Argos on eBay have a buy one get one free on selected toys. I got some for the Salvation Army toy appeal earlier.
My aim is to each year buy an extra gift that would be the sort of thing that would be suitable for my own children (the idea being I know what that age group is in to). So this year I am buying something for a three year old and something for a nearly one year old.
As they get older I hope to transfer the responsibility on to them and ask them to choose something they would like to give to a child the same age as themselves.
I got a set of three JCB vehicles for someone's three year old. My son has one of these and loves it. He rolls it down the garden and crashes it in to things.
For a younger child I got the Fisher Price Racin' Ramps Fire Station. My younger son is a bit little for it even though it says from six months but he would enjoy watching the car go down the ramp and the lights and sounds. I hope this one would be suitable across a large age range as my three year old would play with it as well.
I also want to pick up a gift for an older child or teenager as I think they get less. I see the trolleys in Asda piled high with little children's toys but nothing for older ones.
This year I am going to buy a small Lego Technic set for an older child. It says age 7-14 on the packet and my husband assures me it is for an older child not a little one. The Amazon reviews had adults commenting who had brought it for themselves. If the Hide and Squeak Eggs are still on offer when I order on Monday I will get those as well.
When I pop in to Asda during the time they have the trolleys out I will try and add a smaller item like a selection box or a tube of sweets on to every shop to put in.
Here are some suggestions for £5-£10
Little Tikes Stacking Rings £3.50 in Asda, my youngest loves them)
Annuals - WH Smith had buy one get one for £1 when I was in earlier in the week
WOW toys Sidney School bus £10 on Amazon. It is a great toy and lovely for a range of ages.
Melissa and Doug Alphabet puzzle currently £4.99 on Amazon
Fisher Price Brilliant Basics stacking blocks £8.27 on Amazon, my older son loved these
Viga 50 piece wooden block set £8.25 on Amazon at the moment
Viga on Amazon seems to be a good brand to look at, they have lots of budget friendly wooden toys. I have never ordered so I can vouch for quality but the reviews seem to be good.
Sorry, most are for younger children as that is what I am more familiar with at the moment.