DS 2 & 4 and toys

[sunshinedaises]

I have 2 DS 2 and 4 and they don't really play with toys together. They play together but normally with their soft play or they love getting cushions and their bedding and playing around in that. My eldest is starting school next week and youngest is going nursery 4 days so there will be less time to play (currently we have from Thursday - Sunday all together). What do I get my eldest for his birthday and what do I do for xmas? I don't want to get a load of toys that won't be played with. Also is anyone else's siblings like this? I'm not sure how to nurture it

We have mountains of toys that don't get played with here - I'm currently trying to sort through and get rid of them.

In terms of birthdays and presents, I tend to buy/suggest (to anyone who wants to gift something) days out as an alternative. For my son's birthday just gone, we got a summer pass for a children's climbing place. He's used it lots over summer and enjoyed going. It's a much better option than a toy stuck in a toybox that doesn't get used!

I love the idea of days out I just worry at this age they won't understand not having a physical present to unwrap.