What to get? No toys, clothes or books...

[bebemoojem]

SIL in passing said that she felt overloaded with toys and books for her kids...and then she said 'and we've got so many clothes they don't ever where jammed in their drawers...'

So what does that leave me to get for nephew (5yo) and niece (2yo) for Christmas?

I was thinking maybe a magazine subscription? But is there any magazine that would suit both ages? (I'm not familiar with kids magazines in the UK being from the States) If I were home I'd consider big backyard

Or is there anything else anyone can think of that would suit? abt 15ish per child is what I usually spend. I like to do more educational things.

don't ever wear

Day out somewhere maybe? Then you are not getting more stuff as such.

I usually appreciate consumables for arts and crafts. Otherwise a ticket for a local Zoo? Or some storage boxes, pop up toy boxes? DVDs?

consumables are an idea because than the kids have something to open...

Adopting an animal sonewhere?

Subscription to this brings quarterly mag with poster but also can go along to local group where activities are usually monthly & free: www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/

Age 5 is fine to join and most groups insist a parent stay so younger siblings always in tow.

Sticker books? Usborne do good ones, then they can be used and thrown.

I was given a gift subscription to an American magazine (Cricket) when I was a child. I thought I was the best thing since sliced bread getting mail from America every month. It was a great magazine too, my parents continued the subscription for years.

I feel much the same as your SIL (apart from the clothes) and am suggesting the following sort of things when people ask me for ideas for my two (who are 6 and nearly 4):

new lunchboxes
duvet covers
audio books
subscription to Puffin Post for dd (the 6yr old)
pyjamas
craft stuff

I know my kids will be delighted with presents like this and they won't add to our already oversaturated toy collection!

Also, like AngryFeet suggested, days out - or cinema vouchers?

CBeebies magazine is good for 2 year olds.

I got a subscription to Another Mag (ranger rick) when I was abt 5 and I loved getting mail once a month.... which is why I thought of it...

Sticker books are another idea.

I did think about a voucher or something to some outing, but they've been a lot of places already and have limited time (only weekends) so I was a bit uncertain about being able to pick something (fearing choosing something they've not enjoyed or having a limited window of usage which runs out) -Plus they're kinda in the middle of no where so it would entail driving which would add cost on their part which would make it a bit of a chore/ double edged gift I think.

I know it's still in the book category but how about a family gift of a bakery book (Usbrone do a lovely one with easy cake recipes) and get a muffin tray and an apron for each of the kiddies? So you've given them a family activity also?

That's a lovely idea TheRealMrsHannigan.

The inlaws have very strong ideas about the kids and as I'm their stepmother I stay out of it but what I'd really like would be things like tickets to the zoo. It's eye-poppingly expensive to do that kind of thing so it'd be a great treat for all of us.

It sounds horribly ungrateful but the kids' rooms aren't huge and I'm already wondering where we'll put the extra toys!

Could you arrange an experience like a riding lesson or rock wall or similar for them?

If it was me I would really appreciate a cinema voucher, especially since there are great things coming for Christmas.

Is there a panto on near them? Would they enjoy panto tickets? We usually go after new year and it means there is still a treat to look forward to.

You can also sometimes buy a book of tickets for the local pool which might go down well.

I do hear what you are saying about time and travel though.

Would they appreciate something like a bird table for the garden if they are in a rural area, or hanging bird feeder? You can also get ladybird houses to hang in trees in the garden which also provides an organic pest control for their garden in the summer too. There are lots of garden things like hedgehog houses etc that you could get them.

Would they appreciate some fun storage? You can buy big Lego heads to store Lego pieces in from John Lewis for example.

Good luck, it is a tricky one.

The nearest cinema is half hour drive to the city :( The zoo is even further.

The cook book is an awesome idea, but they had something like it off my MIL last year and I know they never use it as my SIL feels it's too difficult to do. I wonder if I could think along that lines tho... hmmm Maybe a gardening book with some bug houses...

If a reference type book is acceptable then maybe the birdfeeder and bird naming book.

You could join the kids version of the RSPB for them - then they get sent a magazine every now and again I think.

It is such a tricky one.

Would she be stressed by seeds to grow eg a windowsill herb planter?

How about an origami set - you fold it, admire it, recycle it...

Dressing up clothes
Craft stuff
Piggy bank
Bookends
Moon in my room

DVDs
Dinner set or cutlery
Bath pens or that bath jelly stuff
Nice prints for their rooms

You can get some lovely wall stickers to decorate their rooms

Build a bear voucher ( I know this is toys but my 6 year old loves that shop!)
dressing up outfit (am
Hopefully getting 2year old ds one from Disney store with his name on
Local soft play season pass?

I have done baking hampers this year for all the DN's.

apron, plastic bowl, selection of utensils, cookery book, cupcake cases & sprinkles. Have bought most of it in Wilkinsons & Asda. Cook book from M&S, aprons from poundshop.

You could do something similar for gardening but might be a bit difficult finding bits this time of year (and I would recommend wilkos again for cheap gardening stuff)

Otherwise, mine always get shoe vouchers from my Aunt which is always my fav gift!

This for the 5 year old? The 2 year old could 'help' but it says membership starts at 5.

Sorry here for one child -£12.

If - small odds I know - they lived anywhere near any of the WWT places and you usually buy your SIL and DB a present too, you could buy them a year's membership (which includes free entry) for £64.