Buying BF's Kids Christmas Gifts

[missL1987]

My boyfriend of 18 months has two boys aged 7 & 10. As a child I remember my Dads girlfriend at the time buying me & my siblings each a christmas gift that was just from her (rather than piggy-backing on my Dads gifts), and this is something that has stayed with me.
As I have now been introduced to the children (I hadn't met them this time last year) and started spending time with them I would like to buy them a Christmas gift this year. As I am not a parent myself & come from a family with no young kids I'm struggling to come up with good gift ideas. I obviously don't want to to step on anybodies toes by buying anything too over the top, nor do I want to buy something that will be deemed boring & get tossed to one side.
Anybody any advice / ideas?

Ask your boyfriend what he thinks they might like.

I think we need the genders and their interests to be of any real help. Do you know what he plans on getting them? What mums main presents will be? You can start by avoiding those.

An experience like tickets to a theatre show might be really fun for them. Other ideas could be go ape or go karting etc.

Go Ape is a good idea, thanks. They both enjoy climbing but have never been

No, my 7 year old at the time was way too young for Go Ape. It is quite over the top too for the first time you've bought them something.

Do they like gaming/football/Lego/reading?

Gaming definitely, I know they both like Star Wars & Marvel too

Best to speak to their dad to make sure you don’t buy something someone else is. They may have a list you can choose something from.

Lego is still a huge hit for my DSSs who are 6.5 and 9. Especially marvel Lego.

I suppose it depends on the child. My 4 year old quite happily did Go Ape. You could always take them past it to see what they make of it? I don't think a trip to Go Ape is remotely over the top. It's not Disneyland. If boys then Nerf might prove popular. The gifts my stepkids liked best were activities we all did together.

Diggerland tickets? Pricey but a fantastic day out for those age groups if you have one near you.

A boardgame for the four of you to play?

They would probably appreciate it if you just stuck some money in a card and let them choose their own gift.

This is a great idea. Also love Go Ape or Rock Up if there’s one near you.

That's really helpful, thank you

Thanks, will have at at look at Marvel Lego

They are boys .

We do this OP. I like to get them something from me. The first year I got them a kerplunk set. Then as I got to know them more it got more into what they like.

If you are going for a present that doesn't step on toes then I would be mindful with the experiences, especially if its first christmas- is it something mum or dad would be able to afford to do themselves if they wanted? If so fine go ahead but if the ex is struggling for money in my experience it's even more important to keep your present small. I know it should all be about the kids really but you did mention you didn't want to risk upsetting anyone.

My DSC love a gift voucher. I know at adult age it gets a bit boring but at that age its exciting going to a shop.

"I don't think a trip to Go Ape is remotely over the top. It's not Disneyland."

No. But she is their dads new girlfriend and she doesn't yet know them very well. The board game idea is much safer or a Pokemon set

Lovely idea if you have that relationship with them

What about something you could all do together, depending on age, obviously like a kit of some kind. Something to build together again, you can all play together. Let’s talk then you’re not like you say stepping on anyone’s toes it’s just a friendly gift

Go Ape would be brilliant fun for them.
something they will definitely remember

and it’s not too expensive