What can be played with on the day?

[jwnib]

The most successful Christmases in terms of presents we've had are the ones when there is something for them to play or enjoy on the day. I'm just wondering if you had any suggestions? Whilst mine are 14 and 11 (boys) they are a very young 14 and 11 (particularly my ASD 11 year old) so I guess I'm looking more for toys.

I'd say things like Lego sets, Airfix models (if you get these make sure you get a set that comes with the paint and glue included), anything crafty really.

Do they have game consoles? I always liked christmases where we set up a new game and played family games. I’m thinking back to Wii and boxing against my dad!

Id prefer to avoid too much Lego or craft type things as the last thing I want is a house full of wrapping paper, people and little bitty bits!

Otherwise could you go for games like connect 4, magnet chess, genius games.

my kids are younger but they are having the air toobz game and I expect that will be out on the day.

For my older kid:

Joke or fact book her can read and tell everyone about
Splat balls/Stress balls
Ball games (to play with siblings)
Anything they can fire at each other (like nerf guns etc...)

Dobble is a good one - no reading involved so any age can play! Also nerf guns as above, if you're feeling brave. Oh top trumps too!

Kluster or Pass the Pigs are good games (& are small so storage isn't an issue).
Uno or Dobble are fun too.

I'm getting DS a set of these (he's nearly 13 but very young for his age). He'll like the magnetic/fiddling aspect
https://amzn.eu/d/i0vOm4Q

Some flying chickens? (Flying poos also available!!).
https://amzn.eu/d/hfa07aS

Something like this (I'm sure there are options that aren't Sponge Bob)
https://amzn.eu/d/fVoO4fI

Wooden Tetris type game
https://amzn.eu/d/8OgE2GX

One Christmas when my sons were younger we played hungry hippos.....loser had to do the washing up lol. They are older teens now so it will be monopoly or cards against humanity.....but I don't think grandad would approve!!

Marble run type thing?
I've got similar age kids and Wicked Uncle website has lots of ideas.
STEM type stuff that doesn't need an adult to assist...so magnets not crystal growing for example.

We love the game Labyrinth here too....easy to learn, easy to play and they learn to be more strategic the more they play. Character versions exist too.

I once gave a relative's kids various small gifts for Christmas including a Slinky. Apparently the Slinky was the hit of Christmas Day and one set of grandparents, who'd overspent on elaborate toys, were not happy. 😄

Pindaloo is fun

Thanks everyone one, have taken notes. We have all the consoles (🙈) but thinking dance mats could be fun, I loved dance mats when we were younger, not sure if still a thing? Tried to get rock band years ago and couldn't find.

How about those indoor at home laser tag sets, I haven’t personally bought them before but I know friends who have said their tweens/teens have absolutely loved it. Like nerf guns but without someone getting actually hurt 😂