I have no idea if you have any dollar store in there, but if so, you can buy everything you need for a sensory play, starting with the container, stones, sand, cars, trucks, other toys. I’m sure that with $10 or $15 you can make a great gift for your 4 years old kid. My son is 4 and he loves sensory play and truck gifts, or dinosaur:) You are doing great mama!
Take him to the pet store and see if he would like a fish. Some have free fish, some are less than a dollar. If he seems into it, play coy and say you're not sure he's ready for such a big responsibility, but you have noticed he's been so mature lately... Go to a park with a creek and let him collect sand, small rocks, and plants to decorate his container. Get a small fish so you can use a pickle jar or something you'd otherwise recycle. (Walmart cheese balls come in a nice *big* plastic jar that is up to the task) If he's not into it, he'll still enjoy the trip, and you can try something else. If he likes books, maybe check out Dr Seuss's "Happy Birthday to You" from the library. Get some junk cardboard boxes from a store, or neighbors and build (and color!) a birthday castle together. Make paper crowns or party hats. Take him to meet some local firefighters (call in advance to make sure it's a good time). Give him all the love (❤️!) and he won't need the stuff.
Least yall b together tho or make a lil homemade card or something
Please drop your act number so we can all donate little money! God bless
Go on Pinterest and search for handmade toys. There are so many easy, cheap, diy options that he would love at that age. Make sure you spend the day doing some of his favourite things. Make him feel special. It will teach him a greater appreciation for the little things later in life.
When I turned 7 we had very little money my mum wrapped a potato in foil and stuck a candle in it, to this day we all still laugh about it and a few friends over the years have given me potatoes for my birthday
Just do something that doesn't take money. I'm sure he'll be fine going to the park for a birthday outing and doing a cake if you can get one or make one. People get too hung up on monetary stuff these days.
You are doing the best you can mama!! If you have the time, maybe you could take him to the park or museum. They’re usually free and you could walk if you are not mobile (hopefully it’s not too far for you). Even just quality time like a “walk and talk” can be special for a kid. 🥹
Also another trick is signing up for food apps! A lot of them give free items on your birthday. If your kid likes cookies Crumbl Cookies does it!!🤗
Don’t beat yourself up! Instead of a gift maybe you can make the day special. Do all of his favorite things or go to a park? You could always make something at home together to remember the day. Your son won’t think less of you at all and maybe you can make a core memory of the day! He’s gonna love you no matter what!