What do I put in their sacks this year?

[CeliaFate]

They're 10 and 13. We normally get them one large present and then a sack of gifts, each ranging from £1 to £30.

I would normally get things like Top Trumps, hair bobbles, pyjamas, a board game etc. but they're a bit old for that, plus they've got loads of stuff and it feels like spending for the sake of it. I want them to have lots of presents to open, but what can I fill the sack with this year?

CD
iTunes voucher
Lottery ticket
Deodorant
Shampoo
Lush bombs

have you been following the bargain thread? lots of things pop up on there.

comic or xbox/playstation magazine, bubble bath, dvd, book, headphones, cool tshirt, pants and socks

Mine get things which are actually essentials that will get used e.g. pants, toothbrush, toiletries, DVD, stationery. They get the odd bit of Lego and some chocolate too, but I try very hard not to spend too much because it just gets ridiculous. And you are right it is spending for the sake of it. Which is another reason I have stuck to using a stocking, so it can't fit too much in, but still feels packed and exiting.

You might find that although they may be a bit old for some of those things, they really cherish getting them if it's a tradition!

If your DCs have ipods or similar, one thing that really went down well with my DSDs was one of these mini speakers each (different colours) - they are really brilliant, surprisingly loud! Tempted to get one for myself this year :o

Get big things that take up space, but less of them

Pjs
Chocolate Santa/giant dairy milk or a selection box
Activity book with puzzles
Drinks bottle
Slippers
Socks
Magazine
Deodorant

I don't do sacks but every year mines get...

Pjs
Slippers
Housecoat
A new bedding set
Bath set
Deodorant set (so or impulse)
Thorntons selection box
Chocolate Santa!

good book (maybe next in a series they like)
DVD
CD
chocs
bath stuff
new tee-shirt
slippers/ugg style boots for round the house
new PJs
something for their bedroom - a lamp or cushion or new duvet set
poster or calendar of favourite band/actor
sparklers
fingerless gloves or ski gloves
hat
badges

if I had girls I'd also add Lush stuff, bits of make up and jewellery

A couple of years ago I bought DD1 a hand that you could put false nails on & practice nail art. I also bought false nails, nail art varnishes & nail art tools to go with it.
All bought off Ebay so not a lot paid
Went down a storm-she loved them

Celia are the sacks like stocking gifts or main presents?
Mine are similar age (will be 14 and 11.6)
I do a 'stocking' for Christmas Day morning. I have some gorgeous gift bags that had lights in the picture (tiny battery inside, one was a Christmas Tree, the little light up bits were the baubles and tree lights)

I do stocking gifts £5 or less. Mine now get a few 'main' presents but they tend to be the tiny expensive things that teens like

I do the PJs/robes/slippers in the Christmas Eve Hamper with a bath bomb

Christmas Stockings (to open at 6am) has a selection box, nice underwear,useful little things like keyrings, earrings for DD, bubble bath. Lindt chocolate reindeer

I have dd ( just 18) and ds ( almost 16) and I have used range if these since they were teens:
iTunes card or card for Costa or pizza place
Nice smellies for bath/ shower
Always new boxers or knickers
Socks
Dd ( 18 now) likes fancy stationery/pen
Xbox magazine
Favourite food snacks that I usually refuse to buy like pot noodles, pricey crisps, pop tarts, cookies, favourite chocs/sweets
A new mug with fave character on
Phone case
Cap/hat
Football team scarf or other accessories
Make up or nail varnish
£5 note in a mini cracker or hidden in a huge box
Small items for hobbies like sweatbands for gym, camera film

The sacks are not their main present, but they're not cheap iyswim. I put things like packs of Sharpies, pyjamas, Monopoly etc. in usually.

There are some great ideas here, I'm going to have a proper read through now.

A bit boring but how about putting that santa sack money into an account for them so they can save or buy stuff they need later on. Or buy vouchers so they can go sales shopping, you did say that you wanted to move away from buying for the sake of it. If you factor in the other gifts they will get from other people, you can reduce the contents of the santa sack.