Best toys?

[Grandadwasthatyou]

An old friend is coming to stay shortly and bringing with her 2 grandchildren aged 3 and 8. Having not had children in my house for a long time I would like to provide a few toys which could keep them entertained, 2 little girls if that makes any difference.
Would love some suggestions as to what has worked for your dc and what have been particularly good buys

Sticker books and colouring books and pencils /crayons. Def no pens!

My DS is 6.5 and is happy with paper and a pencil case! He also likes top trumps, activity books / magazines. Maybe craft type packs?

My 3 year old loves play doh and jigsaws.

Enjoy their visit - you're a lovely host to consider what toys they will like!

Lego always good too.

@Tootle10 thank you! I can remember taking my own dc to relatives houses when they were little and being so grateful if a box of new toys/ activities was produced. Well, not necessarily new, just different.

Play dough is always a hit along with drawing things

Depending on how much you want to spend you could find some good charity shops may have some quality toys and books - we’ve had loads of good and/or new toys for years from them.

My DC(7) has liked:

Lego / Duplo
Colouring-in books and pens/pencils, plus blank paper
Arts & crafts
Kinetic Sand
Playmobil
Cars & vehicles
Marble Run
Role-play items like tea sets, doctor kit etc
Ball
Bubbles
Puzzles

Train track. Both ages will love it, we have a 3 and 8 yo in the house and this is something they both enjoy.

If you like outdoor activities, I might recommend nerf guns. A lot of fun from the game, and most importantly active game for children is the best sleeping pill (just kidding, you get the idea). My neighbor started a blog about it - https://blasterhero.com/

It depends on their interests and how much you want to spend but you can't go wrong with craft stuff, eg. colouring, stickers, playdough. 2 of my kids are girls, one is into dolls and the other isn't.