The Perfect Gift for Kids? A Candy Bar and Cash

If you’re the kind of person who shops early, picks out meaningful gifts, and even wraps them with precision… this isn’t for you.

But if you’re more of a last-minute, “oh no the birthday party is TODAY” type, this might just change your life.

A writer for Slate recently shared her accidental discovery of the ultimate kid gift: a candy bar and a $20 bill.

It started as a desperation move. She forgot to buy a gift for a kid’s birthday party and, in a panic, slapped a $20 bill around a Kit Kat.

She figured it looked lazy compared to the other gifts the kid would get. But surprise! The kid lit up and shouted, “Money AND candy?” Instant win.

Even better, the parents followed up later to say it was his favorite gift. They loved it too—because it wasn’t another plastic toy they’d trip over by Tuesday.

Now it’s her go-to gift for every birthday, holiday, or kid-adjacent event. Zero stress. No wrapping.

No guessing what a 9-year-old’s into this month. And no fear of being the person who buys a duplicate LEGO set.

It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it spends well. So next time you’re at a gas station on the way to a birthday party, grab a Hershey’s and 20 bucks. You’ll look like a genius.