Joint present suggestions for kids

mandco

I’d avoid the joint stocking this year as if they are used to individual stocking at home they’ll be expecting them and won’t necessarily understand why they don’t have them - starting of the day with confused/upset kids does not make for a great Xmas day-  it’s definitely tough when you have mixed families. 

stockings don’t have to be expensive I know some people can & do go crazy social media can make you feel like it’s necessary but ours have always been cheap & cheerful full of token/practical gifts plus something fun to keep them occupied till it was a reasonable time to get up. 
Piece of fruit, choc coins, Toothbrush, fluffy socks, tube of sweets, mini drink some kind of arts/crafts or a book, a bath bomb or gel, hair accessories,Lip balm,squishy stress toy- lot of bits you can buy sets & split to make cheaper and larger/odd shaped items are great at bulking it out.

kimwp

For stockings: Tangerine, chocolate coins, fun socks and a little toy or trinket. A magazine or puzzle book sounds like a good idea. - the point of stockings when I was growing up was something to keep us busy until my parents were ready to get up.

But it's not about the things, it's about the experience - hold a suck up to Santa competition where they have to decorate/present their stockings with cheapy craft stuff (or something like challenge them create a poster/card using cereal boxes) to make them look impressive, lay a Santa trap with flour and put out a carrot for Rudolph. The ones who don't believe in Santa can do it still, it's about the competition and being silly and creative.

CapricornLass

Dont forget the humble comic too!  (Though you will have heart failure over the price.) 

 We always got a book too, but we were a family of readers.  Charity shop might have childrens' books which are in very good condition.

C_J

This must be so stressful for your daughter, Katie. I second the idea of looking around charity shops over the coming weeks, small Christmassy gifts, toys, books and decorations are starting to appear on the shelves already. Also one or two things each from one of the pound shops (such as colouring books, pencils, pencil cases, Christmas mug etc) would fill a stocking quite inexpensively) perhaps the secret is to keep the stockings small, maybe a football sock esp for the boys).  Add a satsuma and maybe something they already need such as a new pair of pyjamas or some fluffy socks.

Are you good at sewing? Could you get a fat quarter of Christmas fabric and make hair scrunchies for the girls?

How about baking some gingerbread men or christmas tree cookies and putting in a small bag or box of those?

Do you have any local organisations who do Christmas present gift exchanges? Their Mum could take in a couple of books or board games your grandchildren no longer want and swap them for different ones. Look also for your local baby bank as they often do Christmas gifts for slightly older children too.

Gem-gem

I would also suggest filling the stocking /sac with consumables rather than plastic tat that will fill your house. Have also included items that tend to get lost: 
chocolate coins
chocolate orange 
selection box **
shortbread / biscuits 
bag of H@ribos or P€rcy Pigs
Twiglets
marshmallows / hot chocolate / new mug
Pencil cases, pencils and erasers
bubble bath / shower gel
hair brush / comb
hair scrunchies / ties / ribbon / hair products
tooth brushes
nail varnish (for the older girl)
book or comic or annual
Coin purse or wallet
new water bottle / packed lunch box
swimming goggles (if they swim)
gloves, hats and scarves

Mum always included practical presents / essentials as part of our Christmas gifts to make it seem that we had more presents: new slippers, pyjamas, socks, knickers / pants, new outfit or top. 

*** one year I wrapped up five chocolate bars in ribbon as this was cheaper than a selection box as I had several to buy. 

Stockings for older people:
sachets of hot choc / marshmallows 
bag of their favourite coffee beans with a new mug
hand cream
heel balm
body lotion
shower gel / bubble bath
bar or box of favourite chocolate
miniature bottle of their favourite tipple
hankies
socks - funny pair 
eye mask
(pants / knickers for close family members)
packet of seeds
jars of homemade jam
word search book
book by favourite author

Gem-gem

I bought books from charity shops and then crocheted a character from the book. 

Eg The gingerbread man
Then included a bag of sweets. 

Katieowl

Thanks for all your helpful comments x

clyndu

If you live near Aldi, they often have sticker books reduced. Got 2 a couple of weeks ago for less than £1.