SO, DS is 5. When I ask him what he'd like from Santa, or from us <desperate> he has no idea. What to do?

[Pruners]

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have you got any of that magnetix stuff? i like playing with it . but so does ds who's almost 7!

Tickets for something? Bowling? Cinema? Nice dinner out with a friend? I would ceertainly follow his lead on not needing any crap material goods.

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playmobil?

does he not have the usual obsession with Thomas? DS was train mad at that age (although steer clear of the DVDs if you want to keep your sanity).

Does he like the theatre? Might be worth looking into kids plays - usually a few going on at Christmas.

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My nearly 4 yr old couldn't think of anything other than 'lots of chocolate' and some 'children's scissors' (??).

Embrace it. In a few year's time you will be presented with a lengthy, credit-card-busting list and you will cry.

Playmobile great - and I've seen 7 - 8 yo playing with it happily.

Childs camera?

Construction kit - I think Mecano do one which even has a motor so the models will go round...

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a watch.

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Hot Wheels - one of the sets that involves a launcher and lots of cars.
Geomag (we still all play with this and the dcs are 7 and 12 - one of the best things I ver bought)

what about more 'sciency' toys/equipment

eg
microscope
telescope
binoculars
ladybirds/butterflies/stick insects kit
stethoscope

fossils (real or play kit)
metal detector

or sports/ outdoor things
bike
scooter
roller skates
mini skateboard
soft bow & arrows
tent
compass
head torch
basket ball net

if you have a lot of construction toys already perhaps you don't need more?

I am not sure about the value of an 'experience' present for a 4/5 year old - I think on the day he may feel very sad if he hasn't got an exciting thing to open.