Gifting for Multiples

NIMBA

Gifting for Multiples

Real ideas from real NIMBA families

If you’re already past your first kid’s ‘gifting event’, you’re probably already across a lovely idea — the 8 Gift Rule — to simplify the gift-giving mayhem and keep things more meaningful and simple

Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
Something used
Something made
Something to do
Something played

To add to the complexity / cost / parenting anxiety, those of us with multiples face an additional set of gifting conundrums. Below are some ideas from the NIMBA community around what makes a good gift (or gifts) to spark inspiration for the coming silly season (and all other gifting days before / after..).

NIMBA families suggest...

Less is more: (If he comes to your place) let Santa do the trinkets while parent(s) look after a couple of exciting main items — kids are practically tapped out after stockings anyway.
Sometimes more actually is more: With open play toys like Magnetiles, Train Sets, Lego and Duplo, having more of the same can mean more engagement. It also helps for future gifts — “they’re really into Duplo!”
Does this toy encourage independent play? Think Paint Sticks & Watercolours (not Acrylic Paints), Walkie Talkies, and Board Games — great for similar-aged kids.
How much variety does it offer? Open-ended play items like stepping stones or blocks give great bang-for-buck.
Is it age-flexible? Ideal if you host visitors or have a wide age range at home.
How long will it last? Memberships to zoos, museums, or toy libraries can be gifts that last all year (and you don’t feel guilty leaving after an hour!).
Request experiences you wouldn’t normally pay for. Places like Collingwood Children’s Farm, MOPA and the Aquarium can be pricey — perfect gift voucher ideas for grandparents or family.
Can it be shared? When buying items like play kitchens or dollhouses, go wide or look for double-sided designs so more than one child can play at once.
Use the NIMBA Buy / Swap / Sell Page — Great for finding pre-loved, high-quality items or passing things on.

Specific Gift Inspiration

If you're stuck in a rut and need ideas, here’s a crowd-sourced list from NIMBA families of their most loved gifts:

Outdoor Play

Balance Bike
Trampoline
Sandpit
Trike
Scooter
Pavement Chalk

Memberships / Vouchers

Independent Play

Play Couch
Magnetic Tiles
Dolls House
Play Kitchen
Playdoh
Duplo / Lego
Tent / Teepee
Animal Figurines
Independent Music Player (Birdie / Yoto / Tonie)
Binoculars
ArtVo Voucher

Books featuring twins:

Twice the Love
Invisible String
A Twin is to Hug
There’s a House Inside My Mummy
Walkie-Talkies

Life Skills

Aprons (for cooking)
Learning Towers
Kiddi-Kutter Knives (shop on Nimba store)

To Wear

Fun Sunglasses
Personalised Backpacks & Lunchboxes
Sunhats

A Different Kind of Gift

When a gift is a donation

For one NIMBA family, the twins’ first birthday was an opportunity to do something a little different.

Living in a small unit at the time, space was limited, and the idea of receiving more toys and items to store felt overwhelming. Instead of traditional presents, they asked guests to consider making a donation to NIMBA in place of a gift.

The Request

The birthday invitation gently suggested the option of donating rather than bringing gifts. On the day, a donation box was set up to collect any cash contributions, and bank details were displayed for those preferring online transfers.

Over $400 was raised to support NIMBA’s volunteer-run programs!

Returning the Favour

Of course, the children were still showered with love and gifts from close family — and at just one year old, they weren’t really focused on presents anyway. Given how much support this family had received from NIMBA throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, it felt meaningful to give back to the community that had helped them so much.

Every donation makes a difference. NIMBA is a 100% volunteer-run organisation, and all funds go directly toward running our programs.

Donations are tax deductible. DONATE NOW
Contact info@nimba.amba.org.au to find out more.

This article was first published in NIMBA member newsletter Issue 317 | November 2024

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