How early do buy for kids?

[Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas]

I have some great bundles on ebay of a type of toys my 6 yr old is into but I’m worried she will be into something else by then. How do you make the call?

I've bought most of my kids presents already.

I buy all my kids things pre-owned (small budget per child) so I start in the summer to make sure I can get the type of things they want. I've already bought a few presents and have a few more favourited on vinted. My children are 4, 2 and 1 in December so they are still young and happy with things that I know they will like.

I also have their birthdays coming up (1 in October and 2 in December) so I find it easier to get started now

I know my adult dd has bought most of dgd (6) presents already. They choose things that she will like or could do with, e.g tablet, dolls house or test the water with a lego set. Add in trusty favourites like art supply's, games, books etc. And they leave a few bits to get till closer to the time from her santa list. This list has five items on only and santa brings one, it's a suprise. This has worked every year so far and she's never been disappointed. She asked for a Barbie house two years in a row and didn't get one till her 6th birthday, she already had a decent house and by the time she received it we all knew it wasn't a fad. It's hard when they're young, one minute in to Waffle, the next mont Fire man Sam and the month after paw patrol. I try to look at things for their longevity or things to add on to like playmobil or lego.

I've got most of DDs. I started at the start of the year in the sales and then as the year progresses I get things she might've mentioned. I also check out the Christmas bargain threads on here. She's too young yet to trip me up with an expensive curveball (hopefully!).

I think it’s dependent on age, at 6 if it’s character toys is avoid until late October/early November just in case they change their mind or a new fad toy comes out. For more generic items I’d go for it now, not only are you getting a bargain you could be helping another parent buy gifts early for their wee one too.

I've started for my dds age 14 and 10 at Christmas. It's actually getting easier as their tastes don't change too much now.

I always started early, when buying I only pay as much as I can resell for second hand if they change their mind.

Eg a few years ago it was all about playmobil. I bought a few bundles in the summer sorted, cleaned and bagged it ready for gifts. Then come november dd wanted dolls so I sold on for slightly more than I paid to fund the dolls.

I have over half of my dd already but she will only be 10m old at Xmas- so not express any preferences yet!

I'm done for my 4 year old apart from stocking bits. This year I have gone down the 'things she needs' theme i.e. new scooter, stuff like slime kits etc which she loves. We are very fortunate to have family that are less anal than me are happy to buy her anything she wishes for nearer the time (within reason!)

My DDs are 5 and 3 so little enough to be happy with anything. I've bought probably half of their presents but will leave some things to be bought nearer the time just in case their likes drastically change. Then again, we don't do Christmas lists and always try to say "Father Christmas just brings little treats" to try to make sure they're not expecting anything specific. Often we buy presents that aren't really linked to a phase e.g. being obsessed with Peppa Pig or Paddington. Things like art supplies, chocolates/sweets, books, bath bombs etc.

Usually right after dd’s birthday in September, but this year I’m taking her to london in October half term to spend her birthday money so I will wait till after that to buy this year...

I start buying in June usually... kids dont 'suddenly' go off thing, they do grow up but its a very slow process of growing out of things.

And something are universal regardless of age, even most adults like some games/toys and everyone loves nostalgia so its usually pretty hard to buy a dud if its something the person did love.

I buy all year long, starting in the January sale. My kids are a little older though, youngest being 10 & has a big interest in dolls so is relatively easy to buy for.

My children are very young (3 and 10 months at christmas) but at this time of year I tend to mostly get the more practical things that I would give them regardless e.g. Dressing gown, backpack, books. DH likes to get involved with the toy shopping, so I tend to hold back a bit so we can do it together. He's not bothered about the stocking filler stuff so I have free rein on that. Having said that, if I see any real bargains on toys then i get them.

Late November/ early December, which is when I do all my Christmas shopping and always have done!

Thanks all. Food for thought. I think I will pick up smaller bits now but wait a bit longer to bigger items.