I can't believe I forgot! DOVER COLORING BOOKS. Really beautiful gorgeous illustrations on just about any subject you could want, from Ancient Rome to natural science to different breeds of horses. Perfect for older elementary school level.
My children would never do anything else again if we had Risk in the house. Their grandparents have it and they can play for days. My son is especially desperate for me to buy him the Medieval England version.
Yes, my two would be happy to receive nothing but Lego. I, on the other hand…
Books always good, and my preferred thing to give to other families too because they take up almost no space. Each autumn I try to have a small clear-out because all the family birthdays plus Christmas are at the end of the year. We’re over 100% full already so where is all the new stuff going to go?!
This grateful parent salutes you. This came at the perfect time.
A travel chess set has seen a lot of play at my house, so has the set of peg dolls I get them back when those were trendy (for at least four years now, they play with them at least twice a week). Building toys (Lego, magnet tiles, etc) always see a lot of play. A small tin tea set was a big hit one year. Ticket to Ride Junior is a board game we got them last year that sees a lot of use.
And, from an American, "Father Christmas" just sounds so much nicer than "Santa Claus".
Oh these are great suggestions! Lego, travel chess, and peg dolls also perennial favourites in this house too. Magnet tiles have been on my list for years and I’ve never quite managed it somehow. Googling Ticket to Ride Jr now…
We haven’t ever done Father Christmas in our house because the idea of a stranger coming into the house when you’re sleeping was too horrifying for mine when they were very little. We love reading stories about him though and he is definitely not Santa here!
We tend to do something tasty, something Lego, something to wear, and something to read in their stockings and then one more expensive item to open after lunch. Everyone else (bar one) is very considerate in their gifts being free from tat and space saving. Unfortunately the ‘bar one’ often makes up for lack of tat from the others 🙄
Yes there were moments when my two were a little concerned about a strange man tiptoeing round the house at night, but ultimately the thought of presents was enough to quash the fears. I like your formula for gifts, that would certainly simplify things. And I think all families probably have a ‘bar one’…!
I can't believe I forgot! DOVER COLORING BOOKS. Really beautiful gorgeous illustrations on just about any subject you could want, from Ancient Rome to natural science to different breeds of horses. Perfect for older elementary school level.
Oh my gosh I LOVE those books! What a great recommendation. My basket is filling already!
Essential reading - thank you Catherine!
Ah I’m so pleased!
Lego lego lego lego lego
Books - I attempt to stick to Living Books, the Yuval Noah Harari picture book is lovely, must see if there's a new one.
Steam vouchers to be used on educational games (good sims not sim jet washer...)
Clothes - grandparents buy things with labels so I don't have to
Musical instruments
Anything else flat out discouraged as no room :)
I think we are going to buy ourselves the boardgame Risk as a collective present too
Also highly recommend Settlers of Catan and Dominion (a deck building game) as good gifts for older kids.
My children would never do anything else again if we had Risk in the house. Their grandparents have it and they can play for days. My son is especially desperate for me to buy him the Medieval England version.
Yes, my two would be happy to receive nothing but Lego. I, on the other hand…
Books always good, and my preferred thing to give to other families too because they take up almost no space. Each autumn I try to have a small clear-out because all the family birthdays plus Christmas are at the end of the year. We’re over 100% full already so where is all the new stuff going to go?!
This grateful parent salutes you. This came at the perfect time.
A travel chess set has seen a lot of play at my house, so has the set of peg dolls I get them back when those were trendy (for at least four years now, they play with them at least twice a week). Building toys (Lego, magnet tiles, etc) always see a lot of play. A small tin tea set was a big hit one year. Ticket to Ride Junior is a board game we got them last year that sees a lot of use.
And, from an American, "Father Christmas" just sounds so much nicer than "Santa Claus".
Oh these are great suggestions! Lego, travel chess, and peg dolls also perennial favourites in this house too. Magnet tiles have been on my list for years and I’ve never quite managed it somehow. Googling Ticket to Ride Jr now…
We haven’t ever done Father Christmas in our house because the idea of a stranger coming into the house when you’re sleeping was too horrifying for mine when they were very little. We love reading stories about him though and he is definitely not Santa here!
We tend to do something tasty, something Lego, something to wear, and something to read in their stockings and then one more expensive item to open after lunch. Everyone else (bar one) is very considerate in their gifts being free from tat and space saving. Unfortunately the ‘bar one’ often makes up for lack of tat from the others 🙄
Yes there were moments when my two were a little concerned about a strange man tiptoeing round the house at night, but ultimately the thought of presents was enough to quash the fears. I like your formula for gifts, that would certainly simplify things. And I think all families probably have a ‘bar one’…!