Help me narrow down the present pile to a sensible set for Ds 4.5

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Ive been buying things all year whenever they're on sale and so I end up with lots of random things which get split between people and occasions as I need to.

This year I knew I'd be in financial problems at the end of the year so have picked up more than usual in the sales to make sure Ds didn't go without.

Sooo, for DS I've got lots and I don't want to give him lots! Every year I've regretted giving him too much, he gets stressed and tearful if too much to open and then then gets horribly spoilt and upset if he has days and days of extended present opening which finally stops.

This is compounded by my parents being a bit crazy and they buy him a 'complete sey' of presents, full stocking etc as if they are the parents (whilst not even getting me one small present! Err, thanks parents, couldn't you pretend to care about me?)

Sooo, please help me decide which are Christmas presents and which are going back in the cupboard for birthdays and other occasions? To make it clear - this is NOT a boastie thread and I am actively seeking a balance between generosity and excess!

1. In general what kind of number and spread of presents is sensible for a boy who's just started school, adores the magic of Christmas but too many presents bad for him?

1. And can you help me divide the list into for Christmas pressies and what goes back into the cupboard?

Was just coming on to say that Operation is not half as good as it was when I was a child. It's now geared towards younger children and is a bit crap IMO, my twins got it for their 4th birthday and they enjoy it so definitely one to give now not save for later. It is really a bit disappointing as a game now but I might start another thread about that!

Ah, I assumed it'd be too difficult for the moment. Didn't realise it had changed!

"my twins got it for their 4th birthday and they enjoy it "

The child is 4, so the new Operation sounds perfect.

I'd give it all...

Interesting about Operation, I'll definitely give it for Christmas then!

I won't buy anymore and thanks for reassuring me - I'm back on the straight and narrow! It's those late night oohhh maybe I should moments that get me over budget, so no action figures this year :)

OP, I have a 4.2 yo boy, am really keen to research:

• Body parts puzzle (layers of puzzle that builds up a body from skeleton to clothes)
• Crazy bee game
• Melissa & Doug words puzzle

And the theatre that hangs from a door!

Any chance you can link to these, pretty please?

Yes indeed, glad to be of help! No idea how any of them are going to be received mind you...

body puzzle

melissa & Doug puzzle

crazy bee game

And last one - I'm glad you asked as I got the puppet theatre out and realised I have to put a little hook over the door frame before Christmas day so it can be hung up. Avoiding Christmas day woes :)

puppet theatre

Super, thank you so much!

Did you pay much less than the current prices?

Yes I did, I think most a 1/3 to half off. But I am very dull and browse shops late at night when I can't sleep!

Your list sounds lovely and your 'present plan' sensible. Some people go crazy at Christmas and it's just unnecessary. my MIL I'm looking at you

I suggest you make plans to see friends if not thus Christmas then next Christmas. You don't have to see your 'd'ps just because there's no one else you could obviously spend Christmas with. If you have some good friends who are like family then you deserve to spend a nice Christmas with them. The only reason not to do it this year is I assume they already have plans.

Also tell your DPs hands off the stocking or they won't be allowed round on Christmas mornings again. Give them one last chance and then stick to it.

Misc, if you're dull, then so am I! And I also hate paying over the odds, when I know it can be had for less. All links felt a little overpriced. I will watch them though, thank you again.

Good luck with your mother!!!

Well the little wretch (darling boy!) has remembers how father Christmas didn't give him what he'd asked for last year! He was only 3 last year so I'm surprised he remembered!

He asked for a 'green dinosaur that roars' on the 23rd of dec so he didn't get it, and said we have to make sure we give FC time to make the presents and choose what's just right for every boy and girl...

So I'm doing a bit of shuffling around of presents as he's asking for a kite, a cowboy outfit, chocolate and sweeties, (& a real live pirate but he took that off the list when I explained he doesn't give people or animals)... But the others, well I do want him to restore faith in father Christmas as he appears to be very disillusioned!

My parents have aparently got him a kite so I asked if that can be from Santa - they agreed grudgingly. And I've sent off for a cowboy outfit... Will save the doctors outfit until his birthday.

Also wondered whether I should get a green roaring Dino which I could write a note from father Xmas saying 'better late than never little boy, I always remember!' or something like that. What do you think? Overkill? Or a nice touch?

Oh no, I think thats a lovely touch! Keep the magic a bit longer!

Like any of these?

one

two

three

four

Yay! Gives into frivolous last Christmas buying...

I was going to get this which changes into a car, but having seen your suggestions, I've got the rather more impressive Imaginext A Apatosaurus

This one walks, roars and looks like you can play more with it... Not sure about the weaponised stuff on his back, but it comes off so I can encourage abandoning that bit or making up scenarios where it's about shooting rocks to clear Dino's path or something. Anyway, apart from that it looks fab, big and exciting and just the sort of thing Father Christmas would give a little boy for Christmas :)

Aw, lovely! Definitely a nice touch. My 4yo boy wants a green roaring dinosaur too, though specifically Rex from Toy Story, as a friend has one. They are £££ though. The only other thing he has asked for is a chocolate Santa! So maybe I can stretch to an expensive Rex!
I hope your little boy is super happy with his lovely gifts. These are magical days.

I would be more concerned with the influence your parents could have on your little boy. Your mother is so obviously unhinged I would be seriously worried. Can you not just have christmas just the two of you. Find her behaviour (from what you've said here) extremely unsettling

Oooh Rex is cooool :)

I'm waiting for the parcel to arrive and am absurdly excited! I love getting presents and thinking about their happy faces and surprise and delight... Ahhh. Lovely :)