Help me with my Lego/Playmobil dilemma

[Datschi]

DD is 4. I am considering getting her either a lego or Playmobil set for Christmas. (Or maybe Sylvanian Families...) We have a good collection of all 3 and she enjoys playing with all of them - probably Playmobil is the favourite.

I want something with a bit of "wow" factor, because older DC is getting quite a physically big present (new scooter), and tradition in our family is just one big present each, plus a few bits in the stockings.

Currently the most played with playmobil item we have is the bus and the swimming pool and the car.
I was thinking of getting either the camper van, or the ambulance, but also wondering about the ferris wheel or the fire engine, or the zoo, or the playground. I think the ferris wheel would definitely have the most wow factor, but not sure if it might be a bit big to store afterwards, and not have quite so much play value.

Also wondering about the Lego friends boat, or lighthouse and hot air balloon, or aeroplane. (but I don't really like Lego Friends figures, so I am a bit put off that, though I think DD would like them) or a big box of mixed colourful Lego.

I know the Playmobil camper van gets loads of votes on MN, and I actually had the early 80s version (sadly defunct now), but always coveted the ambulance, and I think I would have absolutely loved the ferris wheel, so I am struggling to decide.

Does anyone have any of the above and think they are great, or not so good. Particularly the ferris wheel. I really, really want to know what people think of the ferris wheel.

I swear there was a thread very similar to this last year, or am I having thread-deja-vu?!?

I am getting the sylvanian tree house and log cabin for my 4yo DD. It has the wow factor and can link together or play with separately. I am going to have so much fun playing with it

Ooh, I love the look of that tree house, nick .

It's even nicer in real life, when it arrived I set it up ready in the box, so on Christmas Eve I can just get it out of the box and under the tree, its so lovely. She is also having the Playmobiil swimming pool from her Nanna. I think they will be her favourite things.

We have the Ferris Wheel, and the camper van, and the fire engine and the ambulance and the playground. Think we have enough Playmobil
Yes the Ferris Wheel is large and a pain to store, however it does get played with quite a bit. DH convinced me to get the motor so it doesn't need to be manually rotated, but it makes an awful noise.
The ambulance and fire engine are in the pile of items not played with as much. Looking at what you have already I think the Campervan would be good as the people could go on holiday to a swimming pool complex You could get the tent set as well, or ask someone else to buy for her

There is a christmas market scene on tesco direct for £13 half price for playmobil if it helps anyone.

Playmobile needs to be built in advance really so could you buy a vehicle selection (camper, firetruck, bin lorry, ambulance, police car) off ebay for a fraction of the new price and build a cardboard garage with opening doors as the wrapping, tied with a big ribbon.

Ooh, CleanHankie you have them all! .

I think the campervan is definitely the most sensible choice. Doesn't take up too much space, lots of play value, loads of positive reviews and recommendations...

But I am heartened to hear that the ferris wheel gets played with - I am imagining it under the tree all lit up and going round and round on Christmas morning. (what sort of awful noise does it make, out of interest?)

Good idea to look on ebay too!

The playmobil castles really have the wow factor, and my children play with theirs so much. You could take out the tiny pieces until she's a little older.

We have the campervan and pool, and they go really well together. The dcs pack the family off on their holidays then they go to their camp site with pool... They love them both still (at 6&8).

I'm not sure if you have the bus that the camper would be as useful, we have both and dds usually go for one and not both. If she likes animals I think the zoo would have the wow factor. Off to google the Ferris wheel though....

What about the school? You can usually get it for about £60 provided you look out for offers from now on.

We don't really have the storage space for a big set like a castle or school, sadly, though they do look great.
Really like the look of the preschool as well, and that is a bit smaller.
I am so indecisive . Lucky I have another 3 months to make up my mind!

The camper van is the most loved here, but I know what you mean about it not looking like such a big present. We have the fire engine too, which is also good, but less used than the camper. The swimming pool is used a lot too.

I've got the hospital stashed in the loft either for Xmas or dd2s birthday just after, it looks big and like it has a lot of play value. I got mine secondhand on eBay, though (??60 for the main hospital, extension, ambulance and some other bits and pieces).

The camper van gets played with a vast amount by my ds2 (who will be 4 in December). We also have the castle (t takes up a huge amount of room in comparison), and the rubbush truck and a few of the builder things and one of the smaller fire sets (fire car iirc). With what you've got, I would have thought the camper van would fit best.

And also check the web site for the web exclusive and the small sets.