Does this sound ok for ds for christmas?

[Sleepswithbutterflies]

Ds will be 5 and a half at christmas. He's always had loads (my fault) but I, determined to cut back this year simply because it's ridiculous and also it kind of spoils it for him - it's overwhelming. I wouldn't say he's ever had any more than any other child I know but I'm starting to reach the conclusion that a lot of children have too much stuff. Ds didn't play with half of what he got last year and some of it has still never been played with.

This year Im planning on stuff which I know will be used but may not have the "wow factor" of a really big toy. Last year he had two large imaginext dinosaurs. They looked awesome and he was pleased christmas morning but I think he's played with them twice. If that. They're too big and clumpy and he doesn't like the fact they are so heavy and he can't put them on his dinosaur playmat. The regular small plastic dinosaurs on the other hand have been played with none stop.

So my initial list is as follows:

Catan junior board game
Lego Star Wars board game
Quite a few books
Sprudels (go in the bath and dissolve making bath change colour, ds adores them)
A few Star Wars or turtles figures
Junior snap circuits
A couple of craft kits - sand art probably
Soft toy (useless entirely but will be loved)

And a stocking.

I know all the stuff on my list will be used - I just have to restrain myself from getting the "twitch" a week before christmas and thinking it doesn't look much. It won't look much, no huge boxes but I really can not stand anymore tat in my house.

Does that sound like a reasonable amount?

I think that sounds plenty - my ds is 6 and would be pleased with that haul. They have no concept of what stuff costs at that age so expensive things can be a bit wasted IMO. What else will go in the stocking as you are already spending quite a lot? I like the idea of sprudels - off to Google where I can buy them!

I think that sounds fine especially if he will get gifts from other people. My dc get a stocking with 10 small gifts in (total cost if stocking £50) then they get a gift from Santa, one from me, one from each other, one from dog and one magics under tree during dinner. They get lots from others too so I cut back as asking gp, aunts fell on deaf ears!!

My family is quite small and grandparents tend to put money in the savings account so he doesn't get a huge amount from others.

I'm thinking stationery, chocolates, sweets and a bouncey ball for his stocking. I'm not spending a lot on that. It's ds's favourite part but I'm going to try and get stuff that will be used up or eaten for the stocking.

That sounds lovely, op

That amount sounds fine. If you think it doesn't look much and have the money you could get things he needs and wrap them. I bulk out my DCs presents with things like a new duvet set, trainers, clothes, pjs in the next size up as part of their Christmas presents. My DCs were all born round Christmas so this way they get presents for both but don't end up drowning in toys.

I think that sounds fine. I think we all go through the panic of not thinking it looks enough and so if you were wanting to bulk it out with a large item (you may not want to just an idea!) an already inflated space hopper is a great way - cheap and I'm not sure I know a child that doesn't like them!

Yes I always add nice pyjamas, new slippers, pants, vests, socks etc maybe a top or an outfit to the toys and the tat.