Gift for soldier-mad DS

[manana21]

I've got a 5 1/2 yo boy to buy for who loves anything to do with soldiers, armies etc. I've got absolutely no idea what to buy - any suggestions?

Fancy dress outfit.

If you have an army shop nearby, they may have one that is more robust than usual fancy dress, although I don't know how small they do the uniforms. I'm sure you would be able to find loads of other suitable stuff in there too.

A camouflage tent might work too.

Ooh camouflage tent is a good idea! Not sure if there's an army shop I should look for it online

How about filling a small camo or khaki rucksack with similar coloured items to fit the army theme. Torch always popular with that age and water bottle, camo face paint, woollen hat and gloves, maybe waterproofs, mess tin to cook/eat food and a spork, glow sticks are often wildly popular. Many of the items will do for years if he joins the cubs, scouts, army cadets or does Duke of Edinburgh so money never wasted!

The mess tin is a great idea too thanks!

My DS was mad about army last year, I got him an 'army' (camouflage) rucksack and filled it with an army compass, special torch with different coloured filters, small tent, small nerf gun and bullets and a few other bits and bobs - oh and an army dressing up outfit. He loved it and the rucksack has been quite useful!

Google "kids army shop" - it is amazing (and a bit shocking tbh) what you can get for wee kids. My ds was really into this stuff when younger - had loads of camo clothing, ghillie suit etc.

Small set of binoculars went down well with my son. I have also bought a big tub of soldiers from tesco for £10 that looks impressive.

Cath Kidston do a 'guards' range which is lovely! (May not be quite what he is after but might be good stocking fillers - socks etc)

i can't believe what you can get at the kids army store either - thanks, amazing den kits! Thanks - I have quite a few great ideas now!!

Playmobil do different army sets.