Xmas presents for Boy 8, Girl 10 - ideas & recommendations?

mrs_sparrow

Well, not THAT long to go - I have usually finished shopping for Xmas by now having bought everything in the sales but I have absolutely no idea what to get my kids for Xmas this year. They seem to be in that horrible inbetween age right now and a lot of stuff is way too young for them but giving them one present of an ipod touch (or something equally expensive!!) is going to leave them disappointed.

I've looked up a few things I thought I would get them, on Amazon, and the reviews are dire with 1 star so I reckon that it would be a waste of money.

I have got a house full of Lego and Hot Wheels, Sylvanians Families, Animatronic animals, crafting materials and soft toys.

So, good value toys that are suitable for that age group. What are your kids into at these ages? Games are not really an option, I do usually get a couple but my son has ASD and doesn't really get games unless he is winning every single time.

I've seen those square brainbox games on Amazon for about £8 each - can someone tell me about those.

My DD birthday is first and I think I am going to buy her a huge selection of Fimo stuff and crafting kits for her birthday. She loves making things but there is only just so much room for all of the crafting stuff she has. She is quite immature for her age and we have tried paints and easels but she does not look after them and just smears paint everywhere.

Is anyone else having the same problems with this age group??

Thank you.

kingfisherblue

Brainbox games are quite good - I use them with my Brownie unit sometimes. They are basically a box of cards, a dice and a timer. One person memorises everything they can that is on the card in the time allowed. The information is a combination of words, pictures and maps. then they throw the dice and the other person asks a question relating to the number that they have thrown (so if they throw a six, they are asked question number 6 from a list of questions on the back of the card).

Regarding craft stuff - Crafty crocodiles are great for a few different things. perhaps your daughter would like some multi-use pens, that can be used on many different surfaces? they are more expensive than ordinary pens, but CC usually have them at a good price (again, I use them with Brownies). you could also give her a large box that she can decorate.

If either of your children enjoy reading, try the Book People. They are especially good for sets of books. if your son has a particular interest, maybe a book (or set of books) about his favourite topic would be suitable? My son has disabilities (not ASD) and is fanatical about animal books - several have come from the Book People.

Is there anything that you can buy that are connected with any clubs that they attend?

Would vouchers for a day out be appropriate?

A 'shopping for clothes day' with your daughter?

Your daughter may also like a full length mirror, or some pictures for her room - there are quite a few canvas style available at the moment.

mrs_sparrow

Thanks KFB, My daughter is still not fashion concious at all - I am trying - but I am also trying not to have her grow up too quickly. She has sensory issues too and clothes are a huge issue so all she wears are leggings, skirts and certain tops. I take her shopping but I have boxes (literally boxes) of clothes she has liked in the shop but will never actually wear once back home as they are too tight/baggy/etc... so for a present, I think I need to wait a bit more for that.

The pens sound good - can I ask what CC is please - is this a website? Craft Crocodiles? I have never heard of them before so I will certainly have a look at these. Thanks.

Books - hmmmm, hit and miss, I love the book people, we have hundreds of books but yes, that is a good idea. My son LOVES rollercoasters, he is obsessed by rollercoasters but it is quite hard to find things around that topic.

The brainbox games sound good so I think I'll get a few of those - they both have very good memories and they memorise Top Trumps cards within 30 minutes.

Day out - we already have annual passes for all the things they like to do.

I realise that my kids sound spoiled but we do not go out a huge amount because of DS disability so we stay home quite a bit.

pawsies

http://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/special-offers

or similar experience day? Saves having a house full of clutter...

Fire_Fox

It's August, SUMMERTIME!! Over four months until Christmas!! More than a third of the year to go!! :eek:

faerie~spangles

Fire_Fox wrote: »

It's August, SUMMERTIME!! Over four months until Christmas!! More than a third of the year to go!! :eek:

Your point is?:rotfl:

OP, listen to your kids and don't succumb to the 'keeping up with the Jones'.

barbarawright

If either of them watch Doctor Who it shouldn't be that tricky :rotfl:

mum2one

I know the feeling re DD and clothes my DD is nearly 10, wont wear dresses, lives in 2 pairs of leggings, only wear skirt if its over her leggings and a couple fav tshirts.
So know where your coming from re presents is there anything special she likes? music - maybe a nice MP3 player.
jewellery - pandora bracelet - buy charms for bdays and xmas.
Theatre - is there a show/musical/ etc she wants to see

DD she's 10 nxt month, but had her bday present early, a hot air ballon trip, (we got a deal for £85 each) so dad went with her, she absolutely loved it and wants to go again!!

tyllwyd

How about stuff to decorate their rooms - pictures / lamps / rug / duvet set, that kind of thing?

zaksmum

Can't believe anybody's worrying about Christmas already!

kingfisherblue

http://www.craftycrocodiles.co.uk/

They sometimes give 10% off the first order

Try these links for rollercoaster books:

http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/

http://www.joylandbooks.com/category_rollercoasters.htm

http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/misc/books.html

http://themeparks.about.com/od/rollercoasters/tp/coasterbooks.htm