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.

How about an oodie each? They are on offer if you buy 2 at the moment.

A day out, books, vouchers, money.
Money is good as it can go to something bigger rather than loads of smaller toys.
A promise of a day out with you and giving SIL and husband a day off would be very appreciated, I'm sure!

Safari day trip or other day trip
nice bedding
nice pjs - like white company
nice outfit - like John Lewis
nice hair accessories - cute headbands etc
sport stuff if they are into any hobbies?
cinema voucher
smyths voucher
trip or tickets to see a London show

I often give them a voucher for a pet farm, cinema, local indoor play area.
Then they can enjoy a family day out together. Might be an idea.

I would give them a 'voucher' for a day out with you. Theatre/Cinema/IceSkating followed by dinner and a sleepover/movie night with you. I bet they'd love it, my niblings are always mad to stay at my house.

I'd second what a few others have suggested re; tickets for a special trip out with you e.g. age appropriate theatre show, day trip to zoo or theme park (Legoland, CBeebies Land etc) and lunch/tea out.
The key is that it's a special treat with you aka Cool Auntie but I suppose it depends if you're close enough/comfortable to be in charge for the day? It's not quite the same giving the tickets for them to go with parents. You could give them a small gift to open on Christmas day too.
Failing that I'd go with the Oodie/cosy blanket and book suggestion - kids that age love those personalised Christmas books you can get.
Please don't give them cash, they won't "get it" and will think you didn't send them a present.

Jinx! Cross post with @TanquerayTickles

This! Or cash! I'm trying to be really intentional with you buying for my DC this year and trying to not go overboard. I'm still working through clearing out!

It's lovely that you want to buy them stuff but a gift card and maybe some Pokémon cards and character PJs would be really appreciated here. Then you could offer to take them sometime in January to spend their vouchers and get a McDonald's on the way home.

Membership to English Heritage!

Actually I was joking, but now I think about it, it could be a really good way of broadening their mind.

Now that you can't get LSD for love 💖 or money 🤑.

Depending on how close you are I'd either do a trip out with each of them alone with me - linked to their interests or a family trip out for them and their parents

You can get personalised cards so they have something to open (or a small linked present - ie T shirt, book etc)

Things I've done before for As xmas presents Harry Potter World, Disney on Ice, Monster Trucks, Ice Hockey, Lion King, Ed Sheeran, DisneylandParis, Frankie Boyle (OK that was for my brother)

Obviously check dates with the parents first before booking

Message SIL and ask if there's anything you can put your Xmas money towards. Do the children have savings accounts?

If you're going to see them when they open their presents, get them something to open that isn't a toy (edibles, bubble bath, socks, pyjamas).

Yes, that's true.

What about a happy napper? Not a toy but a big pillow that turns in to a sleeping bag. Wait for black friday offers think I got them for £35 last year than than £60 each! Girl love them.

Cinema voucher and make it into a wee hamper with sweets/popcorn and treats or you take them and pay
Bubble bath sets
Maybe ask if they need particular footwear like trainers or boots I've bought me believe some gorgeous expensive boots rather than toys before
Board game (not sure if that would count as toy)
Set of books
Pjs/slippers
Jewellery for niece
Take them to panto or buy tickets for the family

I wouldn't send money the kids are too young to understand or appreciate it and sounds like mum won't let them spend it on toys or what hey would like anyway she wld maybe just bank it for them.

🤪 you again. Read the op ? She did ask her ?

Thanks so much to everyone who has suggested things, there’s some great ideas I’d have ever thought of. I’m going to go through them all and decide what to get. Love the idea of the day out, cinema passes, family pass to something near to them , will definitely look into that.

DS would be delighted by light up shoes or clothes that had his favourite characters on them, not by just nice clothes. Sea life centre vouchers have been a success. He'd also like Legoland tickets. Books as well.

One of my friends gave my daughter an Odeon gift card for her 4th birthday and it was the best present ever! She loves the cinema and she loved having her own money to buy us both a ticket and a little kiddy bucket.

And for everyone who hasn’t read my original post, I did ask their mum! She said she wasn’t sure and didn’t suggest anything to me, or I’d have obviously gone with what she said. I don’t have kids and no other kids in the family so not really clued up on what to buy other than toys. Thanks again to everyone else.

My DC love getting new bedding - matching duvet sets. They love new pjs, books and sports gear is always popular - new runners especially. Do they play a particular sport or follow a sports team - one year they got their team beach towels and they are great for swimming and holidays. If she said no toys then I would pick something else.

That sounds gorgeous I’d love that now and yes I still buy dvds and blu rays.

So many good ideas here.

I’d personally go with books and fun outfit/pjs or slippers

As others have said, experience, PJs, dressing up. I'd give a few suggestions to your sister to steer you. Maybe you could partner with someone else to get a bigger present of a bike or something. Watch? Kiddizoom camera? Bag/lunch boxes/hat and scarf set of favourite characters?

I'd get them those beanbags you store soft toys in...

www.amazon.co.uk/MiniOwls-STORAGE-BAG-Stuffed-Organizer/dp/B075BHPQYQ

And then some cool baking kits - Dr Oetker Spectacular Science, the Bakedin kits, Yumbles baking kits. Maybe a personalised apron each and some colourful bakeware?

This may also leave enough out of your budget for a nice family day out.

@Goldbar they look fab, love your suggestions! Thanks to everyone who said beanbag too.

Of course I'd be annoyed if I asked specifically for someone not to do something and they did, what is the point in asking if you are going to ignore them.
Tickets for a show or the zoo, or pjs, slippers, dressing gown, something practical. X