Help/ideas for a non-wrappable present for my DCs?

[fuzzpig]

It's sort of a den/hidey hole. DD has a wooden mid sleeper and underneath is a desk/wardrobe etc but if you crawl under the desk there is a decent size space behind it that they can actually stand in.

My DCs (6/4) have never really been using this space because it's been full of random shite but when DH and I were in there decluttering we realised by moving a light, maybe adding a shelf and then some cushions and a rug (already got these so it will cost pretty much nothing) it could be an awesome space.

So, thinking of maybe having The Elves (those who deliver PJs) create it and leave clues (or a treasure map? DD has been learning about shipwrecks etc so might tie in well) and then the PJs will be in there on Xmas eve. Or leaving the map in their stocking in the morning instead maybe.

Any thoughts/ideas?

Also, if we were to make a little curtain to hang down from the back of the desk, what would I make it out of?

ohh what a lovely idea :) im sure they would love it.. i knwo i would.

to make it really easy id buy some curtains that you can thread the write threw.. screw some of thouse circle screws into the bed and attacth it that way.

and hopfully you know what i mean

that sounds fab!

Wow how cool! I would add curtains too, do it up as a proper hides hole and put in cushions or a bean bag and books. Maybe some of those glow in ten dark stars for the top?
I have a link somewhere for a website that shows lots of tiny spaces converted just like this for kids, I'll find it and you can get loads of inspiration

Found it! here it is I think it's so cool! I'd love a space like this for my kids.

Oooh pig that website my biggest dream is to one day live in a castle big house with secret rooms and passages! (Too much time reading famous five as a child) :)

Sadly we rent so can't make any changes to the walls but thankfully as the bed is wood we can attach stuff to that. The light is an old ikea star shaped one currently screwed into a trofast unit in our room but DH is going to put it in the space instead. Love the glow in the dark idea too.

Right so I'll definitely plan a curtain. At the moment we store their dressing up box under the desk bit (ie the secret entrance!) so that'll keep it hidden, although we are hoping to get everything together early but only assemble it very near to Xmas hopefully asking my parents to take them to the park or something.

Fairy lights
Bean bags
Blankets

We are planning something similar for our DCs this year - trying to clear out the cupboard under the stairs to convert into a play area. Although have no idea where we are going to put all the crap that's already in there. So far have bought glow stars and planets and a curtain (60% off from Letterbox) to replace the door. Looking for a good deal on beanbags (missed the Letterbox ones) and a rug. Will also get some fairy lights and decals for the walls. We will try and keep it secret until Christmas morning by sticking a heavy suitcase in front of the door of the cupboard. They don't normally bother with the cupboard as they know it's normally full of random stuff not bothering with. Hope it stays that way until Dec 25th!

That sounds great guitar! I would definitely convert our cupboard under the stairs if we had anywhere else for the bikes to go. I've seen some lovely photos on facebook of converted ones.

Wall decals a great idea - we do have some as they are reusable so don't damage walls

How are you going to show them it for the first time BTW? I guess you'll move the suitcase on Xmas eve but how will you tell them it's theirs (IYSWIM)?

I think for curtains I might attempt to make some with my mum's guidance (and her sewing machine :o) and if any material left over I can use it for little lego bags for their stockings. Also might try and recover the cushions - they are just old ones that came with our 2nd hand sofa!

Hmm, I've gone from making NOTHING at Xmas to attempting lots of stuff... scary! Also attempting a fix it Felix outfit for DS

fuzzpig - for the revealing, we are planning on that being Christmas morning so it will be as if FC has done it. So, we will get the space ready in between now and then so that all that has to be done on Christmas Eve once the DCs are asleep is remove the door and add the curtain. I am away with the DCs next week for half term so DP will be painting the space then. Our kids are also aged 6 and 4 so am hoping that they won't associate a smell of paint in October with that space on Christmas Day! That's the plan anyway but best laid plans...