"Big" joint gift for 11 and 7 year old

[TooDeLoi]

Hiya

A relative likes to buy my DSs a joint gift at Christmas. He is generous (£100-150 kind of budget) and likes it to be a non-tech toy.

I can usually always think of something. But this year I'm stumped!

They've had goal posts, a rugby poles set-up, Lego, magnatiles etc on the past. But I just can't think of anything (they'd happily have more Lego but we are SWAMPED with the stuff).

Any ideas?!?

Tent and then you could do a garden camp out (in summer!)

a table tennis table top? It goes over a normal dining table. Like this https://www.libertygames.co.uk/store/table-tennis/tops/tekscore-table-tennis-top/?from=sectSpeedy&co%5B2208%5D=9398&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCzRpS0POZUMUukmdpuNkcriUMYwZFp9uZyvuZQmn5dJjY67jcPHRWEaAk7-EALw_wcB

I’m sure there are cheaper and smaller/bigger options. Plus bats and balls.

I think the age gap is too big - the 11 yr old is reaching a stage where different gifts are required and their reading interests will differ. Why not ask your children what they might like and then tell him.

What would your boys actually want? There's no point getting something "big" if really all they want is some packets of football cards and a box set of Famous Five books.
Be honest with your (generous) relative if there is actually something smaller that your boys would prefer.

Another one here who things it’s getting to be time for a chat with the relative. This is only going to get harder as they get older.

Kapla? There are really cool builds for big kids (and adults!)

@JellyBellies those stepping stones are surely aimed at much much younger kids? I think a 7 year old would be a bit bemused by them, never mind an 11 year old?

Fort kit. We bought 2 so they could go together and make a bigger one and it's the longest used toy aside from Lego. As littles the kids used it as a den. Now it still gets put up as a gaming hideout as pre-teens.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/CrazyForts/page/2D9C67BE-B96F-426D-9596-BC137863D9A5?ref_=ast_bln

Have you got space for table football?

I feel for you. I am The Provider of Gift Ideas for Children to my family and ILs and it's exhausting. I make lists with various price points, easy to buy, some here's the link to buy the toy and some more open like 'a bike basket' or 'watercolour paints' for those who like to chose and still I get asked for more ideas. 🙄

In your shoes I'd give suggestions for things for each boy for half the budget and suggestions of non-physical joint gifts and leave it at that. When they come back for more ideas I'd just repeat, 'Yes, it's really difficult now they're getting older, I could only think of Legoland tickets as a joint present they'd like otherwise Alfie would like x and Leo would like Y'. They can't actually make you have ideas if there aren't any to have.

@AbacusAvocado we visited my cousin who had these and my 12 and 14 year olds were playing them them along with me!

They are just so versatile, indoors and outdoors, you can stack them, make up games, just a lot of fun!

I was going to suggest a Velvetiser, someone has beaten me to it.
We got one for our DC when they were a little older and then for their cousins who were thrilled with it.

https://www.qvcuk.com/hotel-chocolat-velvetiser-12-assorted-sachets-in-tin.product.826318.html

Spikeball set

Scalectrix?
Hornsby railway set - could add to in time

Table pool?

Badminton set

Hoop

Hoverboard

You used to be able to get a Lego chess set, I don’t know if they make them anymore though.

You could get a decent starter guitar set up for £150

eta they still do the chess set. You can get Harry Potter version too

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/lego-iconic-chess-set-40174

Do they have swingball already? The basketball hoop mentioned upthread was also a great idea if you've got a blank wall on your house and don't mind the banging. Giant connect 4 for the garden.

Last year my 9-12yr old got a table top hockey game - that was a hit and all the adults joined in a tournament while waiting for Christmas dinner

Nugget play couch

are you near the sea or a lake? how about a paddleboard?

I don’t think you should because those ages are very different

I'm bemused by the suggestion I'm afraid of this relative. Hilarious even. Not afraid but respectful. I would not want to upset them by suggesting the thing they enjoy doing doesn't hit the mark. I'm sure it'll change if we are lucky to still have the relative around when the kids are very much older.

And even now, the age gap itself isn't particularly tricky. Air hockey and football tables, basketball hoops cover a wide age range. Plus they'll play with their friends, not necessarily with each other all the time.

I've got some great ideas here. Thanks.

Indoor gorilla gym with extra hammock attachment. Digital piano.