What to get the second child when they have access to all their sibling's toys?

[GeorginaA]

Major dilemma, and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position!

In laws and my mother have asked for ideas for what to get the dses for Christmas so I have to get my thinking cap on. Have already planned what we're getting them, but having to think up extra ideas is really hard!

Ds1 (4) is easy - every TV advert he says "I want one of those!" but ds2 (18mths) is almost impossible. What do you get a child who already has access to every appropriate toy his brother has?! Last year we got away with not very exciting stuff because he wasn't aware of what was going on - this year, however, he will be aware so we can't go that route!

Short of duplicating up to replace stuff that's got rather manky over the years, has anyone got some brilliant inspiration so he has something exciting to open on the 25th!

I think children under 3 have no real idea of fairness etc with presents, and grandparents should be instructed to buy very little overall. We get deluged with TOO MUCH STUFF every Christmas and birthday, despite stern instructions to the contrary. I'm turning into that grumpy one in A Christmas Carol, but with 4 children Christmas just seems to be an excuse to fill up the house with more THINGS.
Good presents for toddlers that have lasted - dolls buggy, cheap plastic picnic set, toy hoover, ELC set of stacking tubs with lids, set of wooden brooms and dustpan from IKEA, dressing up stuff, and Duplo plain bricks.
Good luck!

ooo.. like the thomas thing Gobbledigook. ds2 will only be 9 months but if i fail miserably in getting other ideas, that's what i'll get i think. and i am going to have start rummaging in the garage now and see if i can find some old toys which ds1 hasn't seen for awhile. the only thing is trying to remember who gave it to him in the first place cos it may be a little embarrasing if we wrapped it up and it is opened in front of the aunt/uncle who gave it to ds1 in the first place

What about a ride on toy/car? Although you probably have your fill of those? Or asking both sets to get a joint garden pressie/outdoor playhouse for both kids? Probably got those too

duplicate

otherwise they always feel taht they are borrowing. Nice for them to have their own bits of playmobil etc

what about something like this ton share

car

I see what you're saying gobble but thats what happened at DD's birthday. And she got a toy telephone which talks in Winnie the Pooh voices very loudly and does not have an on/off switch and goes on for ages. Also got one of those fur kittens "fur-real" I think thats supposed to be from age 4. And loads of dresses. Got much better presents off her playmates than the family even though they were obviously cheaper. So can't win....

even my 4 and 5 year olds don't actually notice whether they get anything much for birthdays or christmas. dd2, when she was 4 recently, went round telling everyone who asked what she wanted "Mummy's already got me a present thanks". (a £3 toy from a car boot sale!). I just think one day they'll be full of expensive wants and then i can spend the money, when they actually want something. til then they're really still happy with the old boxes, pens, glue, glitter etc.

csa - just been and bought and the Thomas thing - it says from 12m but I think it would be fine for 9m old. Looks good!

I get grand parents to buy more practical stuff like bedding and towels which gets round some of the duplication because with the best will in the world I can't get 3 of them sharing one duvet cover

geogteach that's a good idea about duvets, also jamas which always seem to wear out here.
Ds2 got some new stripey socks the other week too (pairs worn byt 2 children had holes in and he was so excited, bless him!
Can the grandparents not just buy "consumables" ie selection boxes (a mum at a meeting last night didn't know what one was btw!!!), sticket books, colours, craft bits, packs of stickers, new plastic plate and cup, all of these ds2 who is 2.5 woudl be delighted with.

Gobbledigook, did it come with trains?

What about a Tomy Aquadraw? Have got one for DD, 14 months (Boots 3 for 2 offer) and it wasn't around when DS (4) was younger (and no mess!!!!).

Noticed it comes with 2 pens too so DS and DD can both have play with it.

he Playskool airtivity ball popper i s great fun. Mine still playes with his - 3rd ds too & his 2 big brothers like it. Also the click clack track thing someone mentioned.

Also trying to build on fact ds3 plays with ds 1 & 2 toys - I've suggested someone gets him an action man car, as the big boys have action men, but no car. ds3 plays, sort of with the action men, so will probably love having a big car to put him in, as he loves putting things in things. I've heard a lot about the thomas aqua draw & have also suggested that to rellies for ds3 christmas. Oh & the my 1st leap pad touch screen thing