What do you buy the kids that have everything - feeling stressed at the thought of Xmas..

[mrsmoodypants]

I love Xmas, love the whole thing - but this year i'm feeling stressed already - i know its months away but i normally have ideas lined up. This year nothing!

The kids have lego, crafts sets, kitchens and tea sets, train sets, trampolines, bikes, books, jigsaws, dressing up, dvd's and so on - not all bought by us but lots of presents or things passed on by friends.

I have NO idea what to get them, without buying for the sake of it and adding to the pile of stuff. I could buy more action figures but they don't often play with the ones they've got - this is the problem i think.....Eldest is 7 - youngest therefore has everything! Also on a bit of budget so lots of fancy techno stuff is out..

I thought about annual passes somewhere which they would like but somehow can't see the reaction on Xmas day being that great..(or is that me overthinking)

Anyone else in the same boat?

[racingheart]

How about a small pet? Even a fish will have an impact. Or a stick insect. But guinea pigs are best as they are very cute and snuggly and don't mind if you play with them all day or just have a quick cuddle at night.

Poundstore wow-on-the-day presents are fine for stockings: rainbow slinkies, glow sticks, sweets etc.

How about a family game which allows them to spend more time with you? Junior pass-the-bomb or pick-up-sticks/monkeys/kerplunk.

A great family video (Home alone box set?) for them all to watch on Christmas morning Boxing Day when you're knackered.

[AngryFeet]

We got a bearded dragon racingheart. I wasn't keen at first but he is very sweet and easy to look after - plus he doesn't smell :)

[GruffVoiceDownTheChimney]

My parents were quite clever at Christmas, and gave us things they would have bought us anyway iyswim ie coats, boots, shoes, wellies, clothes ie nice dress for a family wedding, pjs, dressing gowns, slippers, bags for school/pe/swimming/ballet, packed lunch gear, hair stuff, pencil cases, pencils, kits to make thank you cards etc etc. They just got novelty ones or got things personalised for us so they felt more present-like. We often got an exciting board game or family video/story cds to share too.

I think a lot of the excitement around presents at christmas is not so much what they are/howbig/how expensive, but the wrapping, sparkle and novelty factors.

We also had to have a big clear out of all our stuff pre-christmas and birthdays, that often highlighted things we might need/want, and also made space.

[Badvoc]

Yes Maryz that's what we do too.
Means less plastic tat and much larger/expensive stuff we couldn't buy ourselves.

[lunar1]

The original leap pad is down to £40. Ds1 has used his every day almost since Christmas. If you get one get a good batterie charger though as they don't last more than a week

[quirrelquarrel]

You need to scour the charity shops.

And buy them Jennings #1, which is hilarious and the start of a 25 or so series.....keep them busy!

[bunnybing]

I have 2 DDs and one year we got them bits for their rooms - ie a new little rug and light shade - they loved this.

[gastonthebabyshusher]

A friend of mine last year asked all the grandparents (4 sets due to divorce) to contribute to a wooden play house on the garden. 2 kids saw £50 per child per set of GP and they managed to get a fabulous hand made thing from a local carpenter. It's awesome and has been used everyday!

[CelstialNavigation]

Jennings! God I loved Jennings! (and Darbyshire). Haven't thought of those books in years.

[quirrelquarrel]

Still mystified by the Dogsbody, cat, bod thing (obvs a bit of an inferior Form 1 type myself)...everyone, buy your kids Jennings! it's the best thing. Atm I'm carrying the one where they hide a pig in the potting shed around in my bag.

[mrsmoodypants]

Good work people! Thank you......you've made me realise its the excitement of christmas that makes it special - will get the kids to use up current craft stuff the replace with other types...and glow sticks, fun toys etc - they will totally love!!!!

[PoppyWearer]

Last year we asked for money from everyone and bought family Merlin passes. We have had some fantastic days out at Legoland etc. Doing the same this year, the DCs got enough toys for their birthdays!

[fuzzpig]

We also had to have a big clear out of all our stuff pre-christmas and birthdays, that often highlighted things we might need/want, and also made space.

I'm determined to do that this year! Last year all the stuff we got just got lost among all the rest of the clutter.

Less Is More.

[toffeelolly]

Yes was thinking the same do not have a clue what to get my ds,8 dd,7 ds,5 . They got so mucuh last year have run out of idea's.

[girlywhirly]

What about adopting an animal at a zoo or wildlife park? They could visit them through the year too, if close enough to home. There are lots of animal charities who do the same sort of thing.

I like Maryz bags of crap. Her DC would be disappointed if she stopped doing them!

[jetstar]

I like the idea of walkie talkies...

www.amazon.co.uk/Binatone-Latitude-Twin-Walkie-Talkie/dp/B000X2BYYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378195580&sr=8-1&keywords=children%20walkie%20talkie&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[dementedma]

Ds would like a bearded dragon.
Is it viable if we live in a small flat?
He is 11 and a very sensible boy who would care for it well

[SpringerS]

If the kids like toys like Lego then they might also enjoy K'nex and Meccano which are, imo, even more versatile building toys. Or depending on how capable they are, some actual tools. Just basic ones like screwdrivers, pliers, a small hammer, etc. Then precut some pieces of wood to make small wooden items like bird houses. You could also add some tester pots of wood paint/varnish and the birdhouses could be decorated after being built. They could then be hung in you garden, given as gifts etc. And the children would love being able to show off their handcrafted work with all the pride that comes from making something themselves. And the kudos of doing such a grown up thing with proper tools.

[Heavenscent86]

What's the puffin post?