Flaky grandparents wants gift ideas for kids but might not get them so don’t want to waste my good ideas on them please help me think of things!

[Comedia]

Fil has form for asking what the kids want for Christmas then buying something completely different so I don’t want to give him my good ideas of things they actually want as have made that mistake before then they end up not getting them from anyone because I wrongly assume he will get them.
So can anyone help me with ideas for nice bit not desperately wanted gifts please. Ideally ones that can go on an amazon wish list. So far I have thought about craft sets and also extras for things they already have eg they have brio train set so a station would be lovely but not missed if they don’t get it. Also he won’t give indication of price so I need to give a range (aaaargh -this so turns a nice things into a pain in the arse. Can you tell I grit my teeth and grin a lot here?)
Dd is 8
Ds1 is 6
Ds2 is 3
Thank you thank you thank you

Regarding price I'd suggest you cast your mind back to what he's given in the past, that should give you some idea I think? If expensive then go under, just in case.

Definitely list some craft items, maybe some add ons for things they already have (providing they'd be appreciated but not desperately wanted) so additional lego, Sylvanian family, that sort of thing.

Perhaps there are some character items they'd like -clothes, duvet set, that you don't mind them having but aren't high on your list.

Books, bath toys, generic sport stuff?

I really wouldn't spend too much time or effort on this though. Yes it's nice he wants to give gifts but on the other hand he's not exactly prepared to put much effort in if he's leaving all the thinking to you. It's particularly unhelpful to not give even a loose guide to what he intends spending and potentially leaves you open to being thought grabby and opportunistic.

Books and audio books?
We've been looking at the 3D pens which I may get our DD for her birthday in Jan!
More Lego or Duplo for the youngest?
A family board game for them all to share ie pie face or something similarly horrid, but the kids will love it!
DVDs?

It is the least of his faults tbh cantsleep, but don’t get me started (and yes before I am flamed I know some people don’t get gifts or have involved grandparents, v grateful blah blah blah)

Character.com usually have a good range in their clearance section and their usual prices address pretty good.

dd: jojo hair bows, unicorn backpack,

ds1: backpack, dinosaur illusion 3d lamp

ds2: aquadoodle, projector lamp, mini rucksack

all the best and hope i helped a bit x

They could get a basketball for the 8 yr old? New hoodies?

I have similar issues - I would go for games or puzzles. Top Trumps, playing cards, Brainbox quizzes, puzzles suitable for age.

Or art stuff - playdoh, felt tips, coloured card etc...

All ideas helpful sleep x

I’ve had this a bit and my go to is usually Lego - always lovely to get a big classic box or indeed a random set as a present, but not something personal or that they would be particularly set on. Also sports or outdoor stuff - new footballs, basketballs, a hoop for them all to share. Books, activity books, craft materials, board games. Do they collect anything, because that can always be added to. But yes, try not to expend too much of your own energy, it is hard I know, as you have to think of the children.

Maybe something that he could then buy every year...

Books
Voucher for cinema trip
Voucher for new shoes
Pjs
Selection box
Board game

I have a relative that used to buy lots of toys that were always for the wrong age group (either far too young, or too old). She now buys the kids a shoe voucher. We always take a photo of the dc in their new shoes and send her a copy - she loves the photos and looks forward to getting them!

I also have similar issues (“here, mum, here’s the link for pressie number one at half price and I’ll buy something compatible with it” [one week later, open card to two year old, with a cheque in it] “oh I thought this way you could just get it”).

I’d suggest compatible stuff to something you get; if child likes eg the arctic Lego sets they’ve got this year, link to a few of those but not the essential one. Dressing up outfits, pens and pencils and felt tips, toy animals, those scratch and sketch books...

I have the same problem so know how you feel. One year they refused to buy anything my children asked for because they didn’t personally like the toys (!) so mad dash to Sainsbury’s so I didn’t have disappointed children! I always suggest vague toys now like Lego and crafts as there are so many to pick from and I can get the things my children really want. For DD collectible toys would be good like lol dolls or Sylvanian families as they can add to it every Christmas. Puzzles books and board games you can’t go wrong with. Failing that tell them to tag along shopping after Christmas and they can treat them to something they like, it’s harder to buy something they won’t actually play with when they’re with you and begging for a toy on the shelf!

Clothes in the next size up? Then you can buy in the sales or not, as needs be.

Could you pick out a box set of books for each of them if that’s within budget?

How much do they want to spend? Apparently these new cyber toys are popular. There was one on Philip Schofield's program this evening. A lizardy thing that stuck it's tongue out and ate little balls. Probably too expensive but something on the same lines maybe?