Presents that don't add to our 'stuff', iyswim...

[NumptyMum]

Our neighbours are moving and we've just been gifted lots of lovely toys. We already have lots of toys. DS still hasn't opened/played with one of his birthday gifts received in August!

So for Christmas I'm planning on buying just a couple of toys each, but does anyone have suggestions for what else might make good gifts which WON'T add to the toy mountain? DS is 5, DD is 2.5.

[NormanTheForeman]

Clothes a size big enough they can grow into them. Edible items/bubble bath etc that are "useable". Items of small furniture or a cushion/clock etc for their rooms.

[LineRunner]

Once, when I was five, my mother bought me a bible for Christmas. That was nice...

How about a couple of newly released children's DVDs?

[NumptyMum]

Oooh, thanks - all good ideas so far.

I know on the Bargainous thread someone's mentioned Lush play soap so I'll look into that.

Playsilks look interesting, will check UK suppliers for those.

Bible already covered

DVD also a good suggestion, DD mad keen on Peppa, DS on pretty much anything.

Must go to bed, must go to bed, must go to bed... will check in again tomorrow

[NormanTheForeman]

Or books, which don't take up much space but you can read again and again.

[pinksomething]

For Christmas last year my mum paid for us all to go to the panto and had some sweets in the interval. (Mine were 5 and nearly 3.)
She has also funded a terms worth of swimming/dancing. Or ballet shoes/cardi/bag.
Anything they need ?... like duvet covers, slippers, dressing gowns, plates, cups.
DVDs, like a pp said but make it into a family movie pack - sweeties, pop corn, blanket to snuggle on the sofa with the lights off like the cinema.
Voucher for a meal in a special restaurant or a day out at a farm park. Something to plan for and look forward to when Christmas is all done and dusted.

Can you tell we have too many toys?! ;)

[fuzzpig]

I'm going for crafty stuff this year - so I suppose it adds to stuff a little bit, but will also get used up.

[Grockle]

DS always gets pyjamas & books and usually some nice clothes in the next size up. he loves chosing his own outfits so he likes clothes. I know a lot of children wouldn't.

I love foodie gifts - nice treats that I wouldn't buy myself but that we can eat so they don't add to the clutter. Or things like seeds - DS loves them. Also, days out - We took DS to Go Ape for his birthday.

I'm going to do some crafty things this year too - I'm crocheting my sister a blanket (her house is cold) and a drawstring bag for her wellies (she asked for one!)

[RueDeWakening]

DD (5) got given a subscription to Puffin Post last year, it's been brilliant - they get a welcome pack which you can stick under the tree, then in Jan get their first magazine through the post. They choose a book from that magazine which gets sent to them the next month. DD loves getting post, and this means she's getting something every month, winner all round

[PoppyScarer]

Annual passes to Legoland or another theme park, and a small toy related to that, with the promise of LOTS of lovely days out (try to go immediately after Christmas).

For the 2.5 year old you can buy subscriptions to the CBeebies comic and the Toybox version of it.

[Whenisitmysleepytime]

Def agree with annual passes.
We had zoo ones and went on average every 4 days from may to September. We only needed to go 3 times to get the money back iyswim. It has paid for itself at this rate! :)

[BlueChampagne]

Dressing up clothes?
Character bath towels?
Scooters? - to be kept outside
John Lewis does a good alarm clock that helps them tell the time here

Adding Puffin Post sub to DS1's Christmas list!

[gastrognome]

What about a WWF animal adoption? There are lots of animals to choose from.
Lots of other wildlife charities run similar schemes too.

[gastrognome]

PS had no idea Puffin Post was still going - I used to subscribe as a child!!

[MerylStrop]

pants
socks
dressing gown
soft fluffy fleecy blanket (or home knitted or hand quilted)
comic - rolled up - (and subscription if you want)
kids cookery book and small sized cooking things
craft things/activity books

[expectingnumber3]

We're the same. I've got 3 DC's, a tiny house and tonnes of "stuff"!

For the last couple of years, my DIL's and DP's have paid for a term of the kids activities, ballet, music lessons etc and given any kit that is needed for the activity, such as ballet shoes, so there is a present to open too. They then come and watch some of the classes.

It works really well. The grandparents really like giving a present that lasts and that the DC's enjoy for longer than a couple of days. And DC's and grandparents love the classes - DC's show off for DG's and DG's take loads of pics to boast about. And I've got a clutter free house! Result!

[craftynclothy]

We do a stocking for ours. It mainly contains stuff we'd buy at some point during the year anyway:

Bath foam
Wash mitt/sponge
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Bath bomb type things
Socks
Knickers
Crafty bits - Wilkinson's have loads around the £1 mark
Biros
HB Pencils (from Ikea - come in a tube with a pencil shrpener)
Notepads
A few sweets

Last year we got them a small puzzle each and a few DVDs.

Vouchers for days out, cinema vouchers (for KidsAM type of things it doesn't need to be for loads of money), scarf/gloves/hat, pj's.

[NumptyMum]

THANK YOU! On the run just now so only a chance for a quick scan, but looks like there's lots of ideas here. DD is very into her arts/getting messy, so the crafty supplies suggestion would work v well for her. DS more into cars... but perhaps I can figure something out on that front.

Cheers everyone!

[3duracellbunnies]

At that age they usually don't have too much concept of cost, so you can get away with lots of cheap presents, e.g. Baking stuff, books etc poundland is your friend, which will get used up, then use the money to buy membership somewhere. We are really enjoying English Heritage as ours are really into castles, history etc.