Cheap finger food ideas for baby shower

20 Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget

It’s exciting to everyone around when someone is about to have a baby. That’s why people love to throw and attend baby showers. However, getting a lot of food for guests can add up quickly and hurt the budget.

Nobody wants their party to look tacky, so it’s tempting to pull out all of the stops to impress guests. It doesn’t have to be that way, as there are a lot of good budget-friendly ideas out there to make the shower a success. Keep reading for some fabulous budget-friendly party food ideas that are sure to make any baby shower a great time.

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Chocolate Covered Fruit

Chocolate-covered strawberries, cherries, and other fruit are always a big hit at parties. It also helps make things look a little bit fancier, but they tend to be expensive when purchased already finished. The good news is that there is always some delicious baking and melting chocolate in the baking section of the grocery store. Picking up a bag of a preferred brand and a few fruit packages does not cost much while also providing quite a few little finger snacks.

Some brands of chocolate don’t even need to be tempered to use. They just need to be melted down, and the fruit dipped into them. Therefore, they also make for a quick and easy treat to serve to guests.

Meat & Cheese Boards

Very little says fancy like a nice charcuterie board. Certain areas have even come to expect these sorts of trays to be served at gatherings to the point where it’s pretty easy to find them premade. However, the price can be cut down further by gathering the meats and cheeses separately and doing the work to cut them down. A few packs of deli meat and a few blocks of cheese can go a long way. Put them on top of a fancy platter or a slab of wood, and suddenly it all looks infinitely fancier.

Fruit and Veggie Spread

Just like a charcuterie board, fruit and veggie spreads are basically a necessity in certain areas. It also gives a nice, healthy option for guests and can be spiced up with a variety of different dips and sauces. Not to mention, it’s effortless to get a lot of little finger food out of just a few bunches of fruit.

Here are some tips to make the best fruit and veggie spreads without a lot of money or effort:

In-season is always cheaper.
Lemon juice will help fruits from changing color as they sit out.
Nesting plates and bowls with ice between them helps keep things both cool and cute.
Use and/or make a variety of dips and spreads.

The best part about these sorts of spreads is that they take minutes to put together, look nice, and are incredibly filling.

Devilled Eggs

Devilled eggs are practically icons of the budget party scene. They don’t take much money or effort to make, are delicious, and easily contain themselves into excellent little bite-sized snacks. Plus, everything they take to make can also be used in other parts of the food spread, can be simple or complex, and really help add a little bit of protein to the menu for the guests who might not be interested in more meaty dishes.

Salad Bar

There is nothing like some good salads when trying to cater to a bunch of people. They are simple to make and can easily be customized to individual tastes. What’s more, they don’t even need to be put together in advance. Just set up some bowls of greens, toppings, and dressings, and people are more than happy to put them together to their own specifications.

Finger Sandwiches

Finger sandwiches are absolute lifesavers when it comes to feeding people. A regularly-sized sandwich can be cut down into halves or quarters to make it look like even more food is available. Or someone could even get mini buns, hoagies, or tortillas to make things look even fancier without much additional cost.

Delicious yet straightforward finger sandwich ideas include:

Tuna
Deli meat and cheeses
- Ham
- Turkey
- Roast Beef
Cream cheese with preserves
Cucumber
Chicken salad
Pulled pork

Small sandwiches even help guests waste less food, especially if they aren’t too hungry to begin with. It also helps to limit the need for people to cut things apart to share themselves when they can just pick up something small to snack on.

Mini Cupcakes and Muffins

Mini cupcakes and muffins are fantastic for baby showers because they can easily be decorated for theming, and it looks like there’s a lot more when it’s the same amount of batter that regular cupcakes use. Not to mention that they’re usually pretty easy to find cheap in the bakery section for those who aren’t bakers themselves.

Cookies

There is nothing like serving a batch of cookies at a party. These can be any sort of cookie, from mini chocolate chips to a giant cookie decorated like a cake. They’re a huge hit even for people who aren’t big fans of sweets. Additionally, they’re easy to make from scratch. Cookie dough is not usually too expensive to buy premade, and fully premade cookies are always available in the bakery section.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas fill the same niche as finger sandwiches as they can be cut down to smaller parts, picked up easily, carried around, and made into lots of different types. They don’t take a lot of ingredients or money to make and are typically pretty solid inclusions to the menu at a party. This is especially true if they’re able to be kept nice and warm.

Taco Bar

Tacos are the kings of cheap food. They’re easy to buy or make a lot of without a lot of money. A taco bar kicks that up a notch by letting people make their own tacos. Have a spread of different fillings and set out both hard and soft shells to make it an outstanding experience for everyone involved. Keep the meats warm if possible while also keeping the colder things over ice for good temperature control.

Ice Cream, Sorbet, and Smoothies

People love treats, and baby showers are perfect places for them. Something to bring out the inner child of guests is the inclusion of ice cream. This can even be kicked up or made healthier by adding in a selection of sorbets and smoothies. These items can go a long way and be made even more fun with some yummy toppings to go with it.

Mini Foods are Always Big Hits

There is not much like going to a party and seeing all sorts of tiny little foods to pick from. That makes it so many different things can be tasted while not feeling like it’s Thanksgiving dinner. They also often come in cheap packages, usually in the frozen foods section, and make for great appetizers or snackable foods throughout the party.

Some mini food ideas include:

Quiches
Bagel bites
Bruschetta
Muffins
Cupcakes
Cookies
Pigs in a blanket
Taquitos
Sliders
Rice Krispy Treats

Basically, if there is anything that can be big, it also probably has a small variant. Small is associated with being cute, like a baby, so it fits the theme pretty well.

Loaded Potato Skins

They might not be a new idea, but they are definitely getting a lot of traction recently. That’s because they are easy to pick up, taste great, and make for some incredible party foods. Plus, the pulled-out potato insides can then be used to make mashed potatoes or potato cakes, giving these already cheap foods even more useful possibilities.

Kabobs

There really is something about a bunch of food on a skewer when it comes to appetizing and cheap party foods. These can be grilled over a fire pit or be an interesting twist for a fruit or vegetable spread. They’re easy to pick up and move around with, so they make for superb party additions. They are super budget-friendly, as a whole lot can be made with not a lot of stuff.

Candies

Candies often come in big packages or can be ordered in bulk, making them perfect for serving guests when you are on a budget. Some companies will even do custom orders for events involving colors or even adding words to things. Plus, they’re pretty easy to use in order to make the space look a little more inviting.

Some budget-friendly candies to consider are:

M&Ms
Butter mints
Mini peanut butter cups
Chocolate chips
Chocolate mints

There are also almost always knock-off brands of the big-name candies that taste just the same if not better that are totally worth the drop in cost. Always check out party and baking sections and the big bags of fun-sized candy bars for some great options.

Nuts

If there isn’t anyone attending with a nut allergy, there’s nothing like a whole bunch of nuts. They’re healthy options with many different flavors and roasts. Some are covered in chocolate which is always a good time. Plus, they’re easy to put into cute bowls and give lots of choices from, just like when putting out fruit and vegetables for guests.

S’mores

S’mores are one of those things that get heavily associated with camping and outdoorsy things, but they can also make excellent treats for baby showers on a budget. They’re fun to make with friends and are really tasty. They’re perfect ideas if the whole party is meant to happen outside or even later in the day when people have finally gotten home from work.

Decorate a Simple Cake

Decorating cakes is a fun activity. Even if there are not many baking or cake decorating skills available in the friend group, a little bit of creativity goes a long way. Picking up even a little bare-bones cake can be a good start and can then be easily customized without much effort.

Some ideas to decorate a cake:

Gel food dye makes for easy writing and simple designs.
Sprinkles are everyone’s best friend.
Get something special as a cake topper like
- Baby bath toys
- Party section plastic baby things
- Plastic dolls or figurines

If there are other kids already in the family, there’s nothing like letting a kid decorate the cake. It might not look like a stellar piece of art, but it will fit the overall theme while also letting them help with the preparations.

Make it a Potluck

Pretty much everyone knows that parties are expensive, and even more people know that there’s a lot to get prepared for when expecting a new baby. Therefore, most people should understand that a baby shower should be a fun time for everyone involved and not try to make it all about the costs. Babies are expensive, and most of the new parents’ money should be going towards preparing for them with diapers, food, bottles, and everything else.

That means there isn’t much shame in asking guests to bring a little something to eat and make it a potluck. Potlucks are fun and can even help a guest who is struggling financially themselves feel like they are contributing. Not to mention, it really helps ease the budget when everyone’s pitching in a little bit to make sure there are food and drinks.

Other Ideas to Help Budget A Baby Shower

Food might be one of the most critical parts of any party, but it’s by far not the only thing that can put a crimp in the budget. Therefore, it’s also essential to think of other aspects of the budget when planning a baby shower and coming up with other budget-friendly ideas.

Such budget-friendly ideas include:

Don’t plan the shower during a mealtime.
Avoid alcohol.
Make things by hand.
Don’t hire a caterer.
Find a co-host to split the costs.
Hit up party sections and dollar stores for décor.
Get thrifty.
- Go to sales
- Budget stores
- Dollar stores
- Thrift stores
- Clip coupons.
- Order online well in advance.
Pick a free venue
- Park
- Backyard
- Community space

Things don’t have to look or taste cheap to be cheap, either. Thrifty individuals can make amazing parties for astoundingly cheap while making it look like they spent a small fortune. DIYers can have a field day making things with just a little bit of work, and friends often want to be able to help friends in their endeavors.

Conclusion

There is nothing like a baby shower. It’s a time where people can get together to celebrate the newest inclusion of a family, have an excuse to bring presents, eat good food, and spend time with people who are about to have a whole lot less time to do so. However, wherever there is a gathering of people, there needs to be food, which can take a bite out of the budget. The good news is that there are tons of budget-friendly ideas to make the best baby shower possible while also keeping some funds in the pocket for other needs.

25 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget – Instacart

Throwing a fun, memorable party to celebrate the new arrival in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. You can decorate a party or backyard and prepare a tasty menu affordably without compromising on quality—it just takes planning. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, these baby shower food ideas on a budget will get the ball rolling.

How to throw a baby shower on a budget

Before we get into baby shower food ideas, these are our cost-cutting tips for throwing a wonderful baby shower on a budget.

1. Don’t host at mealtimes

If you host a baby shower at mealtimes, you’ll have to serve full meals, which can be expensive. Instead, throw your baby shower between meals, so you can serve only appetizers and sweet snacks. 2 p.m. is a popular time for these events.

2. Keep a pared-down guest list

On average, guests eat around 5 pieces of food at baby showers. The more people you invite, the costlier the event will be.

3. Ask guests to bring food or drinks

If you still want a full party but can’t afford to feed everyone, ask your guests to bring over food or drinks. It will be a baby-shower-meets-potluck type of event, which can be a lot of fun.

4. Choose local, seasonal ingredients

The cheapest food for a baby shower is the one that’s local and in season. Research what fresh produce is cheapest, then come up with recipes using those ingredients.

Following a themed menu can help you pinch pennies. For example, if you’re using chicken for 1 appetizer, make sure to include it in another snack. This way, you don’t have to buy as many ingredients and end up saving money.

6. Ditch the fully stocked bar

Choose just 1 or 2 drinks to serve—preferably non-alcoholic for baby showers. No need to keep a handful of spirits and mixers on hand.

7. Make your own decorations

DIY the décor using things you already have at home. Visiting a thrift store can also help you throw a stylish baby shower for cheap.

Affordable appetizers for a baby shower

Plate up these tasty, budget-friendly appetizers for your guests.

1. Ham and cheese sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are simple, easy to make, and affordable.

2. Pulled pork buns

Pulled pork sliders are also a popular snack for baby showers. Don’t skip out on the barbecue sauce.

3. Turkey cheddar hot pinwheels

With pre-made pizza dough, deli turkey slices, and cheddar cheese, you can make this comforting finger food.

4. Tomato and broccoli mini quiches

Quiches are sophisticated but surprisingly cheap to make. For this version, use ripe sliced tomatoes and broccoli florets for the filling.

5. Hummus and roasted veg toast

Spread homemade or storebought hummus on toasted bread and top with an assortment of roasted veggies.

6. Build-your-own chili

If you’re looking for a more filling snack, chili is the way to go. Let your guests add their own toppings.

7. Potato skins with bacon

Hollowed-out baked potatoes, bacon, and sour cream make the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.

8. Summer pasta salad

For something lighter, serve individual portions of pasta salad. Toss fusilli and whatever veggies are in season in olive oil and a pinch of salt.

9. Deep-fried pickles

Pickles are a popular satisfying snack among many moms-to-be. Set out a plate of deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing on the side.

10. Babies in a blanket

Give pigs in a blanket a twist. Wrap the dough around the sausage so it looks like a swaddled baby and add chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.

11. Grape jelly wieners

Toss smokies in a grape jelly and ketchup mixture, then serve on toothpicks.

12. Barbecue meatballs

Another hearty appetizer, meatballs doused in barbecue sauce are a crowd-pleaser.

13. Tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is pretty inexpensive to make. Use a blend of affordable cheeses to take this comfort food to the next level.

14. Chicken salad sandwiches

Spread chicken salad on soft white sandwich bread and serve with an olive and a toothpick on top.

15. Pesto chicken tea sandwiches

Grilled chicken and basil pesto is another great combination. Cut the sandwiches into quarters so they’re easier to eat.

16. Hamburger meat empanadas

Pie crust and hamburger meat can be turned into delicious empanadas. Salsa makes for a great dipping sauce.

17. Cheese pizza bites

Make finger food pizza bites using a cupcake tin, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded cheese.

Cheap desserts and treats for baby showers

What’s a party without something sweet? These cheap recipes for a baby shower will satisfy your sweet tooth without going over budget.

1. Gendered rice crispy treats

Rice crispy treats are cheap to make. They only call for margarine, marshmallows, and puffed rice. Add red or blue food dye for a gendered twist.

2. Carrot cupcakes

Not into gender-themed desserts? You will probably love carrot cupcakes. Making your own is cheaper than getting it from the store—and surprisingly easy!

3. Fruit on a skewer

Pierce a skewer through pieces of fruit for a healthy snack. Grapes, banana, strawberry, apple—whatever is in season.

4. Caramel apples

In the fall, when apples are abundant, caramel apple slices hit the spot.

5. Waffle bites

Waffle mix is inexpensive, so why not make waffle bites? Cut a waffle into fourths and top with fruits, caramel, or chocolate.

6. Decorated sugar cookies

Take sugar cookies to the next level by decorating them. All you’ll need is icing, food dye, and a piping bag.

7. Ice cream sundaes

Sundaes are perfect for summer baby showers. Choose 1 ice cream flavor and let your guests pick their toppings—pretzels, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips are just some of the options.

8. S’mores bar

Set up a s’mores bar for a DIY dessert. You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Don’t forget skewers and a few candles.

Save time and money with a little help from a friend

You probably have a clearer picture of what you’ll serve at your budget-friendly baby shower, right? Now comes the fun part: creating invites, making a playlist, and decorating the space. What’s not so fun is doing the grocery runs—but, fortunately, you can leave that to Instacart. Order everything you need with just a few clicks and focus on the party. You may also want to check out current deals from our retailers.

Grab it now on Instacart:

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original gift options for a man, woman, girlfriend, friend, mother, father, girl, boy, girl, boyfriend

Do you remember the song from childhood about a magician in a helicopter carrying a valuable cargo as a gift - five hundred popsicles? A good option, by the way - for both adults and children. But impractical.

And we have selected for you 150+ options for unusual, interesting and useful presents that can be mastered with any amount of wallet. Let's talk about inexpensive and original birthday gifts for mom, best friend or girlfriend - and more.

Gifts for a man

Sometimes there are more mysteries in men than in the fair sex. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to find the perfect gift for them. We will tell you what to choose as a presentation without an excessive burden on the budget.

1. Beard and hair trimmer

Photo: pixabay.com

You can maintain a stylish look without constant trips to the barber or hairdresser. It is enough to have a quality trimmer at home. With the help of such a tool, you can easily and quickly trim the whiskey or tidy up the beard and mustache. And if a man likes to experiment with his appearance, then he will definitely find a use for your present. There are options for every need and budget.

2. Multitool

Photo: pixabay.com

If the birthday boy knows how to handle pliers and screwdrivers, and most importantly - likes to work with his hands, such a gift will come in handy. A multitool is a multifunctional device that combines several different tools: a can opener, file, pliers, awl, hatchet, and more. It’s great if you know what exactly is missing in a man’s home kit or what he uses most often in order to find the right kit.

3. Flight simulator

Photo: Uwe Anspach, globallookpress.

com

Feelings are the best thing to give for a birthday. This option is especially successful if a man seems to have everything and you are at a loss: what gift will not gather dust on the shelf and will definitely please him.

Flight simulator will make anyone feel like a real airplane pilot. But if this is not for your birthday, you can present a certificate for another lesson or a master class of interest.

4. Loungewear

Photo: Jiri Hubatka, globallookpress.com

Men need coziness and comfort no less than women. This means that a soft terry dressing gown for a bath / shower or a well-tailored home suit is a great option for a birthday present.

The main thing is not to miscalculate with the size. And if such a present seems too simple to you, you can order home clothes with embroidery: it can be a name, a funny inscription or a line from a song.

5. Backgammon

Photo: Ron Lach, pexels.com

This board game is a great gift for any age. It can be a strategy that has just hit the store shelves, or it can be classic backgammon. On sale you can find sets of any material, with and without decor, and, accordingly, of different prices. But even in the budget category, you can find an excellent piece of wood in a beautiful box, which will not be ashamed to be presented as a gift.

Gifts for a woman

Much depends on the relationship you have with the birthday girl. If you don't know each other well or aren't that close, some options (such as lingerie) will be out of place. We picked up a few non-obvious ideas as an example.

1. Florarium

Photo: @karolina-grabowska, pixels.com

This is, in fact, a kind of planter made of glass with an interesting geometric shape. There are many options on the market of any size, shape, they differ in price. As a gift, you can buy a finished product with a plant, or without it. Some specimens can be used both as an original jewelry box and simply as an unusual interior solution.

2. Thermo mug or thermos

Photo: pixabay.com

If the birthday girl spends a lot of time away from home, often travels on business, likes to travel or occasionally get out into nature, a new (or first) thermo mug will not hurt her. A more expensive and practical option is a thermos. If the gift budget is limited, it is better to buy a product of smaller volume, but of high quality. Consult with the seller in the store, study the reviews and then you will be able to pick up the perfect gift.

3. Cocktail syrup set

Photo: Markus Spiske, pexels.com

An original gift that will be appropriate if the birthday girl is your good friend (for example, a neighbor), and if you were invited to a birthday as a “plus one”. With the help of sweet syrups, you can make a cocktail or refreshing lemonade at home, or you can simply add it to coffee or tea. On sale you can find branded sets with dispensers, or you can assemble a gift yourself.

4.

Book Photo: pixabay.com

A classic, whatever you say. As a gift, you can choose a recipe book, a novelty of the detective genre, or something about self-development - in this case, you need to be at least a little guided in terms of the tastes of the birthday girl. If you do not know about her preferences, you can give a certificate to a bookstore - a win-win option.

5. Wind tunnel certificate

Photo: Gil Cohen Magen, globallookpress.com

Flying not in a dream, but in reality is a childish fantasy that any adult can easily realize today. A few minutes in the wind tunnel can replace a parachute jump for those who are afraid of such extreme entertainment. True, not in every city you can find a wind tunnel. In this case, a bungee jump or a trip to the trampoline center can act as a substitute, depending on the level of readiness of the woman.

Gifts for a friend

Today, on the eve of their birthday, many girls and women create wishlists where they enter the things that they would like to receive as a gift, events and master classes that they dream of attending. If your friend did not take care of this, we suggest considering these non-trivial options - in case something turns out to be the perfect gift.

1. Balanceboard

Photo: market.yandex.ru

It is a board (like a skateboard deck, only flat and wider) and a solid roller. The board is placed on a roller, and on such a simple design you need to keep a balance. To an ignorant person, this may seem like child's play. But in fact, it is difficult to maintain balance on the board, you need to train daily. With the help of a balance board, simple push-ups and squats will be more effective. And if your friend is into snowboarding, skateboarding or surfing, a balance board will help her keep fit at any time of the year or day.

2. Headphone sleep mask

Photo: pixabay.com

This is a soft elastic mask with thin earmuffs inside. With the help of such an accessory, you can quickly abstract from the environment, plunge into the darkness and your favorite music. And it doesn’t matter that a neighbor is snoring in the next seat of the plane, or the husband is watching the Champions League in the same room - the mask-headphones give valuable privacy and comfort.

3. Recording a song

Photo: pixabay.com

If your friend loves to sing and even composes her own songs, she will definitely be delighted with such a gift. Certificates are sold by recording studios in different cities, find out if there is one in yours or in a neighboring village. Thanks to such a surprise, your girlfriend will be able to feel like a real star.

4. Hair tongs

Photo: @nataliya-vaitkevich, pexels.com

Such a device will allow you to quickly and even without any special skills create a spectacular hairstyle or simply style your hair in a new way. The price depends on the brand, power and number of options. Some models allow you to make extreme curls, voluminous curls or straighten strands, while others suggest one thing. If you are sure that your girlfriend does not have tongs or curling irons, such a gift will come in handy - at least as an experiment.

5. Facial massager

Photo: shutterstock.com

The simplest mechanical roller massagers cost very little. They differ in material, method of application. Some are also suitable for body massage.

Electric versions of massagers are, of course, an order of magnitude more expensive, but in this category you can find worthy budget models. Pay attention to the power and availability of the necessary options.

Gifts for a friend

As a rule, it is not difficult for friends to choose a present, because usually we know everything about their hobbies and tastes. The main thing is not to confuse your dreams with the desires of a friend. Here are some original ideas for inexpensive birthday gifts for a friend.

1. Stylish raincoat

Photo: pixabay.com

This is not about primitive polyethylene products, but about models that you want to wear even just in cloudy weather. It can be a raincoat of a classic look, a comfortable poncho or a raincoat-windbreaker in an unusual color. Yes, in order to get a stylish and at the same time inexpensive option in a store or on a marketplace, you will have to look. But if you have the desired image in your head, you can buy waterproof fabric and order tailoring - this is many times more interesting!

2. Keyboard

Photo: pixabay.com

Choose a present depending on your friend's hobby or work. On gaming keyboards, some keys are highlighted in color and even have a different surface texture. The panels themselves also differ in design and coloring. If your friend is not an avid gamer, and the new panel may be useful to him for work, pay attention to the convenient options on the keyboard, ergonomic shape, size and weight. Well, if there is a sensor that warns of charging consumption.

But definitely don't buy a keyboard at random - just because you have a big discount or you like the backlight. It is better to consult with other friends and find out what exactly the birthday person wants.

3. Grill

Photo: pixabay.com

Many men love to cook, and there are those for whom it is a necessity. The grill will allow you to cook a full meal, including for a dinner party with guests, or a fragrant snack for foamy.

You can grill sausages, vegetables, meat, fish, shrimp and even shawarma on the ribbed plates. As a present, choose a large electric grill (if your personal budget is not enough, you can chip in with friends) or a mini version. The latter option is suitable for an inveterate bachelor or student.

4. Pitbike ride

Photo: pixabay.com

Pitbike is a lightweight motocross bike. Even if your friend is not a biker, this experience will definitely add variety to his life. Or maybe it will be the start of a new hobby.

Pit bike riding can be replaced with skydiving or bungee jumping or something else. And if extreme is not for your friend, consider these options: a pottery master class or a visit to a shooting range.

5. Portable speaker

Photo: pixabay.com

If your friend cannot imagine himself without music, likes to introduce his friends and neighbors to his favorite tunes, give him a portable speaker. The technique is useful at home (instead of TV and radio), and in the country, and when traveling.

The price depends primarily on the brand. But even among the budget models of little-known manufacturers, you can find a quality thing with a clear sound. True, you will most likely not find additional options there.

Gifts for mom

I would like to please the dearest person on his birthday with something unusual. But not everyone can give a new car, a tour to the Maldives or even a smartphone. We offer several ideas that can be implemented with the most modest budget. But the birthday girl will be happy.

1.

Homemade ice cream maker Photo: pixabay.com

For women who love sweets, but are skeptical about the range of stores. With this technique, you can quickly and without getting out of your homemade pajamas cook a kilogram (or even more) of natural ice cream with any additives, as well as, for example, sorbet or yogurt. The price range is wide, so everyone can buy something that mom will like without serious strain on the wallet.

2. Suspended swing chair

Photo: Martin Schutt, globallookpress.com

Such a thing will look great in the country house, on the terrace of a country house or even in an apartment (if there is somewhere to fix it). The most inexpensive models are sold without a special support: you will either have to buy it, or you will need to attach the chair to the ceiling or beam.

But you can fork out (or chip in with other relatives) and buy a ready-made complex with a rack - such a model is more mobile, it can be installed even on a balcony - if the area allows.

3. Certificate for ceramics workshop

Photo: KoolShooters, pexels.com

Perhaps your mother is one of those people who wave modestly: “I don’t need anything, just get together.” And it is possible that this is so: the house is a full bowl. But if in material terms it is difficult to surprise a birthday girl, then a gift from the category of master classes may be out of place.

Invite your mother to a lesson in ceramics or epoxy, for example. Think about what could captivate her and, most importantly, keep the birthday girl company - she will be doubly pleased.

4. White noise generator

Photo: Caio, pexels.com

If relaxing and falling asleep is a problem for mom, you can give a gadget that will help her with this. A white noise generator is often bought for babies, but modern models are also designed for adults.

The noise of nature and unusual sounds that you may miss (for example, the sound of train wheels), different tonalities of "white noise", melodies for yoga and meditation - all this is stored in the device's memory. Some models are equipped with backlight and touch controls. As a rule, there is a timer.

5. Folding table

Photo: pixabay.com

It is a pleasure to have breakfast in bed, work without getting out from under a soft blanket, or watch an interesting movie before going to bed with a glass of wine with goodies - all this can be done with the help of such a table.

Basically just a sturdy tray with folding legs - but that just sounds primitive. Modern models are made of wood, bamboo, plastic, metal and glass. The first two options are the most common and practical. You can place treats on them, and place a laptop - the main thing is not to make a mistake with the size.

Gifts for dad

If the father does not have a favorite hobby, it is difficult to give him a gift that will delight the birthday boy. How to solve the problem? Try to enter from the non-obvious. Do not look for a present for your father in gift shops, think about what could surprise him, remember family jokes, ask his friends. A great idea can lie on the surface.

1. Nordic walking sticks

Photo: pixabay.com

Nordic walking allows you to diversify everyday life, spend more time in the fresh air, improve your health, immerse yourself in your thoughts and even make new friends. It is important that you can start at any age and with any level of training.

Choose sticks made of quality material (with carbon in the composition) from a trusted brand as a gift. The size can be selected according to the formula: multiply the height by 0.68, or buy telescopic poles that are adjusted to the height and features of the route.

2. Travel bag

Photo: pixabay.com

For a man who often goes on business trips or just likes to travel, a travel bag is a necessary thing. In fact, this is a bag for hygiene items, cosmetics and other important little things, which unfolds for convenient use of things. Many models are equipped with a hook to hang unfolded in the shower or bath.

You can give an accessory by first filling it with the necessary things. Dad will certainly appreciate the care and attention.

3. Sauna pourer

Photo: pixabay.com

This is the same wooden bucket that is usually found in every sauna. It is mounted on the wall, water is collected by a special mechanism, and you can release the cooling stream onto yourself by pulling on a chain or rope.

If your dad is a true fan of the bath or sauna, he will definitely be happy with such a gift. The price primarily depends on the material. For example, linden is cheaper than oak.

4. Paragliding

Photo: pixabay.com

If your father likes to try new things, respects sports, paragliding is a good option for a birthday present. And if he lives along the “home-work-home” route, occasionally getting out to the country, to the cinema or to meet friends, then this is an ideal gift.

The birthday boy will get fresh emotions, try new experiences, and be able to experience children's delight. It is important to make sure in advance that there are no contraindications. If your dad is afraid of heights or has health issues, it's best to opt for something more relaxed, like dog sledding or buggy riding.

5. Wobblers

Photo: Gaspar Zaldo, pexels.com

If a father is fond of fishing, this gift will definitely come in handy for him. At least for experimentation and more variety. To choose a good gift, you need to at least roughly understand what methods of catching fish dad uses, who he “hunts” for - the type and size of the wobbler will depend on this. You can buy several pieces individually or immediately ready-made set. By the way, some models of wobblers are even more expensive than large sets. A store specialist will help you choose a good gift. Or maybe dad's friend with whom he goes fishing.

Gifts for a girl

A teddy bear, a doll or a bright book with fairy tales are good options, but banal. In addition, such gifts may not please the girl if she already has an entire room full of toys. It is better to show imagination and study a little the interests of the young birthday girl. Here are some original inexpensive gift options.

1. Pennyboard

Photo: pixabay.com

This is a skateboard cousin, but lighter and smaller. Pennyboard is great for urban conditions, even beginners can ride. For an active girl who is already bored with roller skates and a scooter, a penny board can become a new “friend”. A rich selection of colors and sizes seriously facilitates the task of choosing a gift. The main thing is to pay attention to the quality of the suspension and the deck itself.

2. Hair crayons

Photo: pixabay.com

Even girls of preschool age, not to mention teenagers, sometimes want to change something in their appearance, show off in front of a mirror. It's good that there are special cosmetics that are easy to apply and just as easy, if necessary, to be washed off. With the help of colored hair crayons, a young fashionista can make bright strands - for example, in the color of a sweatshirt or even “under the rainbow”. You can choose a set, focusing on the budget - even if there are only 2-4 crayons, this is already a great birthday present.

3. Set for creating jewelry

Photo: pixabay.com

Not all parents can (and consider it necessary) to give their child gold and precious stones. And you don't need to. With the help of a set of rings, beads, cords and charms, the girl will be able to create jewelry herself. Depending on the age and taste of the child, choose the appropriate set: younger girls will appreciate the variety of bright plastic gizmos, and a schoolgirl will already fit a set of metal alloys.

4. Puzzle game

Photo: @mccutcheon, pexels.com

Here it is most important to focus on age and level of development: if a girl has been playing chess since the age of 4 and knows how to multiply already in the first grade, simple games for her age may seem boring.

But given the variety of puzzles, choosing a gift will not be difficult. It can be a board game, a fun miniature toy from the "on the road" series, or a whole set in the form of a book with tasks.

5. A set of gummies

Photo: pixabay.com

Birthday sweets are always welcome. Except, perhaps, in those cases when the child cannot have sugar or he does not like such treats. You can, of course, give a chocolate bar or a cake, but a set of bright chewing marmalade is much more fun and original. Especially if you are going to a children's party. Young guests, led by the birthday girl, will be delighted to explore different tastes. Of the minuses - far from ideal composition.

Gifts for a boy

Despite the young age of the birthday boy, you should not buy just “something boyish” as a gift if you really want to please your child. Then how to choose? Consult with his parents, brother or sister, listen to the boy - what he talks about, what music he listens to, and what books are on his shelf in the nursery.

1.

Roller skates Photo: pixabay.com

There are different options that fit any budget: you can give the boy roller skates or even a whole set with protection and a backpack, or inexpensive skates that are worn on shoes. This option is simpler: you can put such rollers in a backpack or a bag with a change and take it with you to school or for a walk. I wanted to ride with the breeze, I took out a pair with wheels, put it on and go! Even if the young birthday boy already has videos, such a mini version will definitely not hurt.

2. Chemistry kit

Photo: pixabay.com

Boys often get cars or robots for their birthdays. But you can show your imagination and give the child the opportunity to feel almost like a scientist. A kit for chemical experiments, a kit for a young archaeologist or something else - choose a gift depending on the interests of the hero of the occasion. If you don't know about them, ask the boy's parents.

3. Play tent

Photo: Artem Podrez, pexels.

com

You can buy a stylish tent in the form of a wigwam (suitable for the smallest), or you can buy a set of sticks and balls from which you can assemble the frame yourself (or with the help of adults ). This design is easy to disassemble and does not require much storage space. And the assembly process itself is already an exciting experience. If there are several children in the family, be sure that all the children will be involved, and no one will be offended.

4. Children's camera

Photo: pixabay.com

This is a real mini version of "adult" cameras with stylish appearance and bright colors. The technique shoots well, you can even record video (but in low resolution). And the set of functions (and, accordingly, the number of buttons on the body) is not too large, so the child will quickly figure it out with such a camera. At the same time, such a thing costs several times cheaper than a conventional camera.

5. Original piggy bank

Photo: pixabay.

com

If you think that modern piggy banks are all the same pot-bellied pigs that were in fashion before, you are mistaken. There are unpretentious options in the form of dogs or bright cans, you can consider more original ones - for example, in the form of a safe with a combination lock. You can also buy an interactive battery-powered piggy bank. For example, a panda thief or a piggy bank with a human face that literally chews up your coins and banknotes - the child will be delighted.

Gifts for a girl

In fact, it is not difficult to make a girl happy on her birthday. The main thing is to present a present that will demonstrate that you are interested in her hobbies, you know about her tastes. Attention and care is a great value.

1. Wine table

Photo: pixabay.com

Stylish and elegant gift. Simple options are trays on legs with recesses for a bottle and glasses, they can be placed in a bed or on a sofa. There are more complex (and expensive) models - like real mini-tables. Some have compartments for snacks, a recess for a hookah, and other options. In addition to functionality, appearance is also important: a stylish wine table can decorate the interior.

2. Soap making kit

Photo: pixabay.com

If a girl is often bored and has nothing to do, or, on the contrary, she is looking for herself and trying different hobbies, take part in this. Give the birthday girl a soap making kit, which includes a soap base, various oils and other components, including dyes and flavors, molds, gloves, spatulas and more. Package contents may vary, as well as the quality of things. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to read the reviews - so that the present does not bring disappointment and does not force the girl to fork out for additional materials for the first exciting experience.

3. Floating certificate

Photo: pixabay.com

Feeling yourself outside the laws of physics is a great pleasure. It is easy to give it to a girl on her birthday. Floating is a procedure that is carried out in a special room with a pool, tank or capsule filled with a special dense solution. It gives a complete feeling of weightlessness. This is the perfect option for those who want to be alone with themselves and really relax.

4. Harness/harness

Photo: Kamaji Ogino, pexels.com

Harness is an accessory made of thin leather straps that looks beautiful and emphasizes the dignity of the figure. It can be worn over casual clothing to show off your style, or over bare skin for an intimate setting. In addition to leather, other materials can be used, such as metal chains. Garter - in fact, the same thing, only worn on the hips.

It is unethical to present such a gift to an unfamiliar girl. But if you are in a close relationship, then the gift can be appreciated.

5. Aromatic massage candles

Photo: @paul-wence, pexels.com

You can assemble a gift set yourself, or you can buy a ready-made set. A universal gift: candles exude a pleasant aroma while burning, the natural safe composition allows them to be used for massage, in addition, such a present will become an effective interior solution.

Gifts for boyfriend

How to please a young man on his birthday? To present what he has been dreaming of for a long time, to replenish his collection or to surprise him with an unexpected present. We'll give you some ideas - choose the right one.

1. Board game

Photo: pixabay.com

There are a lot of options. If a person, as they say, ate a dog on the boards, you need to find out which games he prefers. It can be a wargame (military strategy, often with figurines), a puzzle, something gambling or psychological.

If the guy in the "amateur" category, or in general, the last time he played something in his childhood, then you can start with simple but fun options like jenga. Or maybe he will be interested in something unusual - for example, alcohol chess?

2.

Artificial wave certificate Photo: Sina Schuldt, globallookpress.com

A chance to learn to surf, even if a young person lives away from any natural spots. He does not need to have anything at home: in such clubs they give out both a board and a wetsuit. There is also an instructor.

If there are no artificial wave pools in your city, you can look for something else: for example, a drumming workshop or a trip to the ropes park. For emotions and new experience, the birthday boy will be grateful to you.

3. Mini exercise bike

Photo: pixabay.com

Simple design with pedals, many models also have a sensor and / or display. With the help of a mini-exercise bike, you can do sports at home, it takes up little space, if necessary, you can take it with you to the country house or on trips. And the price - at times different from the more "full-size" counterparts.

4. Slippers

Photo: pixabay.com

Why not a great gift? Slippers are a symbolic manifestation of care. Depending on the style and sense of humor, you can present a classic model made of quality materials, stylish “puffy” unisex slippers or funny soft “paws”. Do not miscalculate with the size: it is better to take a little more, but ideally - know the length and width of the foot.

5. Covers for car seats

Photo: pixabay.com

If a young man has a car that he cares for and cherishes, a set of covers will be a good gift. It will not make it difficult for you to pick up: many models are universal and suitable for the seats of different cars. You just have to choose the material (eco-leather, leather, velor, other textiles) and colors.

But, of course, there is a risk of not guessing the size and other characteristics, so if you are not confident in your abilities, ask the seller for help or consult with the birthday boy's friends.

Colleague Gifts

Foot Hammock
Mini Coffee Maker
Potted Plant
Book Holders
Funny Poster

3 Learn More

Gifts grandmother

Floor lamp
Modular picture
Dish for wicker basket
Fashionable felt boots
Teapot

Learn more

Gifts for grandpa

Anatomic pillow
Fire bowl / hearth
Online cinema subscription
Antique map of the world
Fishing sounder

Learn more

Gifts for sister

Decorative candlesticks 0289 Jewelry box

LED garland

Electric mill for spices

Sadhu boards

Learn more

Gifts for brother

Tent
Original alarm clock
Bartender's set
Frisbee
ATV certificate

Learn more

Boss gifts

Coffee grinder
Neck massage cushion
Vintage coaster

Learn More

Original Cheap Birthday Gift Ideas

Picnic Set
Loft Lamp
Smoker
Aroma diffuser
Table lamp
Pourover (funnel for quick coffee brewing)
Set of colorful socks
Samovar
Screen for sauna 9028 290
Electric corkscrew
Video recorder
Water bottle
Portable tea ceremony set
Urban/sports backpack
Yoga mat
Portable projector
Set of expanders
Parktronic
Camping lamp
Sandwich maker
Bowl set
Hookah
Space quiz trip (intellectual game)
Cappuccinatore
Blanket
Electric toothbrush
Barrel for drinks
Decorative panel
Karting
Smart ring
Massage certificate
Designer damask
Gainer / sports nutrition
Skates
Umbrella
Serum set for home care
Tie set
Paraffin bath for hands
Darsonval device
Vacuum Lip Augmenter
Glass set
Snowboard sticker
Vitamins
Karaoke/concert trip
Quadcopter
Humidifier
Sushi set
Laptop bag
Outdoor picnic
Training course
Home weather station
Jewelry stand
Klat 980 Kigurumi 290
Mini air conditioner
Beach towel
Certificate for kitesurfing lessons
Mixer
Bean bag
Storage box set
Yogurt maker
Manicure and pedicure set
Screwdriver
Theater tickets
Serving board
Visit to the trampoline center.

How to choose an inexpensive birthday present

You can show attention, imagination and taste with any budget. Namely, it depends on this, first of all, whether it will be possible to make the birthday man happy. We will tell you how to choose an inexpensive and good birthday present.

Budget

Determine how much money you are willing to spend on a holiday surprise. You may also need to consider flowers, packaging, and some other additional costs.

By the way, beautiful and original packaging is an important point, you should not neglect it. It will show that you prepared for the event and took the time. It is not necessary to spend money on the services of specialists, you can find a cheaper alternative - for example, a spectacular gift bag, or try to arrange everything yourself.

Determining the distance

The range of gifts that you can choose for a birthday person depends on how close you are. It is definitely not worth giving goods from the 18+ category to an unfamiliar person, colleague, boss, for example, underwear.

In addition, there is no need to look for a gift among things that can be ambiguously evaluated by the recipient. For example, anti-cellulite cosmetics, household cleaning products, books with “talking” titles like “How to Survive a Divorce” do not need to be given unless the birthday person strongly asked you to do so or did not include this or that thing in your wishlist.

Turning on the inductive method

That is: collecting facts, recalling conversations, studying household trifles, the birthday man's style, what is on his desktop, in the car, on the smartphone screen saver. Such a "detective" approach will help to understand what interests a person, what he would like to have, but all hands do not reach to buy. Perhaps the birthday boy dreams of bungee jumping, but does not get around to it? Or he complains that he wants to have an expensive beautiful diary, but the economy mode does not allow spending money on office supplies.

Even if you go to a celebration as a random guest, it is good practice to learn at least a little about the birthday person so as not to get into trouble. For example, a cake will be out of place if a person is forced to limit himself to sweets for health reasons.

And now - the method of deduction

We go from the general to the particular. If you know enough about the hero of the occasion, you can choose a good present within a limited budget by showing a little imagination. For example, for a person who likes to take care of himself, a certificate for an unusual massage will be a good gift. If the birthday boy is fascinated by aesthetics, give him something ordinary - but handmade or rare. For example, it can be a vintage cologne, a hand-knitted balaclava, an antique pencil glass, or hand-cured meat in a beautiful package.

Why be friends with a person with a disability or an orphan

Anastasia Ganoshchenkova

believes in friendship

Author profile

Often people with disabilities or wards of orphanages and neuropsychiatric boarding schools live in isolation from the outside world.

Therefore, being outside their familiar environment, they may become confused and not know how to act. Charitable foundations create volunteer programs in which volunteers can be friends with such people and introduce them to the world around them, as well as learn something new for themselves from them. We have collected stories of such friendship.

These are stories from the Community. The editors asked questions, carefully edited and designed according to the standards of the magazine

“A. has already taken a place in my life”

nessytoon

is friends with a teenager from an orphanage

Author profile

How I started to help. I'm from St. Petersburg. Since 2016, she has made it a habit to send small amounts of bonuses to WWF and tried to do it regularly. Then, in 2019, I learned about the Need Help Foundation and started donating money to charities through it. In total, from 2016 to 2022, I donated 9 to charity0 000 R. I also regularly donate blood, but sometimes I get a rejection due to low hemoglobin.

In the middle of 2022, I decided to help on my own and for this I looked at St. Petersburg NGOs on the Need Help website. The fund “Big Brothers, Big Sisters” seemed the closest. It organizes the work of volunteer mentors who interact with wards from orphanages, or, as they are now called, centers for the promotion of family education - TsSSV. It seemed interesting to me, and I sent an application.

The Ministry of Justice entered the World Wide Fund for Nature in the register of foreign agents

The curator of the fund conducted an interview with me, in which he asked about childhood, relationships with parents, cases of physical or other violence. So he, apparently, tried to make my psychological portrait. After that, the curator sent a list of documents that needed to be prepared: a certificate from the psycho-neurological dispensary and from the Ministry of Internal Affairs on non-conviction, questionnaires and fluorography. It was in June, when all the children were on vacation, so the further process was put on hold.

At the end of the summer, I went through a two-day training with the same future mentors. At the event, we got to know each other in a playful way, we were told about the system of orphanages and how children live in them.

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The wards of the CCSS are well-fed, dressed and under the careful supervision of educators - at least this is what I saw in the example one specific center in St. Petersburg. Traditionally, philanthropists shower children with gifts for the New Year, volunteers occasionally appear, but children do not have significant adults in their lives, and there is practically no motivation. Until the age of 18, everyone lisps with pupils, and then they forget about them - and they just get lost. Because of this, there is a high level of crime among orphans, it is difficult for them to socialize in society.

The Big Brothers, Big Sisters Foundation — my friend laughs that it's more like Big Sisters, Big Sisters, because there are only about 10% of male volunteers — trains mentors who communicate with children for at least a year on a weekly basis. During such a period, attachments are formed, and a volunteer can influence a child's life, teach something new, show professional prospects, and listen trivially.

Children from the age of six participate in the program: they don’t take very young ones, because they can confuse the roles of parents and mentor, which may cause a certain dissonance. Although in the fund it happens that a volunteer adopts or adopts a ward. This is not an end in itself, and no one initially plans for this, but sometimes such a good side story happens.

Community 12/16/21

Is it possible to give gifts to children in orphanages for the New Year?

Even at the training we were warned not to build illusions. Children from orphanages can beg money from mentors, it is difficult for them to build personal relationships, they do not understand the value of friendship. Some teens may smoke, drink alcohol, or even take drugs.

We were also told that there may not be a connection between a volunteer and a ward - this is normal. Friendship can be rejected by both the "senior" and the "junior" - this is how volunteers and children from orphanages are called in the fund.

This is a New Year's Eve photo session in an orphanage with other mentors and their "younger ones". We often get together with other volunteers - this is a community of inspired and cheerful people

How I started to be friends with A. A month after the training in mid-October, I met the "youngest" - I will call her A., so as not to depersonalize. Then, together with her, me, the foundation and the orphanage, we signed a four-sided formal agreement. According to him, it was assumed that we would communicate for a year and meet once a week. Of course, this was not a constant and could vary, because we are all human.

A. is a social orphan: she and her brother were removed from the family a couple of years ago. She is smart, with a typical teenage flair of angst, constantly “crying” from all over. She is 17, but it seems to me that emotionally she is much younger than her age. She does not have any problems with alcohol, she did not run away from the orphanage, but there are difficulties with her studies: A. does not see the point in it.

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Orphans often have problems with financial literacy, but A. has a basic understanding of money. She knows how to use Sberbank-online, she has on her card the money set aside by her grandmother until demand. They are not on the deposit because, according to A., the orphanage forbids doing so.

Once Magnit-Kosmetik came to their office and offered them a job at a rate of 170 R per hour. Pupils could work two or four hours a day, and then get a part-time job in a company. A. agreed. She has already completed trainings from the company and received a medical certificate - she should return to work soon.

In principle, A. is money oriented, but she has no strategic thinking. That is, it is better for her to get money now, and not save, it is better to work now, and not first get a higher education.

Together with A. we meet once a week, after choosing a place. We went to the park, made pizza, ate at a cafe. As far as I know, pupils are given pocket money, but not much. That's why I cry most often in cafes. But we rarely go there, and A. never chooses expensive dishes.

Sometimes it is difficult for me because my ward does not show initiative and I myself choose what we will do next week. I tell her about it and she tries to listen to me.

I am not very perceptive, but I try to listen to A. and discuss current issues. I feel how trust is gradually building up, how she tries in a rather childish way to please me with her grades. If at the beginning of our communication she was categorically against higher education, now she is already planning to take the exam.

What does it give me. In the first month, communication with A. brought more anxiety than joy. I was worried about what we would do next week, where to take her so that she would not be bored. Then I relaxed and realized that simple communication is much more important and there is no need to go to the theater, museum or exhibition every time.

A. has already taken a place in my life. We are always in touch, she talks about events from school, shows her tiktok and boldly resents that she does not like it.

“Participation in charity gives a feeling of belonging to something big”

Maria K

is friends with an orphan girl

Author profile

How I started helping. I have been donating money to various charitable foundations and organizations that are engaged in animal protection for a long time. And the company I work for supports orphanages. We took pupils of regional institutions to the zoo and to New Year's performances several times. I also took photographs of the wards so that their personal file would contain live, not staged photographs.

Educators have always openly said that their pupils are financially secure with everything they need thanks to the support of sponsors, but they lack personal live communication. After that, I began to think about how it is possible to help orphans in a different way.

"Sun City" is a well-known fund in Novosibirsk. I've seen their ads before, but I was touched by the banner of the Mentoring project: "Become a mentor for a child from an orphanage. " I know that I am very good at making friends, so I left a request on the site.

After that, I doubted for some time: I did not fully understand who a mentor was and whether I was suitable for this role. But the next day I got a call from the fund and was immediately invited to training seminars. So everything came together easily.

A mentor-mentee pair is selected by psychologists from a charitable organization. They do not tell how exactly they do it, but, most likely, they take into account a wide range of factors. In most cases, the hit is 100%.

Adolescents from the age of 12 participate in the program. They also fill out questionnaires: participation in the project is voluntary.

It is important to remember that a mentor is first and foremost an older friend, not a sponsor or educator. The main task of a mentor is to help a teenager prepare for an independent life.

Meeting of mentors and students of the project in Novosibirsk

How I started to be friends with N. On the day I met N. — I don’t disclose the name at her request — we were introduced to each other by the psychologist and the curator of the project, we talked a little on the territory of the orphanage . All cooperation takes place in close contact between the mentor, the psychologist and the institution where the teenager is located.

My ward came to an orphanage at 17 when her parents passed away, so she spent less than a year in the institution. It was during this period that we met, and it was important for me to help her survive the loss and give her a safe space to grieve.

In the first months of communication, there were difficulties, so I turned to a psychologist from the foundation. Specialists are always in touch, ready to help in any matter. Every month, the NPO holds group meetings for mentors and additional seminars.

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N. had a phone, so after we met we corresponded on social networks. All meetings and exit to the city must be coordinated with the teacher. Our acquaintance coincided with the beginning of the pandemic: we managed to meet live a couple of times - and then the lockdown happened. At first, it was difficult for me to build communication and try to support the “youngest” only by phone. Perhaps that is why we walk so often now.

Meeting of Volunteers of the Solar City Foundation

Now N. is 19 years old, she lives on her own. Most often, we go for a walk in the park, and then we go to a cafe. Sometimes we visit the cinema or some kind of master classes - for example, we made cups on a potter's wheel. We talk a lot about plans, her studies, relationships with friends and relatives.

Like many pupils from the orphanage, she lacks self-confidence, courage and understanding that the world is huge, beautiful and full of opportunities. It is important for me to let her know that I am on her side in any situation and I am always ready to discuss any problem with her, and joy too.

Our relations are developing, every year they become more trusting, and we are closer. It's nice to see how N. grows up and changes, becomes independent, what decisions she makes and how she builds relationships with friends. Of course, sometimes I really want her to listen to my words more and not be afraid to try new things. But N. is already a separate adult, and I am not her parent. Therefore, I can only confirm the words with my example and hope that she will be able to follow him.

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How I graduated from the orphanage and found a job

In addition, I notice how I myself am changing thanks to the project: I become calmer and more tolerant, I learn not only to hear N.'s words, but also to notice her emotions. Sometimes it is difficult for a teenager to express what he feels because he has never been asked about it.

For me, this project is not only about charity, but also about friendship.

In addition to mentoring, I subscribed to a monthly donation to the fund and always participate on April 11 in the traditional campaign "Day of care for a day of work." It seems to me that her idea is very simple and intelligible: to turn the cost of an hour of her work into care by paying for the work of specialists who help children stay in their families and not find out what an orphanage or shelter is. I always repost on social networks, tell my colleagues and relatives about the fund.

Once every two or three months, when I have a free day off, I go with the Volunteer Caravan to remote areas of the Novosibirsk Region. There we hold master classes for children from orphanages.

What does it give me. Participation in charity gives a feeling of involvement in something big, important. I am close to the global goal of the "Sunny City" - so that in our country there are no orphanages at all, and all children live in prosperous families. Therefore, it is pleasant to think that my participation in the life of the fund brings its implementation closer in small steps.

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How I became a foster mother to three girls

In addition, the volunteers, mentors and staff of the NGO is a great community that is very valuable to me. There are no random people. This is a space in which it is comfortable, calm, fun and you can always find support.

“Natasha and I enjoyed each meeting wildly”

Nastya Zhvik

is friends with a girl with a disability

Author profile

How I started helping. I started volunteering while still at school: I helped raise money to buy medical equipment to treat children with various diseases. I walked around the city with a box and asked people to make a donation - then I even managed to become the best volunteer in Sevastopol.

Then, in 2013, I entered the Higher School of Economics in Moscow and accidentally found out about the student club "Best Friends", in which volunteers made friends with people with mental disabilities. Before that, I had never interacted with such people, and I had many stereotypes about them. But I decided to try it and went with the club to the Experimentanium museum of entertaining sciences.

Anastasia Zhvik was entered by the Ministry of Justice into the register of foreign agents, 18+

At the meeting, we split into pairs — a person with a disability and a volunteer without it — and thus explored the space. Natasha Shikunova was paired with me, with whom we had a great time. Together they blew soap bubbles, got acquainted with optical illusions. In the museum, you could touch everything with your hands, it was fun.

Even though it was my first experience with people with disabilities, I felt super comfortable in their company

I liked it very much at the first meeting, so I continued to go to the club. The events were held once a month and were very interesting: we visited the cinema, the skating rink, various master classes.

Such meetings are needed because people with disabilities spend most of their lives at home or with their parents if they have one. They have almost no other communication experience due to stereotypes in society. In addition, meeting people in a big city and finding new friends is hard.

To help people with disabilities find friends, at 19In 89, the international Best Buddies Foundation appeared in the United States. In Russia, a branch of the Best Friends Foundation has existed since 2009. In addition to friendship, the NPO also helps people with disabilities find jobs and develop leadership qualities.

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How I started to be friends with Natasha. After several events, I became even more friends with Natasha. From the first meeting I was struck by how much energy, joy, happiness and love she had. It coincided so much with my world that I immediately wanted to be friends with her.

Natasha lives with her husband, who also has a disability, in her own apartment. She is an orphan and grew up in an orphanage. In it, she now works as a cleaner.

Natasha is short and gives the impression of a 12-year-old teenager, although she is 40 years old. She is always ready for different adventures, she is very positive and does not like to sit still - in this we are similar to her.

Together with Natasha, we went to various fund events. With each meeting, she opened up to me more and more, taught me to dance, introduced me to her friends, talked about her life. Thanks to her, all my stereotypes slowly collapsed, and I understood that people with disabilities are no different from people without it. They can love, feel, hug, rejoice in you just as much as anyone else.

I went twice for six months to study as an exchange student in Italy and Germany. At this time, we communicated with Natasha remotely, and she continued to attend Best Buddies club events. Then I returned to Moscow and in 2018 accidentally saw cheap tickets for 500 R to Petrozavodsk. I took them, and then I decided to invite Natasha on my journey. I was a little scared to spend so much time alone with her, but I took a chance.

Together we visited the residence of the Karelian Santa Claus - Talvi Ukko. That day was his birthday, so we saw a performance and a concert. On the estate, we played with dogs, looked at deer and took pictures in the dwellings of the forest Sami. We also visited several museums, walked along the city's embankment and saw Lake Onega.

In 2020, I returned to my native Sevastopol after the start of the pandemic, and one day Natasha flew to me there. She lived at my house, met my family, and I showed her her native places.

Now we continue to be friends with Natasha remotely: we write to each other several times a week, sometimes we call each other, tell how we are doing, and try to support each other during this difficult time.

What does it give me. Friendship with Natasha was initially some kind of natural for me, and not forced by the program. Therefore, thanks to the club, I just found myself another friend with whom I feel cool and easy. Another friendship with a person with a disability helped me become more open to the world and get rid of various husks - this helps a lot in life.

“We became a small volunteer family”

Sasha Zelinskaya

is friends with a girl from PNI

Author profile

How I started helping. I came to charity in 2015 when I was a first year student at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. I have always had a desire to help others, and especially those whom no one supports at all. Then I saw the Best Buddies club, and I became interested.

I became friends with Kirill with cerebral palsy. At first, it was a little scary and difficult, because it was hard to get used to his speech: you had to listen and adapt. I also treated him like a child, so I asked some childish questions, although he was over 25 years old.

At some point, he said that he loves art house, and my jaw almost dropped.

Then I realized that I needed to rebuild communication. We talked with Kirill for three or four years, and then communication came to naught by itself.

At that time, I read a lot of different social media: "Such Things" and "Mercy". Once I came across an interview with Vera Shengelia, a trustee of the Charitable Foundation for Helping People with Developmental Disabilities "Life Path" about psycho-neurological boarding schools, PNI. They are inhabited by people with disabilities who have no parents or guardians.

I began to immerse myself in the topic of PNI more: read books about it, listen to speeches, visited the festival. So I recognized this alternative universe with its own rules, laws and people, which is packed into one boarding school. I wanted to somehow share this world with others, so my friend from the volunteer club and I organized a lecture at the Higher School of Economics, at which Arina Muratova, a Life Path volunteer, spoke at that time.

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Some time later, Arina wrote to me and my friend and invited us to a summer camp run by a fund for adults with mental disabilities, including PNI residents. I thought it was a cool idea, but I wanted to prepare for the experience.

So, in May 2019, for the first time, I got into the Onion and Escalator volunteer group. In this project, volunteers meet every week with residents of the Moscow PNI at VDNKh. At these meetings, they cook, do ceramics, cartoons.

In Best Buddies, we talked to adults with developmental disabilities who have a family, and these people had a completely different background. Therefore, they did not know some basic things, and this really hooked me.

I was also struck by the atmosphere in our classes: I came and felt at home in this company, although I had never met anyone before. Therefore, I immediately developed an attachment to volunteers and guys - I went to these meetings every Saturday.

Here, together with the guys, we cook pumpkin cheesecake, it always turned out just mind-blowing

I helped those who lacked support, or those who experienced difficulties, for example, with cutting lettuce. Also, I could just join someone with whom I wanted to chat and work with him in pairs.

Approximately 12 people with disabilities and about eight volunteers came to each meeting - this number was constantly changing. The guys were brought centrally from PNI in a social taxi, and someone drove with a volunteer to the MCC.

Then in August we went to the camp. We were warned in advance that one or two volunteers are attached to one person with a disability, who help him if necessary.

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I was supposed to volunteer with one girl from the boarding school, but, unfortunately, she fell ill and could not come. Therefore, they transferred me to another girl - Ksyusha.

How I started to be friends with Ksyusha. Now she is 30 years old, she is small and looks like a child, but at the same time she is a fighting lady. At first, we didn’t have contact at all, since Ksyusha has a hard time accepting new people into her circle. At that time, she had volunteers she knew, with whom she had been friends for a long time. And she wanted to address them more than me.

It was difficult because I liked Ksenia and I wanted to communicate with her more closely. And yet she kept her distance. But we still had a good time in the camp, and upon my return I continued to go to VDNKh. Then Ksyusha thawed out a little - she probably realized that I was staying and I wanted to be friends with her.

Then the covid began, and it became difficult: the guys were forbidden to leave the PNI. Volunteers and I recorded short videos a couple of times, where we talked about ourselves, asked our wards how they were doing. The staff of the boarding school showed them these videos. We were able to see each other only towards the end of 2020, and this was the first time I got into PNI.

It was a powerful experience. Firstly, at each visit it was necessary to order a pass in advance. Secondly, it was necessary to do a PCR test in order not to get sick and not infect anyone exactly at that moment. The entire territory of the PNI is surrounded by a giant three-meter fence, beyond which one cannot even stick one's hand.

This is an institution for adults, but children's cartoon songs were playing from the speakers.

It was full of surprises, as if I were in another world.

We came in a group and talked with the guys in the assembly hall, drank tea and made simple sandwiches. Then they realized that covid was with us for a long time, and they equipped a small kitchen from improvised means in order to continue classes. We bought bowls, boards, knives and ordered food delivery to the boarding school. So we were able to restore our work in very limited conditions. We also walked with the guys around the territory of the boarding school itself.

It seems to me that Ksenia was very happy that I personally came to her. And at that moment, it was as if we had a new round of relations. Once volunteers brought varnishes, and Ksyusha and I painted each other's nails - she was delighted.

Then, finally, the quarantine slept a bit, and we had our first lesson at VDNKh — we cooked pasta and made soup. It was a super big event for everyone.

Then, in 2021, the summer camp was held, and volunteer Anya joined our couple with Ksyusha. So the three of us began to communicate and be friends, and Ksenia was only happier that she had two important people for her. We became a small volunteer family.

Once Anya took Ksyusha away from the boarding school to visit her for a day: they visited cafes and a hairdresser. I also picked her up once or twice: we went shopping, Ksenia paid with my card. It was important for me to continue to show her how to handle money and give her an understanding that it is earned and then spent. And they may not always be enough for something.

In one of the meetings after the store, we came to my house, boiled pasta, watched cartoons and went to work with Anna. She showed us her office and introduced her to her colleagues. Such outings can be arranged when the volunteer has time.

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"Anyone can be a light in dark times": how I got started doing charity work apartments. Our friends from PNI also took part in it. Together with social workers and volunteers, they learn how to live independently: cook food, wash floors, go to the store.

During this time, the boarding school allocates a certain amount of pension to the wards, which they can spend. This is the first time for them when they can decide something. Someone spends everything at once, someone saves up for something big. In total, the fund has three such apartments, which can accommodate up to 20 wards.

Ksyusha also participated in this program. I came to visit her, and she was already thinking about what we would do.

After an escorted stay, the guys return to PNI, and this is a heartbreaking story. Ksyusha called me and said she didn't want to go back. And I had to find arguments why a person should return to a boarding school. And this is simply impossible: in no other world should there be institutions of this type, where people live naturally as in a prison. Words cannot even describe how much this is contrary to everything that civilized society is fighting for. And you have to choose the words that now you need to return.

Then you yourself are shaking and crying because it's terribly unfair. But it's just that luck smiled at someone, someone didn't. Ksyusha and I are almost the same age, and I am lucky that I do not have any mental disorders, I was born in an ordinary, prosperous family, I have a job and I can volunteer. But Ksenia just got unlucky, and she lives in a boarding school. She has our Saturday meetings, there is a week in the camp, a month of accompanied accommodation. And this, in principle, is all her freedom.

Like any person, Ksyusha has a chance to leave the boarding school. There are two options: to restore legal capacity, which is very difficult, or if one of the employees of the fund or volunteers takes care of himself. This is a very long process, and I had such thoughts. But in 2022, I left Russia, and so far this process has been put on hold.

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We discussed my departure with Ksyusha. I told her that I would have to leave and I would not be able to attend our meetings, but that would not stop me from loving her and missing her. Now we communicate via video link whenever possible. Anya also left Russia, but every time she visits, she visits Ksyusha, just like me.

This is how our phone calls go, I am very happy with everyone

What volunteering does for me. This is a super big support, although it can be difficult.