Completely stuck for DC

[PowerToTheMeeple]

Really struggling on what to buy DC this year. I've got two DD's, 12 and 9; and DS 7. I've asked them (numerous times!) but I'm drawing blanks.

DD1 is almost 13 and heavily into art/drawing. I've got her a couple of bits like sketching pencils and books from new authors that she likes. Ideally I think she'd like an iPad that she can have specific software to draw on, but obviously this is very pricey. I've mentioned to her if she does get that, it will have to be a joint birthday present (January baby) too. I know that's a bit rubbish, but we cannot justify spending that much just for christmas. She's dabbling with make up at the moment, so I'm wondering whether to get her a floating shelf and big mirror with lights to do a kind of makeup area. Her room is only small but it could work. Other than that I've bought her a Deck and Bay hair wrap and towel, a trinket dish, 2x ByEloise hair bands and a space mask gift set.

DD2 has given me no ideas whatsoever. She keeps saying she wants surprises She likes Roblox and she has liked LOL dolls in the past, but not too keen on buying those. She will sit and play with things, but I don't want to buy for the sake of buying - she's plenty of things she doesn't play with! The only thing I have for her at the moment is 2x ByEloise hair bands.

DS has given me a few ideas but not many. He wants the new Zelda game for the switch and I've also got him some Harry Potter lego. Other than that he wants a Spiderman Hoodie. Again he is really into Roblox, but doesn't really play with the toys he has. He is quite into his electronics.

The issue is that DD2 and DS currently share a bedroom as we are living with a family member at the moment. We are hopefully moving at the end of next year, but in the meantime they don't really have their own space and the room isn't big enough to really buy something to go in there...at least that will be next christmas sorted!

I don't really want to go down the route of electronic stuff for DD2 and DS, as I feel they play on them too much at the moment but I am really stuck on what to get them this year.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Mine are only little so can't quite help but getting my recently turned 10yo niece a couple of ROBLOX giftcards, so maybe that as a stocking filler for the 2 younger ones? Depending on the price, the card gives you a decent amount of ROBLOX currency and an item for your avatar. If your eldest likes painting, maybe a canvas with some acrylic paints or nice watercolours? If she's into all sorts of arts maybe an embroidery kit too?

9yo:
Kumi Kreator
Roller skates or blades
Karaoke machine
Lava lamp
Popcorn machine
Magazine subscription (my Dd likes the Jaqueline Wilson mag and Nat Geo Kids)
Netball hoop and ball
Watch
Purse and overnight bag
T shirt from Illuminated Apparel
Instax camera
David Walliams board game

Does dd1 have a graphics tablet? That would be much more affordable than an Ipad at 12. My 13 year old is very much into drawing, as is her best friend, who has the drawing ability of A-level level at least, truly talented and this friend prefers to do most drawing on her phone with a stylus in drawing aps with amazing results, so I don't think an expensive iPad is an essential for art at this age. My dd is getting a Moto G Pro phone for Christmas that has a built in stylus. I'm also topping up her regular art supplies, good quality fineliners, pencils, acrylic pens and watercolours.

Scooters, inline skates or skate boards and ramp to share?

For the younger ones can you get them bike or scooter upgrades? Or some sort of outdoor/active things?

With regards to the iPad I would say go for it. If she isn't expecting it you will capture a bit of Christmas magic in a 13 year old. Then for her birthday could she be bought some cheaper items like clothes or more drawing supplies? She's old enough to understand.

Look at drawing tablets? Although the good ones are pricey. I have caved in and ordered a ipad for Dd1 but luckily I don’t have many other people to buy for so could stretch to it. Dd2 likes drawing too but there are only so many pencils I can buy her, she does like the acrylic paint pens for painting pebbles etc..

How about a Hot Wires set for your son? My son is 8 and he had one for Christmas last year, he really loved it.

Calligraphy book and pens
Popcorn/pancake/smoothie/waffle maker
Beanbag
Lego
Reading cushion
Kindle
Headphones
Gravitrax
Sphero mini
Hairdryer
Watch
Water bottle
Bluetooth speaker
Skincare book, cleansing wash
Hair crimper
Earrings
Bracelet
Pjs
Dressing gown
Ugg slippers
Ugg boots
Sports wear
Driving experience

Thank you all so much, excellent suggestions! I’ll have a look into these. I considered new bikes for the younger two, but have been unsure. I’ll have another think about it. I’ll have a look into the graphics tablet especially for DD1. Thank you all again