Best gift for 18 month old - ideas needed please

[Dysgu]

Background: As DD2 is a Xmas Eve baby (and DD1 is Autumn born too) we have had the idea of giving them both their Christmas presents in the summer. Basically, this will justify us buying a biggish present in the summer for them - but then they will only get stockings from us as Christmas, but they always get lots of other stuff from relatives so won't miss one more gift! They will still get something for their birthdays, and as they get older will be able to negotiate if they want a joint birthday/xmas gift when they want to receive it.

I also think that by giving our Xmas gift in the summer it is easy to stick to the plan rather than it end up being just another treat.

This started because, with DD2 being nearly 18 months, many of the gifts she was given for her first birthday and/or Xmas have already been outgrown as many were 'baby' toys. Also, we want to buy DD1 (who will be 4 in September) a balance bike and I will have time in the summer to take her out lts so that she gets to use it whilst the summer is nice.

BUT - what should we get for DD2? She is a real little active girl, loves running around but is not much of a talker yet. We already have lots of toys and books and basically anything that was DD1's is handed down (and DD1 is generally happy for this to happen).

We already have lots of what seems to top the recommended lists like the tricycle, train set, duplo, dolls and pushchairs, baby laptops, crayons, chairs and tables, and are inundated with books (as you can never have too many!)

All suggestions gratefully accepted...

Duplo.

Duplo.

Trike?

Have you got a garden? Water table or paddling pool is always a good bet. DS is 20 months and his favourite things to play with outside are a water table (actually I just used his old baby bth, but he tips it over sometimes) and a ball.

This rocket zoomer toy is really good (can get it in blue as well) - I know it says 3 years+ but most of my NCT group seem to love it and they are all 18-20 months.

Thank you for suggestions - we love Duplo but already have huge amounts. My mum handed us one of those big round storage bins full of it when DD1 was small, and we have added to it so almost always have castles or farms built of the stuff.

I think we might go with the water table/sand pit idea. I know they both love it at the childminder's when they use hers - and DD2 regularly needs a new outfit afterwards as she really splashes about!

That will be lovely - and just the sort of thing to give in the summer - great!

Thank you!

OK, but just a tip - never put water and sand together on the same table. The children might play serenely with it in the photo on the box but in real life you just end up with a sludgy soggy sand MESS on both sides of the table.

Sandpit

have you got a toy kitchen, they are great for that age.