Getting harder to buy things now dd's are getting older, I need inspiration please?

[marne2]

I have usually started shopping for the dd's by now and can usually find lots of good offers but this year I am struggling, have been watching a few items on Amazon in hope prices will drop but they don't seem too ( usually I shove everything on a watch list and buy when the price drops ), my watch list is almost empty and I'm stuck as to what to buy. Anyone else find it harder ( and more expensive ) as their dc's get older?

Dd1 is almost 11 and dd2 is 8.5, bot have high functioning autism, dd1 isn't really into anything other than pokemon and she got lots of pokemon bits last year ( don't really need to buy anymore ), she wants a tablet which will be her main present from us but I'm struggling with smaller things to buy, she isn't very girly and doesn't have many hobbies. Dd2 isn't really in to much this year, has shown interest in Shopkins and likes music ( instruments, but already has a few ),, I havn't got a clue what to buy her, needs to be non messy things and things that don't break easily ( as she breaks everything ).

They have loads of lego, loads of books, and lots of plastic tat which they don't play with.

I need help to get started.

Would the younger one like some sheet music, or a music stand, or a case for her instruments?

I think she would just tear it up , she plays he instruments by ear ( can not read music, never had a lesson as she refuses ), she might like a case for her guitar though. She has asked for an electric guitar but has only just got a acoustic ( told her she needs to learn on that first ), she doesn't really look after it so I'm not keen on buying her a electric one.

Is there a place they enjoy going for a day out? Maybe they do annual passes?

Shower radio?

The only place they like going is the beach, we don't go to theme parks as they are too noisy for dd1 ( same with cinema etc.. ).

Was tempted to buy the Shopkins earlier as priced dropped on Amazon but couldn't bring myself to click 'buy', I'm not keen on having more plastic tiny figures in the house. Dd2 is into growing crystals but I'm not sure which set to buy, we have one set and it's quite complicated, she likes science but it needs to be 'non toxic' as she has a habit of tasting everything, any ideas? She has also asked for 'a Ruby' and a 'sapphire' but I think she would break jewellery ( she's really into gem stones, crystals and rocks ). I might buy her a wet suit for next summer but that's not very exciting and she couldn't use it until spring/summer.

Dd1 will probably be getting a kindle Hd and one of the new pokemon games which will cost quite a bit but won't look much, I need small things for her to open, she likes quirky things, maybe another onesie some lush bath bombs and some new head phones. Just feeling sad that they won't have a big pile of presents to open for the £££ spent , dd1 no longer believes so I can explain to her about the 'less is more'.

if she is after gemstones, how about some proper unset stones? i could have a scout around and see if i can find any rough pieces. i have some but not ruby or sapphire.

Have you tried the digging for gems sets?

She would be happy with any kind of gem stones her favourite place is a little shop we have found that sells crystals and gem stones. I might buy her some kind of box so she can start a collection. She spends hours sifting through the gravel outside looking for pretty stones and crystals.

I will have a look at the digging for gems sets, has anyone tried them? Am always worried about these things as they might be disappointing .

i will have a lookie. i know i have rough pieces of rose quartz, amethyst and agate. am happy to send a few as i was given a load by my mil and there are too many for me to use

Thank you so much xx

Digging for gems is good and takes a while , think my dd did over a couple of weeks spending an hour here and there.
What about a nice bag, snuggly fleece blanket for when watching TV it wraps up quite big ? , some nice pens and note books,

Digging for gems is good and takes a while , think my dd did over a couple of weeks spending an hour here and there.
What about a nice bag, snuggly fleece blanket for when watching TV it wraps up quite big ? , some nice pens and note books,

Nice dressing gown or stompee slippers bulk Pressie piles up,

Nice dressing gown or stompee slippers bulk Pressie piles up,

Sorry for double messages , phone being crazy

Sorry for double messages , phone being crazy

My mum always used to do me a little box of crafty bits and a box of practical things like hair bobbles, new hair brush, bubble bath. She said that she put them in a box to make them look more substantial when wrapped. I also got pjs and slippers which I loved. What about a photo album or photo book with memories over the year?

How about stunt kites for the beach? Or if you aren't sure if they will like them, pocket kites: www.amazon.co.uk/Vilac-2937-Pocket-Kite/dp/B001CNOUV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411808263&sr=8-3&keywords=pocket+kite#productDetails

Love the stunt kite idea, she would love that, anything beach related is good, I'm going to get her a wet suit and have found a thing you can use to look into the water ( to look into rock pools ). I also bought her a few bits on Amazon yesterday ( was finally brave enough to start the Christmas shopping ), I bought her a crystal growing set, a 'how to draw pokemon' book and a Shopkins set that was on offer, feeling satisfied now I have started, will try and buy a couple things each week.