy balls and mini-parts are intended for children who no longer put things in their mouths.
Does the gift run on batteries? Check if the battery compartment is screwed shut and if the correct batteries are included. A gift that only works after you've first gone to the store is not a gift on such a morning.
Wrapping: small, but not sloppy
A two-euro gift feels more expensive if it's neatly packaged. For these sizes, small, sturdy packaging works best:
Write the name on the box or on a sticker, not on the gift itself. This way, you can prepare everything the night before and only have to distribute it in the morning.
Is the package going out the door?
If part of the family lives further away, the same rules apply as with any shipment: choose a box that just fits the contents, fill the empty space, and seal all seams. Small, flat gifts fit perfectly in a letterbox package, as long as the box isn't too tall. Expect that the last week of November and the first week of December are busier for delivery services than the rest of the year; those who send a week earlier won't need to call.
How to order everything at once
For small gifts, check Toys and Keychains, and for packaging, check Gift Packaging & Gift Boxes and Letterbox Packaging. If you don't want to completely skip candy, you can find loose and larger packages in Candy. If you're unsure whether something fits in a shoe, or if you want to know if there's enough stock for an entire class? Email info@verpakkingdeals.nl — and we'll check it before you order.
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