Christmas present buying geniuses over there please - Please suggest family presents for the familites that have everything...

[ChristianaCatesby]

Hello

Got one brother with three boys (age 3-8)
One brother with four boys and a girl (age range 6-12)

They have no money worries at all so have endless things, bikes, toys, games etc etc....

But both brothers have been utterly incredibly supportive to me in a really difficult year, monetarily and emotionally.

I would like to get them or the families something. Obviously can't be too expensive.

Any ideas?

Fun games they could all play together?

Or a big photo frame with lots of compartments, filled with photos of everyone in the extended family?

the thorntons hamper if the offer is still on, look under promotional codes...

Craft stuff that the kids can do. I have a similar friend and I got the kids origami kits. Will keep them ammused for a bit over the holidays.

Or photos, we have loads of digital photos but never get them printed, so a friend gets together a selection from the year and prints them out. brings a big smile out on Christmas day.

Lovefilm membership (if they dont already have it) so they can have some dvd afternoons/evenings? Or baord game sets. Book of babysitting vouchers so the brothers and their partners can have a couple of evenings out while you take care of the kids. Cinema vouchers?

A big family jigsaw puzzle, outdoor games that they can use as a family, tickets to a nearby attraction or the theatre? Is there a local panto on that you could take the kids to in Jan and give mum and dad a break after Christmas (even the 12 year old would probably like a Panto!). If you want something to last all year round how about an annual pass for the whole family? I?m a bit biased as I help out at the RSPB but you could get something like their family membership? It lasts for a year and you get free access to all the RSPB reserves around the UK, and if you go for the Wildlife Explorer family membership the kids get a goody bag on joining. If you are good at baking (and have the time ? :) ha ha!) perhaps make them up a hamper of homemade goodies (cupcakes, fudge, chocolate truffles , gingerbread etc) and maybe include some jars of nice chutney and jam if you have a local supplier.

These are awesome suggestions

Thank you.

We live 400 miles apart so things like the jigsaw or subscriptions probably better... Am going to have a wee look.

Love baking but as we are so far away...

The DVD of Nativity if they haven't seen it.

Cinema vouchers
We were bought a croquet set one year, and that got a lot of use.

A hamper with a mix of things - grown-up alcohol/chutneys/cheeses/biscuits, plus a variety of old-fashioned sweets/chocs.

Monopoly Revolution
Twister
Big puzzle

If you could manage this, get 2 huge photo frames, or frameless glass covered boards with hanging bits/hooks on the back, cord and make a family photo collage. You may only just make a start, depending on the photos you can access, but I don't think that matters as it would be fun to finish it together. The important thing is that you have supplied the basics and were the instigator. Much more personal and meaningful imo.

How about a photo calendar from somewhere like photobox?
We have done those for family the last few years and it has been their favourite present. It actually doesnt take long to do at all, as the photobox site is v. easy to use.
You just need some photos of relevant relatives etc!

Vouchers are good. I got a primark voucher last year and it was the best present I had, I really enjoyed hitting the sales with it after christmas. You can download vouchers from www.myvouchercodes.co.uk . if you go to Bowlplex, you'll see a voucher that enables you to get two games of bowling and a meal for £9.95 per person (adult) and £7.95 per kid. The offer runs till Jan so would be a nice thought. Obviously you'd still have to buy them something! Or you could just pay for the games.