Fewer Christmas presents for children and a family trip instead?

[2kidswelshmum]

I’ve started to think about Christmas so I can budget accordingly for our two children - daughter age 7, son age 5.

And I’m struggling to know what to get them. I don’t want to get gifts for gifts sake that accumulate in their rooms/playroom and are not played with. (I regularly sort out what toys are played with and rotate etc etc).

I know it’s a magical time for children having a stocking and gifts to open, but I’m wondering if we can give less this year and suggest a family holiday somewhere instead? Like Centre Parcs, bluestone etc etc for memories rather than more things?

I’d still get them some treats to open + a little stocking, but I just feel at a loss to even know what to get them otherwise. Unless anyone has any ideas? ❤️

They quickly lose interest in new toys after the initial shine has worn off. The only toy that has stood the test of time and is religiously played with is their big set of magnatiles.

@2kidswelshmum
I think it’s a great idea I’ve considered it myself. I really fancy Eftelings winterling . My friend with older children did Merlin passes for the year when the Blackpool attractions were included and had the best year .

Unless it’s a really special trip I don’t think you can get away with that yet - I do know a family last year who wrapped up cases with Disney characters on them for each of the girls, and inside each case was a packing list, they had reservations for Disney on the 27th December and a hotel in Folkestone Boxing Day night, so nearly straight away but they were a little bit older too and had been begging for tech that they weren’t getting

May? No the intention would be to go away over Dec period ❤️ but that’s a lovely idea

we always did trips instead of birthday presents.
Now t they are adults they remember the places we went and the things we did. They don’t necessarily remember the plastic stuff that they didn’t get for their eighth birthday.

If you want experiences rather than gift what about passes or vouchers for local things to do like clip and climb, trampolining or skate parks?

I really don’t understand why people think a trip is not a proper present and should be an added extra. A large number of kids have way too much “stuff” and it seems sensible not to add to it, especially if extended family are going to give presents too. If you have children who don’t see a trip as a gift then it just hasn’t been explained to them, young kids will go along with what you tell them.

I agree ❤️ my children understand and are excited

I did this for my little girl. A trip that involved a kids theme park - so very child coded. When she returned she was going through the presents she got, for thank yous, not as an audit 😂 and said ‘what did you get me again mummy?’
I don’t think at that age they marry the two.
Agree with not buying for the sake of something to open though 🙂