AIBU to still buy toys for Xmas ?

[Northtosouth]

I messaged SIL asking what niece (5) and nephew (6) would like for Christmas. I do this every year to see if there is anything specific I should buy.

SIL replied, she wasn’t sure but please no more toys as they’ve already had loads of toys bought for them from other family members. That’s fine happy to purchase something else but I asked her what and she said she wasn’t sure. I don’t have children yet, so other than clothes I can’t think of what else to get. Not sure how much a 5 and 6 year old would appreciate a new outfit for Christmas, although could be wrong?

If you were her would you be annoyed if I bought toys even though she’s said not to, on account of her not suggesting anything else ? Or can anyone send some inspo my way? Usually spend £50-75 on each of them for reference.

An annual family membership for something like a zoo, farm etc.

Beanbags.

Swim bag, floats, new costume and towel.

Maybe a toy for the garden.

Books.

My DD used to love getting clothes, especially if they were the sort that I wouldn't usually buy eg character sweatshirts, anything glittery or with a swishy skirt!

I second PP's idea for annual membership and books.

I'd also add - art/craft sets, tickets to an event (like TuffNutters or something like that)...

Pretty sure she means, please send cash. And tbh, it's probably the safest way to make she they get something they love. £50 cash = favourite auntie.

Can you start a savings account for them? My family did this, they set up a premium bond account. So much better than wasting money on more junk!!

I would be annoyed if I asked for no toys and then got £100-150 worth of them. Would feel a massive waste!

Mine have loved receiving blankets, books and magazine subscriptions!

What about a nice toasty set of pyjamas each to wear on Christmas night (and onwards) with their favourite characters on?

Books, onesies, dressing gowns/pjs/slippers etc? Or a voucher for a day out? Do they need something cool for their bedrooms like bedding sets, cushions, fairly lights etc? All things I've got for my god children before and have gone down really well as I like to avoid toys too!

I know that English is not my first language so I might get it erong but I would think "no toys" means don't gift any toys😂
Of course she will not be pleased. I agree with pps about membership or maybe a ticket voucher for a family day out somewhere nearby with LONG expiration date

One of the best presents I got as a kid was a duvet cover set.
I liked getting clothes as well.

Yes I would be annoyed if someone asked me what to get them, then completely ignored the one thing I said not to get them!

I'd get clothes, books or an experience.

They're 5 and 6. Do you really think they wouldn't want to spend it on toys??

Why would you not just ask what she wants you to buy instead?

I once got my niece and nephew a voucher for a day at Kidzania in London. They loved it! Talked about it for months afterwards. Season tickets are a good shout too. I would love an annual pass to soft play. Or maybe tickets to a show like Frozen if you think they’d be able to sit through it. Probably best to check with their mum first.

Premium bonds and a little reading book . Why waste money struggling to find a gift when the money could be put to far better use when they are older

Yes, me too!

I've bought bedding, pyjamas and dressing gowns for my nieces and nephews and they've all gone down well.

A subscription to a magazine or a craft box could be good options depending on what the kids are into.

My DD is almost 16 and still talks about the year she was 7 and her auntie made her a hamper with fluffy pj's and fluffy socks, a fluffy blanket, dvd (although I guess those aren't a thing these days!), hot chocolate sachets and a big mug. She made it look really fancy and DD thought it was the best thing ever

She hasn't told her what to buy though! Just what not to get

I know. That’s why I said why didn’t she just ask what to get instead of asking a load of strangers.

I got my nieces and nephews a €50 smyths voucher that way they can take a trip to the toy shop during the year when they are bored of their Christmas toys. My 5 year old get smyths vouchers off some family members and they are great to bring her at the start of summer to get some outdoor toys.

Please don’t get them toys, there is nothing worst than getting what you have asked specifically not to get. Get them clothes or bedding, I thought bean bags were a good idea from another poster. They are fun and cosy and kids love them!

Family cinema ticket gift box (showcase do the gift packs with snacks included)

Local attraction family ticket and cash in envelope for lunch

Gift card for the works or WHSmith so they can buy useable craft stuff or books

Gift card for family dining like Pizza Hut / TGI's if you know they go these places

These are alternatives to toys but still fun for the children, you could suggest something like this to your SIL?

Children often like clothing with their favourite characters or dressing up outfits. They might have favourite YouTubers who have special merchandise that could appeal?
You could go down the experience route. Tickets to the cinema would go down well in my experience and is a special day out. Are there any soft play or attractions near them that they might want to try?
I would definitely not get toys. I suspect that the house is too overcrowded for toys and that they will not be welcome.

Do they have a games console you could get games or accessories for?
Heelies, blankets, hot water bottles, clothes, books, new bedding, stuff for their room, stuff for hobbies they have, arts/crafts stuff, slippers, pyjamas, dressing gown, board games, bath stuff.

She did. It's in the op.

Ask your SIL if they have a favourite local attraction you could get them a gift voucher for. Mine loved the zoo, the trampoline park and the science museum at that age.