My boys are turning 5 and 2 in April. I have no idea what to get them. They have more toys than they know what to do with. Any creative suggestions? I am ok spending anywhere from $10-200, as long as it is worth it! Last thing we need is another toy that sits in the corner, regardless of price. Thanks.
Coloring books or pre-k workbooks,crayons,pip squeak markers,coloring pencils,clothes shoes,toothbrushestheir own arts and craft containers
We have Christmas and birthdays in the winter so we use our Easter bunny to bring outdoor toys! We are always itching to get outside by this time. Bikes, roller blades (yes my 2 year old got a pair for Christmas and LOVES them!), scooter, skateboard, basketball hoop, sand/water table, big wheel, hockey set, golf clubs, lacrosse set, lawn games, baseball tee, fun kids sprinkler...I could go on! As you can tell mine are active! Last year they got new bike helmets and water bottles for bike rides.
Since they have more toys than needed (like many kids), what about if you look outside the toybox? What about experiences or activities?
What about getting them tickets to skating, bowling, movies, aquarium, etc.? I don't know what you have in your area but I listed the things I figure most areas may have. Obviously these things lean more towards the 5 year old but take a look in your area. You may even find some that are no cost or low cost.
You still may want to get a few things so puzzles, bubbles, crayons, play dough, etc are always great options for toddlers - K (and beyond).
Another option is tricycle and bike...assuming they have somewhere to ride them.
Puzzles! The good (and yes, $$$) wooden ones! I know it might seem like a 'boring' gift idea but puzzles are cool and I loved them as a kid! I have heard that Michael's (The Craft store) has good wooden puzzles? IDK? I haven't looked for them there, I have collected most of mine from yard sales!
When they know all the puzzles and can do them easily, then it is time for 'puzzle races'...that is when you dump ALL the puzzle pieces in a huge pile on the floor, shuffle the puzzle boards, stack them in a pile and then RACE! Whomever finishes the most puzzles wins!
~Some of my best childhood memories was when all us cousins would have puzzle races at my Grandma's house! She has a HUGE collection of wooden puzzles and some of them were SO hard, with itty-bitty pieces and the pieces were all different shapes and sizes, not 'puzzle piece shaped at all!
Then how about the Shell Silverstein books of poems: Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic and Falling Up. I started reading these books to my boys when they were about your kiddos' ages and they still choose them to be read as bedtime material, even at 9 & 7!
For your 2y/o, might I suggest --If you don't already own it--the book "The Monster at the end of this book" it is a Sesame Street book and it is VERY cute, Grover is on the cover. He would LOVE it, my boys did. You put a lot of inflection in your voice while reading it "Please Do NOT turn another page" "YOU TURNED THE PAGE"! It's just a great lil' book! <Spoiler Alert> Grover is the monster, so it's NOT a scary book! There is a sequel book called "Another Monster at the End of This Book" and it has Grover and Elmo, it's also cute, not as cute as the first but still good!
Other than that, have they gotten into Hot Wheels yet? They have a new 'set' that attaches to the wall...looks pretty cool?!
What about bikes/scooters, or outdoor toys? I get my boys memberships to the YMCA, the zoo, the museum and the local nature center, and we use them regularly. I also buy them tickets to sporting events, wrist bands for the midway and movie passes.
Well I'd wrap at least one gift. The joy of opening it up is worth it. After that if they have more toys than they can manage how bout a special trip somewhere. I always took my daughter to disney for her bday. Now that she is older its Universals. Granted I live in Florida so I get the florida discount and I can drive saves on airfare :]. Another option is getting the older one a magazine subscription. My daughter loved getting mail. The two year old of course will love the box it comes in more than the gift lol.
I get what you mean... last thing DD needs is another cheap plastic toy that she doesn't have room for or need.
A 3 in 1 easel with dry erase board, chalkboard, and paper roll is perfect for the both of them. Along with the easel, include paint, brushes, crayons, markers, chalk, dry erase markers/crayons, and other things they can create with.
What about something for outdoors? A new trike/bike, play set, sand box, trampoline?
I bought our son a drawing easel when he was about 5 yrs old (maybe younger) .. He is now 11 and still uses it.. it's been the most worthwhile and used gift he has ever received.. his has one side for markers and the other for chalk.
Also, kids simple to love simple things like balloons.. you could get them one of those beach balls on a string (kinda like a paddle ball) but won't hit you in the eye.. also, other types of balloons... blow a bunch up and put them in a room where they can play... it's been my experience that kids ages 2 and 5 love hitting the balloons around popping them up in the air.. it's cheap and easy fun... and once the balloons shrink, you clean them up.... no leftover mess :)
The entire series of magic school bus.
I have the same dilemma with our kids. We went with "experiences" this year. So tickets to local amusement parks, Zoo, aquarium, etc. I thought they would be disappointed but they were fine and it kept more toys out of my house. :)
Try something like kiwi crate. We got it for Christmas and love it! It's a craft box of two to three activities. You can get specific activities or just a subscription. One box would give both kids stuff to do.
Other idea: try a learning store. Look at science activities or art stuff. We bought some for my sons birthday.
