Unexpectedly have £50 to spend on 2dc - no idea what to buy

[Sukebind]

Ok, so this is obviously a massively privileged problem. Basically, a relative who we will be seeing over Christmas has sent £50 each per child with which to buy them a present. The relative will be there when presents are opened when we all get together on boxing day and I think they would like to see what the money was spent on and the children enjoying the gift. This makes me lean towards getting them an actual present rather than saving it, using it for an outing, etc. The thing is that they don't really need anything. They aren't demanding children, had fairly modest requests when asked what they would like and will get the things they asked for and, from various relatives, they will also get some things they haven't asked for! Does anyone have any ideas what to get? A joint present is also perfectly acceptable - they are girls aged 5 and 7 - both quite mature and good readers but easily frightened (most DVDs are out!). They have and enjoy sylvanians, vintage my little ponies and Polly pockets. The younger one loves Frozen but we don't need any more Frozen stuff! Thanks for any ideas you might have...

[Timeforabiscuit]

What about some amazing books - hard back ones that can be passed down to their children?

I would be tempted to get something like a new scooter for each of them, or a huge box of lego?

If they are arty a blackboard/easel with supplies? IKEA do a great one that's a blackboard and white board.

[Timeforabiscuit]

Ooh and toys r us have a frozen themed scooter.

[FriskyMare]

Something for the garden, a trampoline, swing, wig wam tent?
Dolls house?
In car DVD player ( mine still use theirs on long journeys at 17 & 14)
Electric keyboard
Will try and think of some more things mine shared when younger.

[gemdrop84]

any board games they could play together, big box of Lego/playmobil set, book set + chocolates/snuggle blanket, baby doll/pram each. Argos do a large wendy house/castle you can colour in yourself for about £20 + colours/crafty stuff/cuddly dragon each? Dd got the castle for her birthday and it's great!

[iwantavuvezela]

A keyboard to share, or musical instrument they might be interested in
Something to do with a club they may be part of like new dancing gear or ballet shoes,
Scooter or roller skates
New duvet cover , pyjamas

(Trying to think of things they may need in future, or things that could do with replacing)

Do they have a desk with two chairs. Lamps (like the beautiful world globes) or something like that?

If they love sylvananians a big house or something that is usually quite expensive they could share.

[ZeroSomeGameThingy]

I would still spend it on theatre / dance tickets for them. Would there be any possibility of the relative accompanying them to something a little later in the year?

[Sukebind]

Thank you everyone for your ideas. The younger one does need a new scooter as she has almost outgrown hers and we scoot every day. They are very lucky and have a Wendy house, swings and a pop-up beach tent they use in the garden. I was thinking about a wooden dolls' house . I would happily spend it all on books as we love them in this house. I am also thinking about some new dressing up clothes. And they love arty things (as does the generous relative!)...
Lots to think about - thanks everyone!

[Sukebind]

Zero and Wondering - yes, it is tempting to do that although it's unlikely the relative can go with them. I am going to talk it through with my husband later. I definitely do not want to fritter that much money away on something that will only last a few weeks.

[madsadbad]

If you really want to get them something, can you give some of the presents already brought to be opened on the day from the relative, use the other money to have some days out from you?

[Sukebind]

Mad - that's a good idea but they only really have one main present from us and then a stocking, so not much room for manoeuvre there...

[traviata]

a really good marble run

puppet theatre and puppets

[nocutsnobuttsnococonuts]

the lost my name books are beautiful. my dd 6 got one last year and she loves that it has her name. its a bit different to other personalised books.

my dd 6 still loves dressing up - would wear it every day out if I let her!! Tesco and Sainsburys had frozen ones in this week.

wooden dolls house sounds lovely especially if they like that sort of imaginative play.

[ihearttc]

Id get them both a gorgeous dolls house...they can use all their existing Ponies/Sylvanian stuff and even Frozen stuff with it.

[Nearlyadoctor]

How about some Playmobil - a castle or big set to share and then another smaller set each. They are the perfect age and there are some lovely fairy / unicorn or princess sets, otherwise perhaps some of the summer fun sets such as the campsite, camper van and a pool..

[bogiesaremyonlyfriend]

What about tickets to disney on ice? The one out next has the frozen characters, and relative could get a nice reaction? The money would pay for dds and you and dh but you may have to put a little extra to it (20-30£)

[Catmint]

Magazine subscription?

[vikjul]

What about a large set of magnatiles to share! Expensive but worth it as they are played with for years, and would go really well with their sylvanians etc.

www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=magnatiles&sprefix=magnatile%2Caps&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[vikjul]

Or a play silk each!

Very expensive, but my 6yo dd and her friends so much use out of these, for all sorts of imaginative play including grass/sea/sand for Playmobil, making dens, dressing up (actually more used than "real" dressing up stuff).

For example, there is this:

www.myriadonline.co.uk/products.php?id=1786&name=Rainbow%20Giant%20Silk%20Playscape

There is also a similar giant one with a starry night sky type pattern, as well as loads of smaller plain coloured ones.

www.myriadonline.co.uk/pure-silk-dressing-up-clothes-accessories.php

[hotdog74]

I would go with the playmobil suggestion upthread - my DD 4 got the dolls house for her birthday and has asked for more for Christmas. The campsite looks fab, as does the pool with the whale. Something they could play with together?

[fuzzpig]

I would get a lego set, a playmobil set and a couple of games I think.

www.myriadonline.co.uk/products.php?id=178 florentine

[fuzzpig]

*florentine dominoes - I have ordered these for DD.