Bulk it out ideas

[PrincessWellington]

I would like some ideas for reasonablly priced bulkier items to add to the pile of presents. As they get older the pile gets smaller or more expensive. For age 9-15 (I have 3dcs in this age)

My ideas so far:
Toiletry bundle
New pillow
Cushion with nice cover they will like
Big bag of crisps or popcorn
2l bottle of favourite drink

Am struggling!

[chanie44]

Drinks bottle
Giant chocolate Santa
Pjs
Blanket

[featherpillow]

Pair of slippers.

Bath or swim towel with toiletries or new goggles/swim sticks wrapped inside.

A couple of annuals - some good offers will come up on them.

[attheendoftheday]

Magazine? Big tub of sweets?

[imsorryiasked]

Something Inflatable? Random flamingos or something more useful:

Inflatable Chair

[cowssheephens]

Watching with interest.

I've bought a dressing gown, blanket and monster feet slippers.

[itmustbemyage]

Put a selection of related smaller items with a low cost , such as for hobbies or interests e.g for someone into football put together new socks, rolls of that tape stuff, book on football, stickers, mug etc team merchandise (somewhere likes Sports Direct always has cheap bits and bobs)
or crafty bits and pieces (From Hobbycraft, The Range or The Works)
or for a film night in put together a DVD fancy popcorn, milkshakes or fizzy juice and maybe some themed merchandise.
Then get a large flattish cardboard box, Costco usually have these lying around near their tills.
Arrange the stuff nicely in the box and surround with shredded paper or bubblewrap for more fun. The perfect way to bulk up smaller items.
Also some selection boxes are quite big, and don't cost too much (I've never known a child of any age not be happy with a selection box)

[SimplyNigella]

The gift box idea is lovely itmust. It's very easy to get caught up in buying things just to make the pile look bigger, but really kids do understand that more expensive gifts are smaller so creative wrapping can make things more fun than sorting through a pile of things bought for the sake of it.

[PrincessWellington]

Thanks all.

I have also thought of:

School bag
Umbrella
Lunch box/bag
As no doubt these will need replacing at some point!

Also
Sleeping Bag
Hot water bottle or wheat bag
Duvet cover

[Thingywhatsit]

Last year I just got very creative with how I wrapped small things - did it for my mates kids as well. For example in my sons stocking he had 3 vouchers for ice skating at the local temporary ice rink. One was curled up in the middle of a unused loo roll, another in an empty cereal box, and another in his baby sisters new water bottle! Bulked out his stocking big time!!!! Also filled a cardboard box with tins of baked beans and put an iTunes voucher in and left it under the tree for a week- that was rather funny when he finally opened it on Xmas day morning! I will do the same this year as he will be 14 and his little sister 2, so she has lots of big boxes to get impact! Plus he found it rather funny and I think it will become a bit of memorable tradition!

I also make sure I go ott on sellotape for at least one present, and the rule you can't use any implement to open it- only fingers! Makes present opening last a bit longer

[dementedma]

Like the concept but think a 2l bottle of pop is a bit of a weird gift.

[PrincessWellington]

Demented - I never buy branded pop. One of my dc loves Fanta. Suppose it depends on how much of a treat it is. Fanta is a treat in this house (it's vile imo)

[PrincessWellington]

Thingy I like the beans idea! One of my dcs is bean mad. Could get one of those fridge pots of beans instead to put off the shape as well

[Thingywhatsit]

Haha no I didn't buy a 2ltr bottle of pop!!!! It was a new toddlers water bottle/cup thing, I had brought it for dd and when trying to find things to disguise vouchers I thought that would be good! (Juice cup was not brought as a Xmas pressie either!)