Present ideas that aren't toys!

[wallpaperaddict]

My DC have plenty of lovely toys, there's not really anything more they need as things have been bought for the eldest and past on down to the youngest who is now getting hours of enjoyment! I am looking for ideas of non toy presents that I can suggest to family, as they always ask me what to buy and I never know what to say. So far I've thought of books or stationary and perhaps cinema gift voucher for my eldest. Any other ideas would be brilliant!

biddypop I asked my 2.5 yr old DD what would she like if she could have anything, her answer... A winky like her brother. Yeah, so clearly that's not happening!
My DS has a birthday in Nov, and I think will be getting a bike as a joint family present for that as that's what he has asked for and has outgrown his current one! Birthdays close to Christmas complicate things further!

some great ideas on here.

my dd is 4 next month so xmas is close so she usually gets loads of clothes, which to be honest we've been given so much she doesn't really need. She does need shoes, boots and school uniform as she starts nursery on thurs.!! (that's another thread altogether!!)

She has so many toys its unbelievable.. not expensive stuff but nothing gets thrown away... I gave all her baby toys as gifts to my siblings little ones last xmas . My way of recycling.

Other stuff for their bedrooms - lamp, rug, nice pegs to hang things on, blankets/throws, cushions, posters, torch or wind-up lantern, tory CDs, CD player.

Pixar and classic Disney DVDs. Also older children' s films like Bugsy Malone, Chiity Chitty Bang Bang.

I have bought a family ticket to Airkix. It's an indoor skydiving centre. Suitable for 5 years and up. The family ticket is for up to 5 people so that is several presents sorted in one. You can get great deals through groupon and with Tesco vouchers.

A musical instrument? Nice stuff for school? (Bag, pencil case, lunch box etc).
My friend had a nice idea of getting her ds dvds of old kids' TV shows like Paddington - he loved them.

Magazine wise - if you are a bit geeky, we really like okido a kind of science/art magazine for 4+ yos.

I ask for clothes - especially nicer/party/character stuff I wouldn't normally buy.

Dressing up clothes.

A framed poster of their favourite movie, character, work of art etc? You can get loads online. We are getting DD a poster of a van gogh painting (she did artists at school last term and loved it), and I'm hoping to get a print from fantasia or something for myself.

I definitely agree with an annual pass, but also many places such as Monkey World of SeaLife Centres allow you to sponsor a specific animal in return for an annual pass. That can make it more exciting for children, knowing they are going to see 'their' monkey / otter/ etc.

Yes to dressing up clothes. TK Maxx do some gorgeous non-Disney dresses - DD got a medieval style one.

Also to musical instruments. We got DSD a djembe drum once. I might try and get some wooden fair trade ones from a local shop - they do things like rain makers.

My nephews like Microsoft or X-box points which you can buy online or even at the supermarket.

DS keeps asking for a Moshi Monster giftcard which gives you a subscription to the website for a month. I'm still a bit undecided on that one though as I'm worried that he will then want one every month.

Depending on where you are the Historic House Association annual pass may be worth it - they have a mix of different NT and EH plus other private houses included.

Depends on the age. I bought one of my neices a riding lesson when she was about 8, she lives hundreds of miles away from me so I phoned riding schools near her and asked about costs then sent a cheque and letter saying what it was for.

More recently her younger brother and sister have had a scuba diving lesson and the eldest (away at uni) got tickets for 'Avenue Q', booked for a Wednesday matinee.

One has just had a digital SLR camera for his 18th, so there is plenty to buy him in accessories. If any of them is developing a hobby then presents to do with that are useful.

Charm bracelets - then they can collect charms for significant events in their lives - maybe not so poplar with boys.

My nieces also got jewelry sets, a bracelet and necklace. I thought they would be put away for years, but I'd forgotten prom night, everyone else had Claires' accessories, then in the middle dn has 'real'.

I once arranged a make over for a 13 year old at the bodyshop, many years ago and it was free - not sure if it still is but that went down well.

Loads of good ideas here.

We once had a family trip to Legoland including a stay in the hotel. The children still talk about it now. Much better than a toy that they play with for a few days and then lose at the bottom of the toy box - and parents enjoyed it too!

I have just brought my eldest did a load of girlie stuff from body care for her 14th birthday next week and a lovely gift box from card factory for less than £3. Has made a lovely pamper hamper put in some tissue paper and shredded paper. Got her things like nail varnishes, nail varnish remover pads, individual face packs, body sprays, shower gel, body lotion and loads of other stuff. Has filled the box (large shoe box size) with about three different layers of stuff. She will love all the stuff and it was more fun choosing and putting it all together and cheaper than a boots equivalent. Might be useful for teenage girls for Xmas presents

We ask for family games and have now a great collection. Each child could get one but one that can be played by everyone - for e.g:

Frustration
Uno
Monopoly
Ticket to ride
Labyrinth

A lovely photo album that each child could keep. Last year DD 8 got two and 100 photo's that we printed from her camera/ipod and she spent all Xmas day choosing where they went. Also photo frames went down well especially the ones with 8 different sized holes.

She got a jewellery tree and a 'grownup' necklace plus a handbag and some party shoes (with 1" heels) and lots of crafty bits.

She'll be 9 this year so we definitely don't want lots of toys as she has plenty already cluttering up her room that she still plays with.

HTH

YY to board games, it is becoming a tradition that we get a family one each year.

activity session vouchers, music lessons, sport courses, sports kit.

Things that will belong to the child rather than the family ( so they will take them when they leave home), like a computer chair/ desk,Tools, suitcase, bed linen, kitchen equipment .I realise this may be more suited to older teens who have college ambitions.

DS has wanted some random things in the past , a boot jack, a shirt and tie, this year its leather belt he would like ( along with a pile of lego) . He will also be given a few things he needs such as a new bike helmet or swim goggles.