What to do when your DC aren't 'into' anything specific. Search aimlessly for Big Present or just get little things?

[notnowbernard]

struggling, especially with dd2 (5). DD1 bit easier

I need some ideas - good online places?

DP says kitten . Am not going there, even though she'd LOVE it

I have a 5 year old sister who is getting a karaoke machine - is that something your DD would like?

Go for a stroll with them in a big Toyshop and take your time to watch where their eyes really get big

notnow

Hamster ?

Oh, go on, get her a kitten !

I have a ds so not quite the same but he is not a toy kid in alot of ways...over the years we have got
cool bedroom set (duvet etc)
camping set (sleeping bag, torch, first pocket knife)
own cd player and some cds
a display case!!! for his rocks etc
a homemade set for experiments (containers of flour, salt, sugar, food colour, eye droppers, measuring spoons, vinegar, etc etc, this was a huge hit and he wouldn't come in for xmas dinner as he wanted to keep experimenting
bubble machine (was such a hit that as the last one blew its last lonely bubble last summer there is a replacement under the tree this year)
electronics set
usb microscope

My dd (5 yrs) is just the same. I ask her what she wants father Christmas to bring & she says she doesn't know, a toy dog maybe? Last yr & the year before it was a toy rabbit. She doesn't watch much telly with adverts so o think that makes a difference.

She has enjoyed the big presents we have bought her for previous b'days Xmas (bike, playhouse, trampoline etc) but never asks for them.

I find it a bit stressful as the family also ask me what to buy her & never seem to be happy if I suggest something small/not expensive. However, if I don't guide them at all they buy giant plastic tat which she doesn't enjoy & is a waste of money. It is hard. She's not one for dolls but they still insist on buying dolls house, princess dolls & the like for her. I don't mean to sound ungrateful as I'm not but it just seems such a waste of time.

This year we are buying her a scooter. Previous hits have been a cd player & sand pit table but she has equally enjoyed a new set of felt tips, tutu & play doh. I suppose it's just hard not to get hung up on a big present.

I think for a five year old I wouldn't worry too much, but as they get older it might be something I'd consider - and then probably give them money to save for when they did really want something, rather than give tat for the sake of it. Won't a five year old be happy with a few choice things, maybe in a big box to up the excitement?

My DS's are also not getting a 'big' present this year, they have asked Father Christmas for one thing each: a light saber.
I try and stick to a rule where they get:

Some books
A DVD
A craft/art set
A board game
Something useful
Something educational etc

It helps me focus when buying presents and means they get a variety of things.

Some good websites I've come across

The Happy Puzzle Company

Craftyarts

Bright Minds

HTH

DD1 (nearly 5) is not into toys either, although she has just started to play 'shops' with her till. For her birthday we are taking her to the panto and giving her some money to go on a trip to Hobbycraft to choose her own things.

No idea for Xmas as yet, although will probably be a globe as she is very interested in countries and travel.

Luckily my parents/MIL will give money with a small gift to open which we are putting away until she really wants something.