Desperately seeking a Santa gift for nearly 3yo DD#2

[bubbaray]

OK, seriously. This is so last minute, I feel a little sick.

DD#1 is getting this: http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Little-Room-Full-Fun/dp/B0016P3PSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261432197&sr=1-1 And, no we did not pay that much for it.

DD#2 also saw DD#1 asking for it and also wants it. I am NOT buying two. No way, no how. We already have a doll high chair, a doll stroller a doll Bjorn -- we don't even need the set that DD#1 is getting.

DD#2 asked for a Dora placemat. You know, the kind from the dollar store. We have about 10 various placemats, but can get her another Dora one, I'm fine with that.

She also asked for a Dora suitcase. Well, she's getting this Princess one instead: http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/product/more+from/heys+disney+luggage++504394.do?N=100700 Its a super nice one, high quality and that's about half what I would pay in a B&M store for it, assuming I could find one (and I got free shipping). I haven't been able to find one (princess or dora) in that brand elsewhere anyway. THAT gift won't be here for Christmas, but her b-day is at the end of January, so she'll get it then.

But I'm stumped. Really. TOTALLY FREAKIN' STUMPED.

Already have a Green Toys recycling truck to give her, Crazy Forts, Cariboo and one of other game I can't remember. A bathtime Snow white doll and the Snow White DVD. A few books.

SHe and DD#1 already have two play kitchens and all the food imaginable, the Bitty Twins, 2 Calins, 1 Vanilla Toddler doll, a billion Barbies and Princesses, a Kidco large Barbie-sized dollhouse, a train table (never played with), various blocks and building sets. Little people galore, some Polly Pockets and various small dolls to play with (lots of Disney princesses). Buckets of wooden toys that they don't like. Lots of board games, but she's not really "there" with respect to board games yet.

The only thing I was thinking was MagnaTiles and I am just super hesitant to get those as they have buckets of them at daycare for both girls' rooms and I kinda want it to be a special daycare toy. Thought about the MT trucks, but I think she'd prefer something more girly, KWIM?

We have tons of craft supplies and I'm getting them new markers and glitter paint for their stockings. If anyone (and, yes, I'm talking to YOU DH) brings more playdoh or Moon Sand into this house, they are freakin' dead.

ANY ideas? Seriously. I'm freaking out. Ideally, box would be similar in size to the large box DD#1 is getting -- obviously, d/n have to be equal, but if its teeny tiny, there will be tears.

Help me. Save me from insanity. Thanks!

[KrisM]

A play vanity? http://www.amazon.com/Step2-757900-Fantasy-Vanity/dp/B0009PY6IS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261433232&sr=1-4

[bubbaray]

Have one already. Sigh.

ETA: Already have a wagon, various outdoor play toys (like a Cozy Coupe, etc), Rainbow play structure, trike, bike. Don't want to get her a 3-wheeled scooter as DD#1 has one and will be getting a Razor for her b-day in April, so DD#2 will get the 3-wheeled scooter then.

ETA #2 -- also already have a M&D easel.

[KrisM]

DD is getting The Swan Princess Palace: http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Precious-Places-Palace/dp/B001W1YHZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261433550&sr=1-1

She's getting a My Little Pony castle and playset.

Soft princess dolls from the Disney store: http://www.disneystore.com/prince-princess-cinderella-plush-doll-20/p/1247711/13432/

[Moneypenny]

Littlest Pet Shop crap, er stuff?

[egoldber]

Santa is bringing Magnatiles for Sarah and Amy to share. He is also bringing Amy a Diego Leapster game and an Aurora Barbie.

How about crafts? I considered the Alex Toys My Busy Box or Big Craft Jar, but we have so much craft stuff already I couldn't bring myself to do it.

ETA: We don't have any Littlest Pet Shop stuff, but Amy soooo digs it at others houses.

[kristenk]

FP snap 'n style dolls?

[egoldber]

We did get Amy an eeBoo game for Hanukkah and she LOVES it.

[KpbS]

Ok a shot in the dark, but would she like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Princess-Rosella-Karaoke-Styling/dp/B000PD76D6/ref=pd_sim_t_5

or this? lots of pieces but they look really cute
http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Girls-Magnetic-Outfit-Pieces/dp/B002UKO3W4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261434511&sr=1-2-spell

[arivecchi]

I don't have girls, so these could be totally off the mark, but they look cool.

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=20982

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=22617

http://www.target.com/Radio-Flyer-My-1st-Scooter/dp/B000OWAZYU/ref=br_1_2?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=234783011&node=234783011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Radio%20Flyer%20My%201st%20Scooter

http://www.target.com/My-Very-Own-Castle-Playhouse/dp/B002HI5NP0/ref=br_1_20?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=234783011&node=234783011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=My%20Very%20Own%20Castle%20Playhouse

http://www.target.com/Playhut-Dora-Explorer-Hide-Fun/dp/B001US09AW/ref=br_1_24?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1294096011&node=1294096011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Playhut%20Dora%20Explorer%20Hide%20Fun

Does she like musical instruments?

[hrh_julie]

How about this: http://www.myveryownhouse.com/playhouse/

Target sells something similar and so does Amazon. It's great because it can be moved outdoors in the summer and then <ahem> recycled once the rains start. We got tons of play out of it before it finally died.

Julie

[catpagmo]

I was going to mention the FP Swan Palace, too. That may work if she likes princesses and stuff.

[baileygirl]

One of those huge Melissa and Doug animals like this one http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-2106-Giraffe-Plush/dp/B00009YEGL/ref=sr_1_90?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261434719&sr=1-90

They have dogs and what not that are obviously smaller and less expensive.

Puppet theater?

[Ceepa]

Maybe a play tent?

[egoldber]

I saw this on the Bargains Board and through sheer willpower have made myself not buy it. We soooo do NOT need another tea set!

http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-0343300-PlanToys-Tea/dp/B001D1IXR2

[vonfirmath]

Could you bring the Graco doll set for the two girls to share? since htey both asked for it?

[maydaymommy]

Have you ever heard of Boomwhackers?
http://www.amazon.com/BOOMWHACKERS-Diatonic-Octave-Boomwhackers-Percussion/dp/B00004TT3F/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1261434915&sr=8-2

What about some sort of marble run? Not like a fancy Quadrilla, but a more simple one that will stay together easily. I know they are often recommended for 3+ but if you don't have to worry about marbles in the mouth, that may be a good idea.

Does she have anything remote control? They have those My First RC toys that are nice and fun to use.

Good luck.

[SnuggleBuggles]

The Swan Palace looks awesome and would be the right volume present. :)
Beth

[KrisM]

We got this last year http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-601873-Inflatable-Playhouse/dp/B000YYL6ZK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261435376&sr=1-6. It was $70 or so from TRU. It's huge and many of us fit inside and it's nice because it goes awayl

[isadij]

PPs have already mentioned most of what I am getting DD - how about a toy vacuum .... shopping cart / cash register .... dora playhut-type thing ... bitty twins kitchen ?

[wimama]

What about Dora's backpack?

http://www.amazon.com/Dora-Explorer-Backpack-Rescue-Bag/dp/B000JKSQB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261434603&sr=1-1

My son requested his own Rescue Pack for his birthday. He looked so cute running around outside with his Rescue pack on.

[bubbaray]

THanks ladies.

We have the talking Dora backpack (so annoying) and a Dora "real" backpack. Have an Ikea playtent and Rose Petal Cottage, along with CHerry Blossom market and all accessories. Also have a Little Tikes Royal Victoria kitchen (CL score), LT shopping cart and LT vanity and the Green Toys tea set and cooking set. Have a scooter which will be passed down in April. We have a M&D magnetic doll and DH got another set (not sure why b/c they never play with that). DH would flip his lid if we got another play kitchen or house (have a LT house for outside that used to be inside, but its too big).

Neither of them play with puppets. We don't have a puppet theatre, but the puppets we have lay unused.

I'm pretty hesitant to bring more plastic "crap" into the house. We already have a ton of Little Ponies, Littlest Petshop, Polly Pockets, Playmobil and Dora figurines, along with various houses, castles, etc.. Then there are all the Little People sets.

I looked at and almost got Wedgits this afternoon, but again, they have them at daycare. Maybe I'll have Santa give her the Crazy Fort thing (which he was going to give to both to share).

[Melaine]

My girls were quite taken by horses in these carry bags by Pucci Pups/Pets. They looked like this although I can't find them on the Walmart website (saw them at Walmart B&M): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N7F67U/sr=8-1/qid=1261442397/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1261442397&sr=8-1&seller=

[KrisM]

Plasma car?

[bubbaray]

My girls were quite taken by horses in these carry bags by Pucci Pups/Pets. They looked like this although I can't find them on the Walmart website (saw them at Walmart B&M): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N7F67U/sr=8-1/qid=1261442397/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1261442397&sr=8-1&seller=


We have quite a few Webkins and various purses for them.

Off to look at a Plasma Car.

[dcmom2b3]

Barn and animals? Stable and horses?

[bubbaray]

We have the Little People farm and ensuing animals. Hmmmm. Wonder if she'd like a farm with Schleich (sp?) animals....

Don't think the plasma car is a good idea. Dog is already getting run over by various strollers.... Hmmmm.

[wimama]

Hopper ball (Hippity Hop)? Sit and Spin?

[Clarity]

Plasma car?

That's what I was thinking. Especially with the current Amazon lightening deal.

[happymom]

Another shot in the dark, but what about princess dress up clothes? You could get her a few sets and put it all in a big storage trunk-thingy so it will be a nice size box. Or do you have that already? ;)

[Pennylane]

Littlest Pet Shop crap, er stuff?

My girls love LPS! They set up all the different houses and play with it a lot!

Ann

[dcmom2b3]

I just googled Schleich -- what beautiful animals! Your younger DD is the Bunny's age, I think, and Bun's big gift this year is a stable, Breyer horses, a pickup truck and horse trailer (for moving them from the living room to the dining room, I guess).

[strollerqueen]

I think you are lucky your little girls will play with any of it! Mine never did. :( Maybe because she has a brother, she leaned more towards balls and outdoor toys. But FWIW, I LOVE that Melissa and Doug Castle. I could have so much fun playing with that! :love-retry:

[arivecchi]

I got my 3 year old Schleich stuff. I think it is the perfect gift for this age when they engage in so much imaginative play.

[egoldber]

Both my kids love Schleich animals and figures. We also have lots of the Papo medieval figures (very similar to Schleich). Amy prefers them to LP, but uses them in the LP castle. :ROTFLMAO: I considered buying her a Schleich or Papo castle, but just couldn't justify the expense (to myself....).

[bubbaray]

Another shot in the dark, but what about princess dress up clothes? You could get her a few sets and put it all in a big storage trunk-thingy so it will be a nice size box. Or do you have that already? ;)


Got boatloads of dress up. Stored in a Little Tikes Victorian bench.

Hmmm, we don't have Snow White clothes though. Could do that with the DVD and the doll in the stocking....

[KrisM]

We have the Little People farm and ensuing animals. Hmmmm. Wonder if she'd like a farm with Schleich (sp?) animals....

Don't think the plasma car is a good idea. Dog is already getting run over by various strollers.... Hmmmm.

Upgrading might work... get rid of the Little People stuff for the next level of play. We will be packing up some of the Little People (castle) as she's getting the step up stuff.

[KrisM]

DD is also getting a horse for her doll. She's getting the Corolle Vanilla doll and a horse for it.

[kijip]

How about a box full of dress up stuff? My niece loves those $15 disney princess dresses she can wear. I was planning on getting her 3 of them before I realized my brother wanted me to get them a kitchen and opted to do that instead. ETA: strike that. I see she has it.

What about giving the Graco doll stuff as a joint gift with some smaller gifts from santa for each?

Videos?

LeapFrog game thing?

[bubbaray]

She's getting the Corolle Vanilla doll and a horse for it.


DD#2 loves (formerly DD#1's) Corolle Vanilla doll. I had no idea they made a horse for it! LInk please

[Melbel]

Kids really do love plasma cars. In fact, my 8 yo DD1 still loves them. A couple other ideas:

Inflatable bounce house (you can get them small enough to fit indoors during the winter and the girls can burn off some energy)
Ball pit

[SummerBaby]

Your girls are similar in age to mine, I know what you're going through. How about Calico Critters? www.calicocritters.com. They are pricey, but IMO, nicer than most of the plastic crap ala Polly Pocket, LPS, etc. My older DD seems to be "over" them, but DD2 loves them. You could get her one of the smaller playsets (we have the nursery school) and a "family." Good luck!


Val
DD1 7/04
DD2 7/07

[KrisM]

DD#2 loves (formerly DD#1's) Corolle Vanilla doll. I had no idea they made a horse for it! LInk please

Well, it doesn't really go with it. But, it's close enough for my DD not to care. I got the Our Generation horse from Target. It's for bigger dolls, but it seems to be close enough. I honestly don't think my DD will notice that it's slightly too big.

[Momof3Labs]

One of those Fur Real ponies?

[infomama]

May sound simple but a hooded animal bath towel (or the like...any 'fancy'/unique bath towel). I can't tell you how many times my Dds have 'fought' over who gets that dang kitty hooded towel I bought at Kohls.
I should go get another one.

[amandabea]

What about the Tag Reader and some of the princess/girly books? My DD is the same age and she loves books, so I figured this would allow her to read to her dolls - which she does now (we read the same books over and over so she memorizes the story).

I also think the Snow White dress would go well with the other items you have. Or open up the box of the doll things you bought for DD#1 and set it up to be for both of them together. They'll still have their individual stockings plus all the other gifts too.

[KrisM]

May sound simple but a hooded animal bath towel (or the like...any 'fancy'/unique bath towel). I can't tell you how many times my Dds have 'fought' over who gets that dang kitty hooded towel I bought at Kohls.
I should go get another one.

Mine fight over them as well.

[mamicka]

Could you bring the Graco doll set for the two girls to share? since htey both asked for it?

:yeahthat:

They both asked for it, even if DD2 copied DD1. I can't imagine bringing in another larg-ish toy just to have something... not with everything you've described that you already have.

[egoldber]

They both asked for it, even if DD2 copied DD1.

True. Set it up, spread it out, maybe "stage" some of the dolls they already have in thevarious peices and then just let the other gifts be their more individual ones.

Our Santa always leaves a note ;) indicating which gifts are for whom (if it isn't obvious). Maybe a nice note from Santa hoping the girls enjoy playing with their dolls together with this new set would be just the thing.

[Tracey]

How about a Shoenhut baby grand piano?

http://www.toypiano.com/product_information.asp?html_model_number=3005P

[ohiomom1121]

How about a Shoenhut baby grand piano?

http://www.toypiano.com/product_information.asp?html_model_number=3005P
I was going to suggest that too...love that it's pink. My DD got this vanity when she turned 3 and loves it. Still plays with it daily. http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-76125-Princess-Table-Stool/dp/B00081FOAC

[carolinamama]

:yeahthat:

They both asked for it, even if DD2 copied DD1. I can't imagine bringing in another larg-ish toy just to have something... not with everything you've described that you already have.

That's how I feel.

[bubbaray]

Thanks ladies!

Calico critters are popular with them, but I just really do not want more little things. I am overrun by tiny Princesses, Polly pockets -- you get the deal. We have a Tag reader and it gets little to no use. The dog would LOVE the fur real pony, Lori. he he he. I am fighting a semi-losing battle with DH about having a piano and putting them into piano lessens (I'd rather not, for reasons relating to my childhood -- he thinks all children should at least have lessons for a few years).

I am leaning towards breaking up the doll set or having Santa leave it for both of them. Breaking it up is problematic as DD#1 knows exactly what is in the set. Not quite sure how that will go over.

Frankly, I'm a little pi$$ed at Santa for bringing that set into the house. LOL.

[bubbaray]

My DD got this vanity when she turned 3 and loves it. Still plays with it daily. http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-76125-Princess-Table-Stool/dp/B00081FOAC


That so sooo cute! Way out of the budget, though.

[traciann]

I would lean towards sharing it or buying another one. It sounds like they have enough stuff so why bring in something she didn't ask for to possibly take up more space? It looks like most of it can be easily put away, which is the only reason I would say get two. That and the fact that I think why should the older dd get what they want from santa and not the younger one. But that is the middle child in me talking. :)

[[email protected]]

Mine fight over them as well.

So do mine.

[[email protected]]

Thanks ladies!

Calico critters are popular with them, but I just really do not want more little things. I am overrun by tiny Princesses, Polly pockets -- you get the deal. We have a Tag reader and it gets little to no use. The dog would LOVE the fur real pony, Lori. he he he. I am fighting a semi-losing battle with DH about having a piano and putting them into piano lessens (I'd rather not, for reasons relating to my childhood -- he thinks all children should at least have lessons for a few years).

I am leaning towards breaking up the doll set or having Santa leave it for both of them. Breaking it up is problematic as DD#1 knows exactly what is in the set. Not quite sure how that will go over.

Frankly, I'm a little pi$$ed at Santa for bringing that set into the house. LOL.

Does DD2 really want it? Or does she want it b/c big sister is getting it. If she independently wants it, Maybe go to Marshalls and see if they have a similar set in a different color; otherwise I'd probably have it be a joint gift.

Christine W

[ohiomom1121]

Have you seen this one? Might be overkill, but since she's into princesses....
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=443007

[caleymama]

They both asked for it, even if DD2 copied DD1. I can't imagine bringing in another larg-ish toy just to have something... not with everything you've described that you already have.

I agree with this. I see no reason why it can't be for both of them.

If you are set on getting something else for DD2, how about another doll stroller? I know you said you already have one, but there are all kinds of styles and they are still one of the most played with items for my DDs (we have 2, used to have another but replaced it).

They'd go nuts for a double stroller (as it is, there is usually more than 1 doll or stuffed animal riding in a single stroller):
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3240444
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2734255
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2669620

Right now the two we have are the simple umbrella style (old one was a bigger Graco), but a pram style would be a big hit:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3697526
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3153150

[wellyes]

I was going to say that it sounds like they don't need ANY more toys (it's true of most kids I know, including my own). So have Santa bring tickets to Disneyworld! Plenty of princesses there. But- if the vanity is over the budget then my suggestion is too.

[kristenk]

This is probably not what you want to hear, but I might pick up another Graco nursery set. I haven't looked at the box, but, if it's like the one we had, you can't set up all of the pieces at the same time. The same frame gets used over and over again. If you had two of them, then both girls would be able to play and they'd be able to have a couple of different nursery items up at the same time. This set might be different, but you might want to check and see if the pieces are all independent or if they have to be put together in different combos to use.

[shawnandangel]

I like the Sams Club princess set pp listed. It's cute, similar to what your other DD is getting and only $25

[Corie]

How about this: http://www.myveryownhouse.com/playhouse/

Target sells something similar and so does Amazon. It's great because it can be moved outdoors in the summer and then <ahem> recycled once the rains start. We got tons of play out of it before it finally died.

Julie


My daughter used to love these cardboard playhouses. She would decorate
it with stickers and markers. It would last for awhile and then be recycled.