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What do you buy the kids that have everything - feeling stressed at the thought of Xmas..

47 replies

mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:03

I love Xmas, love the whole thing - but this year i'm feeling stressed already - i know its months away but i normally have ideas lined up. This year nothing!

The kids have lego, crafts sets, kitchens and tea sets, train sets, trampolines, bikes, books, jigsaws, dressing up, dvd's and so on - not all bought by us but lots of presents or things passed on by friends.

I have NO idea what to get them, without buying for the sake of it and adding to the pile of stuff. I could buy more action figures but they don't often play with the ones they've got - this is the problem i think.....Eldest is 7 - youngest therefore has everything! Also on a bit of budget so lots of fancy techno stuff is out..

I thought about annual passes somewhere which they would like but somehow can't see the reaction on Xmas day being that great..(or is that me overthinking)

Anyone else in the same boat?

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nagynolonger · 26/09/2012 18:07

Tickets for a panto or Christmas show.

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:10

Grandparents doing that and its before xmas.....looked at concert tickets for eldest but silly money since i'd have to go too...

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:11

I feel like cancelling and using the money towards for a holiday Smile they can have swimming and ice creams as a present

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WineOhWhy · 26/09/2012 18:15

MIne are a little older (8 and 9), but I have similar issue. I get asked by family what to get them and I dont even have enough ideas for myself! Luckily they are now at an age (and disposition) where they really like getting clothes and vouchers as presents. I have asked them what they would like but the have not been able to come up with anything (apart from a pair of Ugg style boots in one case). I shall watch with interest.

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Elk · 26/09/2012 18:17

A magazine subscription.

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Elk · 26/09/2012 18:18

A kindle

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Mollydoggerson · 26/09/2012 18:19

Sing-a-long karaoke machine.
What do they love most?

Spngebob sing-a-long toys

Books about Space/Science/Animals. Giant novelty books.
Cameras

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nagynolonger · 26/09/2012 18:20

Aunt bought my DD a kit to make a gingerbread house one year. She loved making it and DC ate it after so we didn't have to store it. How about a simple cookery book and some ingredients....if you fancy cooking with DC!
Stuff for their bedrooms, new bed linen, some story CDs.

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:20

A kindle - is that not a bit too grown up a gift (i'd love one myself!!!)....or am i behind the times Hmm and are they not pricey??

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Bonsoir · 26/09/2012 18:20

A really lovely dolls house?

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picnicbasketcase · 26/09/2012 18:21

Maybe sort out a load of stuff they have outgrown or don't use and give it to charity shops or eBay it. Then if they do get more toys, at least there will be more room for it. Tickets for a show is a lovely idea though

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:23

Bloody hell my kids are soo spoilt and its not been intentional.....they have more or less what has been suggested......

Does anyone else feel they are buying for sake of it????

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:25

Have just done a blitz of the baby stuff, broken stuff, whats not played with the charity.

Thats whats prompted me to post as I don't know where to go from here....

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Maryz · 26/09/2012 18:26

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Narked · 26/09/2012 18:27

How young is the younger one? Would it be possible to do a clear out of toys (and sell the ones you can) before Christmas? That might give you more cash to use for something they really want. I assume they have games consoles? If so, you can get lots of second hand, slightly older games for very low proces. If not, you can get older console + games bundle for a relatively low price.

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:27

I realise i shouldnt be complaining as some kids have next to nothing.....we can't afford expensive presents x3 and i hate wasting money too - but still want the excited faces in Xmas day Hmm Ive stopped the FC letter this year in case they ask for something we can't deliver......

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ELR · 26/09/2012 18:27

I just got my two 7 and 10 a subscription to the Puffin Post. DD 10 wants a leather pandora bracelet and tickets to xfactor but depends on cost. DS is prob going to get a new game for wii and the game frustration. It's both their birthdays early November so it's even harder for me but both are getting a new scooter.

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Dotty342kids · 26/09/2012 18:30

Oh, I have this problem too! My DS is 9 but has never been much of a "player" so despite oodles of toys etc he's mostly to be found rolling around on the floor playing with the dog! In fact the thing he'd like most is another puppy but that is NOT going to happen! And my DD is 7, again has sooo much stuff. We never buy them stuff outside of birthdays and Christmases, and don't go mad even then it's just that they kind of accumulate things from us and other people. I've not managed to persuade my DD to let go of some of her ELC things, she still enjoys playing iwht it from time to time.
So, we've got them tickets to go and see Olly Murs in March, and as of this morning, tickets to go and see the Strictly show when it goes on tour. Trouble is that this won't prove very exciting on Christmas day itself so we're going to just try and get lots of books, cds and smaller type things so that they have stuff to unwrap.
OP, if they have bikes what about accessories for them eg. new bells / saddles / baskets / drinks botttle attachments etc? If they like playing outside how about some sports equipment such as badminton set / pogo sticks / basketball and hoop etc?

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:32

Some great ideas - thank you!

Will definitely do the sack of stuff you need anyway but can tailor to their specific likes....

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mrsmoodypants · 26/09/2012 18:34

off to sort out bedtime - will catch up later - thanks again!

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Maryz · 26/09/2012 18:36

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WaitingForMe · 26/09/2012 18:36

We bought very little for my stepsons last year (now 4 and 7). The only big thing was a nerf gun each and they weren't expensive ones. But with stockings and crackers at the breakfast table they really didn't notice. This year they're getting a cardboard castle (will go well with the nerf guns) that we're filling with their gifts (which include things like dressing gowns).

MIL goes overboard and it seemed such a waste of money for us to buy loads when that money could be spent on doing more throughout the year. DH took a day off work to spend with each of them in the summer holiday (swimming, bowling, lunch out soon adds up). I'm certain they enjoyed that far more than a few extra parcels under the tree.

DH was worried about how little we gave them until he saw how little they cared. This year we have them for lunch and they'll discover my family tradition of "table presents" which for them will be a mini Lego set. I know having a toy at the table will be hugely exciting - far more than just stuff under the tree.

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AngryFeet · 26/09/2012 18:41

I have given up buying my two toys as they never get played with. They are massively into Lego but have tons of that (and never bother with kits just like to create their own stuff). I got them Leappads last year which they rarely play with and don't really want them to have DS's. So this year we are going to make them a sort of arts and crafts station as they love making stuff. A cupboard with lots of shelves full of cardboard, colouring stuff, scissors, tape, pipe cleaners etc etc. Plus stockings with little bits and bobs. We don't buy them a lot for xmas though due to finances and the fact that they don't play with toys much. DD got a pet for her birthday which was a great gift I think :)

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Badvoc · 26/09/2012 18:46

I do stockings for my 2.
This year they wil have an ikea hand crank torch - £3
A lush bath bomb (they love these)
A book
Some choc/biscs.
They love it.
They get so much, luckily this year both are getting big gifts from oils so I am just getting them small gifts.
(Too many Of them, mind)

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Maryz · 26/09/2012 18:52

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