Christmas gift ideas please for children 7 and 10

[nearlywed21]

Hello,

I have never had to buy for children before, but spending christmas with partner's sister who has kids 7 year old girl and 10 year old boy. What on earth could I buy them??

Thanks!

What’s your budget?

Have no idea how much children's gifts cost / what is reasonable.
Maybe £20? £30?

Bright minds or my wicked uncle has great suggestions

A Lego set each. My DD likes the Friends range and DS likes Star Wars or Harry Potter.

Anything from Smiggle (slightly overpriced colourful stationary that kids go mad for).

Or a family/party type game to share like Articulate for Kids, Kids Against Maturity or Charades.

I'm thinking along the lines of educational gifts ideally (or is that really boring, as you can tell I dont have kids!)

@WildStallyn - how much does a decent lego set cost?

@nearlywed21

I'm thinking along the lines of educational gifts ideally (or is that really boring, as you can tell I dont have kids!)

@WildStallyn - how much does a decent lego set cost?

Depends on the theme?

Games such as dobble and connect 4 or junior articulate, or annuals and selection boxes, a craft set or jigsaw puzzle- don't worry about it too much, kids always surprise with their reactions to gifts!!

Oh by the way bopit is a great one, or kinetic sand

Check out Argos. They have 2 for £15 toys. They did have some national geographic experiments in there which would be perfect for this age. My kids are 7&10 and love stuff like that.

There’s loads of stuff in that Argos deal actually. I’ve just had a quick look. Lol stationery set, Meccano. You’ll definitely find something. I think you can filter by age too.

Lego varies such a lot but Tesco often has good offers or look out for Black Friday deals. You should get something pretty decent for £20-30.

I would go for board games, they are safe but get used loads, I’d go 5 second rule for the 7 year old and cards against humanity (family edition) for the 10 year old.

The 10 yo might like a circuits kit. DD is 8 and loves hers. I’ve also bought them as gifts for similar aged kids and they were very well received
Ticks the educational box too :)

"I'm thinking along the lines of educational gifts ideally (or is that really boring, as you can tell I dont have kids!)"

Don't do that, unless they like science kits. Your DP needs to ask. My GC wouldn't want Lego. But the 7 year old GD would like a crystal growing set, or art stuff. I've bought her the deluxe spirograph set.
She's also getting mini brands, among us figures and Roblox vouchers from other people.
The 10 year old is trickier, but it should be tailored to his interests or the presents go down like a lead balloon.
£20-30 is fine. Why doesn't your partner know his DNs or their interests? He should contact his sister and find out.

The reason I said don't get educational stuff is most stuff can now be done on iPads. The works do good kits, two for £10. Bath bomb etc making.

Thanks everyone! I'm sure I could find something from Argos or the works! :)

I have a 7yo girl. She would love anything arty (pads, pencils, markers, brush pens, scissors that cut different patterns etc), anything to do with stationery (pencil case with compartments and hidden bits would go down well), anything from Claire's Accessories, anything from Smiggle, anything tie dye, books by Daisy Meadows or anything to do with sick animals or animals with some sort of magical powers , or bath bombs, preferably from Lush which she drags me into every time we walk past one.

The first thing I'd so is ask the parents. Otherwise you run the risk of getting something they have already.

I have kids almost exactly the same age and the one thing which has come out again & again for years is our marble run.

Dobble is fantastic if they don’t have it.
Also Connect 4, Operation and Frustration.
All would suit both age groups, are simple enough that the children can play by themselves but also clever enough to be enjoyed by adults too.

And you can’t go wrong with a luxury set of gel pens or felt-tips and some A3 drawing pads!

Wicked Uncle website is great for age-suited ideas

If you’re looking for something education but still kind of fun, I noticed that Smyths has a STEM section now. I picked up a forensic detective kit, microscope and the likes for my 8 yo!

I wouldn't buy a board game as there is a chance they already have it.

A lot of 10 year old boys are no longer into toys. You would need to check with mum, but mine would appreciate a new nerf gun. Or a fortnite/minecraft hoodie (if it’s something he is in to) . Or a new top from his fav football club (or lunch box or water bottle). He also like the “street” footballs. He may be Harry Potter fan in which case you could get a new wand from Harry Potter shop?

Sand in bottle art was appreciated by my daughter recently