Would you decorate kids rooms as a present?

[Loobieloo27]

My 2 children are 6 and 3 and have ridiculous amounts of toys, there's no big gift that they both need, however both there bedrooms need updating, would you redecorate ie new beds, tv and Xbox which is a gift for Christmas, I can't help feeling might be a bit rubbish but I am stumped!

Tv and Xbox in a bedroom is a really bad idea. Lots of studies into poor sleep associated with screens in bedrooms. Particularly as they are so young.
But I think a redecorate room is a great present. Mine have been chuffed with new bedding for a xmas present before.

I have, because she wanted everything changing and it didn't hurt for her to realise that it's an expensive undertaking. Plus she enjoyed choosing fripperies like new lampshades, cushions and throws etc to go with her new scheme. It only worked because it was what she really wanted.

We've just redecorated again and only changed paint and wallpaper so it was just done because it was needed, not as a gift.

We are creating a man cave for teenage DS to entertain his mates and he can't wait .

Did this when mine were little. They got up and I went in, painted it in colours of their choice. New curtains, beds, lamps, rug and bedding etc. All done by bed time. Was a mad two days but they loved it.

They’re 6&3 and have an Xbox?
No wonder you’re stumped if you’ve got them something like that so young! At that age mine loved playmobil, crafts, lego etc etc.

I suggest you have a big cull of toys - you might be able to give/sell some which are of decent quality. Otherwise children end up massively overwhelmed if they’ve got too much stuff.

And get them some small gifts for Christmas. Mine love opening things - the more the merrier. The price or size was less of an issue.

Actually, the OP didn't post to ask if she should let her DC have an Xbox & TV in their room. And I don't see the issue anyway. My DC had tv's and consoles in their rooms from quite young. But they had no way of watching tv on them so they were just for watching dvds and playing games. You can have the same rules about screen time no matter where the screens are. Enjoying video games and crafting/reading/etc are not mutually exclusive.

@Lostandfound81 no they were definitely a child.

DD got bedding and small room accessories often as presents and loved it.

She is now 11 and her room is due for a make over. I think if there is the need for a larger item I would add this to her presents for her next birthday but not make it the only present for her.

At her age we are out of the toy age and there is only so many books, board games and jewellery she can have so we often do a practical present like tickets or an animal experience anyway.

At 3 and 6? No way, a joined console as a present yes, maybe annual membership tickets like Merlin or whatever is around yes. But a new room? No.

DD was just under 5 when we re-did her room as she moved into the loft extension. She loved it but I think she would have been thoroughly disappointed if we would have said that this is her birthday present.

No, I wouldn’t.

I think it's a good idea - not so much the decorating but any accessories. One year I bought dd1 some stickers and bunting to decorate her room into a theme and she loved doing it when she was asleep I may have rearranged some Last year Santa brought dds a sheepskin cushion and a furry throw and they still love them and enjoy making their beds with them. Dd2 (who is 8) has asked for a rug and more cushions for her bedroom for Christmas this year and a desk - but there's no room for that.

I think they're a bit hound to appreciate that really - a teenager yes. We've done some accessories as a present - framed pictures/posters, Harry Potter cushions etc. though.