What to get kids that 'don't want anything'?

[AsahiGo]

^ exactly that.
I have two kids, 8&9 who don't need anything, and really don't want anything. They had a major sort out last month and got rid of about 80% of their 'stuff' (their decision, not mine!).
Obviously I want to get them some gifts! I was going to do the four gift rule & stockings & Christmas Eve hamper.
Does anyone have any suggestions of gifts that aren't just 'stuff'?
Hope it makes sense! tia

If they like painting and drawing, would they like an art class? National trust sometimes do that sort of thing which would also tie in with environmental interest

Don’t know where you live but what about a stay at Port Lympne conservation reserve in Kent. Can stay in tents, treetop houses or shepherds huts and go around the reserve when it’s closed to the public. Can also stay in a lodge with glass walls in the tigers pen or in giraffe manor where giraffes poke their heads through the window
My kids had zoo keeper experiences there - feeding giraffes, monkeys and learning about them

DD will be almost 9 at Christmas. Last year I got her tickets to a show and we did a chocolate making class together. Both went down well.

This year I will also do tickets for something we can do together.

She also needs a new bike, but that will probably be a joint present from her grandparents, aunt and uncle.

In her stocking she will get a book for the holiday, some earrings and possibly something like shampoo and conditioner bars plus holders.

What about tickets to a games museum? We went to one in Sheffield, it was so good, your DH would love it as would the kids as it has retro and new stuff. I don’t know how many of these are around but may be worth a look x

If they're into environmental conservation how about their own little kit? So a hydro water bottle, a pack of reusable straws, some shampoo bars, decent non plastic lunchbox. All stuff with a use. Then I would do ticket for a day out or an annual pass to a local attraction. Maybe a magazine subscription?

Thanks for all the ideas guys, I've only just had chance to read and reply properly.
Also, thanks for saying my kids seem nice :D

I'll definitely get the toiletries @SuddenBeetE, @Barbarara and @Theredjellybean. Dh and I got bamboo toothbrushes recently to 'try them' and they're really good. Kids wanted them, so they'll be liked. Eldest will happily rant to long-suffering Mcdonalds staff, and anyone really, about how crap straws are. Will buy some aluminium ones and maybe split them between the stockings.

@PaddingtonMare - I'm going to google the slippers. We're all obsessed with Japan in this house.

@Sparkledot - there's a games museum up the road from us that I've only just found out about - thanks for the suggestion!

@Thehagonthehill (great name) great suggestions, there's a decent tutorial on youtube on wreath making.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and ideas. I'll have to read through again and look at any I've missed, and take down notes haha

And everyone who suggested solid shampoo - do you have any recommendations for conditioner? the ones' I've tried so far are very dry

You mentioned scouts earlier... Some stuff they may find useful

• penknife

-compass

• decent waterproofs, walking shoes, sleeping bag, rucksack
• wind up torch
• camp blanket
• badge book
• paracord (and instructions for survival bracelets or a kit for making them)

My dd loves this colouring book which she does with fancy brush pens I got at the same time.

www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Country-Fantasy-Coloring-Book/dp/1250094461/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?s=gateway&keywords=romantic+country+coloring+book&sprefix=Romantic+country+&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1568295749&sr=8-2

Also, both my dcs (8 + 11) love the Phoenix comic.

@AsahiGo glad to be of some help! heiwaslipper.com/collections/kon2-1 Is where i saw the slippers.

On a previous thread for soap/shampoo/conditioner this brand was mentioned as a good one www.thehighlandcraftcompany.com/ I bookmarked it for Xmas gifts.

Scouts stuff- proper penknife, compass, fire starting kit, decent head torch, metal plate and mug, camp blanket,

Sushi mats in their stockings, funky socks. Tiger has some nice decorative chopsticks.

Updated bedding if they are outgrowing their current sets. New dressing gown, brushed cotton PJs, wheat bag soft toy. Metal water bottle.

Glow in the dark stars to put on their bedroom ceilings

Definitely experiences over stuff. If you are all obsessed with Japan maybe a family trip to a good Japanese restaurant, or a cookery class?

I know this is an old one (sept) but I just don't get it when kids say they don't want anything. There must be something they would like. I think they are all lovely ideas but Christmas is about having toys off Santa for the children, coming down stairs excited to see if he has been, eaten the mince pie they had left the night before and left presents for them to open on Christmas Day. They don't have to cost a lot at all £1 shop/primark etc. Every one is different and I must admit I had everything I could of wished for as a child but I still woke up on Christmas morning hoping I had a sack at the end of my bed and presents under the tree..... ITS CHRISTMAS!!!

My children genuinely don't want much and are like the ops children quite keen to cut down on plastic waste.

Dd1 (9) likes to support local animal sanctuaries though and we might sponsor an animal there for her.

When I was that age I loved animals and was part of the Junior RSPCA Club. I'd definitely have a look at some animal charities to see which do an updated version of this today.

DS has had sponsorships for the last couple of years - firstly for a Guide dog and last year a child sponsorship for a boy his age in Cameroon.
This year he is having his room decorated - it’s well overdue and he is designing it himself.

Theatre tickets? DS1 turns 7 straight after Christmas, and he has asked for theatre tickets for Christmas.

You said you have pets. My kids both have blankets and cushions with photos of our pets on them which they love. We had them done at Boots but lots of places do them