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Original poster

3 year olds - struggling with gifts

14 replies

CIsara · 09/12/2023 07:03

I have 3 year old twin girls, all they keep asking for is "dollies ", after nursery it's wooden dolls house type and sometimes it's the Our Generation type. They have baby Annabelle and have shown no interest in Barbie style dolls.

So far I've gone way over budget and bought them a Le Toy Van dolls house as a joint present and all the wooden furniture etc.
It equals 2 "Joint Gifts" and 8 accessories each (obviously they will just share but it's more to separate who opens what).
I've also got them an Our Generation doll each (only £25 each so didn't feel bad doing it) and 2 outfits. The issue is I know they will be upset if they can't have their dolls match so I've bought the same dolls and same outfits. So even though they have 11 presents each to open and the 2 joint, it feels more like 2 presents and nothing that's really individual.
I've already spent way more than I'd have liked (not like I've got debt or anything just more than I'd planned) but feel I need to get a few more bits, maybe less around role play/imaginative play as they get bored of it quite quickly still.

I'm thinking a Puzzle each and a designated craft activity (any ideas?). My parents are going to get them some crafts so I don't want anything crazy. Then I was thinking maybe some nice books?
I'm really struggling as they have a lot of the toys that are great for their age already.

Does anyone have any ideas on nice gifts for 3 year old girls? I also have some relatives who still want suggestions and I have no idea what to say to them!!

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 09/12/2023 07:07

I have bought my 3 year old some drawing pens this year for stocking. Until now he’s only had crayons/ pencils. He also likes watercolour paints. So maybe some craft things?

BenHolland · 09/12/2023 07:15

Also think pens are a good plan! Got some glitter felt tip type pens and printed a load of Frozen characters to colour in from the internet. Been played with way more than all the plastic stuff DD also got!

Box of random lego from ebay also a hit. Just started to progress from duplo.

Unabletomitigate · 09/12/2023 07:25

You have spent your budget. You have bought them toys you think they will like and they have somethings to open. You can stop now.

witmum · 09/12/2023 07:30

If it is quantity could you do a pound land supermarket sweep. £10 per child to buy stickers, colouring book, silly Christmas games, a selection box. Anything their heart might desire but not breaking the bank.

LaurieStrode · 09/12/2023 07:39

That's plenty!

LaurieStrode · 09/12/2023 07:39

Also in future think about secondhand items.

Original poster
CIsara · 09/12/2023 07:44

LaurieStrode · 09/12/2023 07:39

Also in future think about secondhand items.

I've considered it but honestly ... I enjoy buying new. I'm sure to sell anything they grow out of on and hope that after us it sees lots of use, but I actually like buying new!

OP posts:
salamirose · 09/12/2023 07:45

Clothes
A book

PurBal · 09/12/2023 07:48

You’ve spent plenty. We got DC one parcel each from us, a parcel from the other sibling and about 6 stocking fillers things like stickers and chocolate coins. Lots of extra parcels from relatives so my DC would be overwhelmed. You have permission to stop. If you need ideas for relatives I think consumables like craft things make great gifts. We’re getting some role play things this year.

CoffeeAndEnnui · 09/12/2023 07:59

The magnetic Melissa and Doug dress-up 'dolls' were beloved here for many years. DD had the pair (I think they're called Abbie and Emma but they were known as Melissa and Doug in our home!) but there are some sweet individual options if you want the girls to have different versions.

CoffeeAndEnnui · 09/12/2023 08:06

Or how about a beautiful Christmas book that you can bring out year after year? The Robert Sabuda pop-ups are stunning, we still read The Night Before Christmas together every Christmas Eve and our copy is nearly ten years old.

His versions of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan are still easy to find and are true works of art. Have used Amazon links here for ease of access but both the M&D toy and the books are pretty widely available.

LaurieStrode · 09/12/2023 08:14

CoffeeAndEnnui · 09/12/2023 08:06

Or how about a beautiful Christmas book that you can bring out year after year? The Robert Sabuda pop-ups are stunning, we still read The Night Before Christmas together every Christmas Eve and our copy is nearly ten years old.

His versions of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan are still easy to find and are true works of art. Have used Amazon links here for ease of access but both the M&D toy and the books are pretty widely available.

Yes, books should always be top priority.

BertieBotts · 09/12/2023 08:14

IME it's fine for siblings to have matching items and often saves arguments. What you have got is fine, don't worry :) At this age they always want what the other one has. As they get older they will develop more individual interests and not be so jealous of each other so individual gifts will be fine. At this age, matching is a very good choice.

Carouselfish · 09/12/2023 08:43

My 3yr old dd is getting baby annabel! Arriving with an our generation doll for older sibling on the armchair with packed doll suitcases Xmas morning and type written introduction!
She's also getting a pupito surprise, bath toys, character figures, book and a bean bag.

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