Need present ideas - ASAP

[Netix]

So maybe I haven't done any Christmas shopping for anyone yet. Maybe I have no idea what to get anyone, including my children! I feel awful. I just have no idea. They want for nothing, have toys and clothes coming out of their ears.
I am sorry I can't even think of what to write! I am just really struggling with things at the moment. This is not an easy time for me.

[kitten2b]

Books, Something for everyone in a book shop.

Hope you a feeling better soon.

[chody47]

Hmmm that's tricky....

A few years ago my SIL and BIL decided the kids had too many toys so brought them camping stuff (tent, sleeping bags, mattresses, outdoor chairs, ect) instead. The kids thought it was great and it was really practical - they've been able to go on a few nice camping trips (in caravan parks) since.

[nothing2lose]

What about one big thing like a pool, trampoline or similar. Camping gear is a good idea too. Even if camping is in the back yard. Other ideas are clothes , a bike/trike, movie tickets, a day at a waterpark/zoo/aquarium.

Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon

[*Efjay*]

Hmmm that's tricky....

A few years ago my SIL and BIL decided the kids had too many toys so brought them camping stuff (tent, sleeping bags, mattresses, outdoor chairs, ect) instead. The kids thought it was great and it was really practical - they've been able to go on a few nice camping trips (in caravan parks) since.

Thats a great idea!

[Catastrophic]

Go practical!

New school bag - lunch box - camping equipment - sports gear - shoes - book sets -

Your children are the same age as mine - So I will go with arts and craft, pool stuff - sports stuff - I didn't buy too many toys this year -

[bubno.3]

REJECT shop if you want nick nack toys and cheap but good things...... i know as i bought everything in there ! And i bought it all today so your not the only one

[Rowellen]

Gift cards. I got my parents a Bunnings gift card with pics of the kids on it. It might be a bit late for personalised ones though.

The nerf gun suggested in my thread the other day was a winner with my secret santa at work lol! I found one for $9 at Target. I considered getting one for DH too but haven't been able to get back to the shop. Someone also suggested Itunes gift cards and cookbooks which I thought were good ideas.

My kids are totally overindulged too. I got them a few little things - new beach towels, waist bells, $1 bubbles from BigW and a couple of DVD's each. Some books (we have two whole shelves full of books on the floor ATM but yes I bought more ). Some clothes for DD as she is getting too big for her size 1's and a dressup fireman costume for DS. Nothing they actually need though so a total waste of money lol.

I love the camping stuff idea.

[LimeSlice]

When I was a kid, most of our Christmas presents from parents were practical things for the year... So school bags, pencil case, pjs, hair ties/bands, books, hat and beachtowel for summer. I rarely got toys from my parents, if we did it was things like board games or totem tennis.

This year, Santa is bringing the girls an easel, smocks, paints and chalks each. (Yay, Ikea! LOL)

Red Balloon and Adrenalin have some cool present ideas too.

[PollyA]

One of the best presents we've gotten for our kids so far is a proper keyboard. From a music shop, with a warranty etc ($100-$150) and the kids LOVE it. 3 years on, it's still going strong.

[Lilly-Pilly]

Gift vouchers for fun things to do on the Christmas holidays. I do a voucher box for my niece and nephews and them take them
To do it all on the holidays...mini golf, bowling, ice cream shop, movies, indoor play centre etc
Not too expensive either, but lots to look forward too!

[Frangipani Lou]

How about Kiva vouchers? Great for adults and an idea if your Interested in teaching your children( sorry cant see their ages on my phone) about other people and other parts of the world.

[AnyDream]

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time.

I second the totem tennis suggestion. We've recently dragged ours out of the shed and it's getting quite the work out with family members of all ages.

Bookshop, also a good idea.

I've done a lot of my shopping this year at Big W. Kids will appreciate things like bathers, pyjamas, beach towels, new hats, drink bottles. Other ideas - DVDs of their favorite movies, bubble bath/toiletries (age appropriate), fresh pens/pencils/textas, or a gadget like a sodastream or a popcorn maker. Or think about something they might like for their bedroom, eg a torch or bedside/desk lamp, beanbag, or a new quilt cover.

[MLR1901]

I bought for my niece and nephews who all have almost everything they could possibly want, a gift bag each filled with:
Something to do - one's got a fossil dig set, one's got drawing books and pencils, and lastly a make a bracelet set.
Something to wear - a t shirt for the boys and singlet for niece.
Something to eat - packet of natural confectionary co lollies each (one has but allergies so they all get the same)
Something to use at school/kinder - new back pack, coloured pens, and lunch box.
Something different - (being something that's doesn't use batteries) a build an electronic car, make a bi carb rocket, and an origami pack.

Sometimes it's what they don't get usually that they play with for ages!

[LuluHB]

I was going to say Red Balloon too. Get something the whole family can enjoy, or at least participate in given bubs really isn't going to "enjoy" anything yet. That takes care of the big pressie without you having to do any running around at all. Otherwise, depending on what you feel you can cope with post Christmas, do up an itinerary for the holidays. It doesn't have to be set days - just a "on one day we'll go to the zoo, on one day we'll go to the beach and buy ice cream, one day we'll go out for afternoon tea" etc. You don't need to do any shopping now - just 10 minutes on your computer. If you feel up to it, you could make a bit of a treasure hunt out of it - leave an initial clue under the tree and the kids can wander around the house finding the next clue and prize. Then if your kids are anything like mine grab a basketfull of stuff at a craft store and they'll be in heaven with lots of little bits to open on Christmas Day, and hours of fun occupation after. Your hubby is I'm sure big enough to understand that you're having a tough time, so time with his family (if he can get it) to participate in activities, and a box of choccies/bottle of drink should be enough.

Sorry you're struggling. I hope its easier for you soon.

[Netix]

Oh my goodness, thank you everyone so much for the detailed replies! It is so much appreciatd, you have no idea.

I was going to get dd totem tennis, as she did tennis last term and seemed to enjoy it. But I did forget, so now I have a proper list going (on a text message in my phone so I can't lose it!)

Will definitely see what camping stuff I can get them, the Man bought them both tents recently (goodness knows why he couldn't have waoted
two months to give them, they haven't even been used yet).....

Thank you thank you thank you! I will be going through this thread a lot today and writing down lots of ideas. And many thank you's for the well wshes.

[RhiChiChi]

This thread has some great ideas!

I bought for my niece and nephews who all have almost everything they could possibly want, a gift bag each filled with:
Something to do - one's got a fossil dig set, one's got drawing books and pencils, and lastly a make a bracelet set.
Something to wear - a t shirt for the boys and singlet for niece.
Something to eat - packet of natural confectionary co lollies each (one has but allergies so they all get the same)
Something to use at school/kinder - new back pack, coloured pens, and lunch box.
Something different - (being something that's doesn't use batteries) a build an electronic car, make a bi carb rocket, and an origami pack.

Sometimes it's what they don't get usually that they play with for ages!

I like this idea of the 'something to...'

[Frangipani Lou]

LuluHB I love your treasure hunt idea. I'll have to store that one away for future use.