Christmas ideas for my three!

[JoyNChrist]

My goals for Christmas this year are to a) seriously tone down the gifts, and b) get all my shopping done by Thanksgiving.

For the first goal, we've decided to go with the "something you want, need, wear, read" thing for the kids. Plus stocking stuffers and maybe a Santa gift (haven't decided about that yet).

The wear, read, and need parts are done, I just need the wants. So that's where y'all come in. :)

DS1 - 4.5 - loves building things (Legos), dress up and imaginative play, and science and insects. I'm thinking Magnatiles (we don't have any). Do you think that's a good idea? If we do a Santa gift too, I might do some type of science kit or bug habitat.

DS2 - will be 16 months - likes anything with wheels. I have no ideas for him.

DD - will be 16 months - loves stuffed animals. I'm thinking maybe a soft doll and stroller? What brands do we like?

If we do a Santa gift, I thought about a joint one for the babies. They got a ball pit for their birthday...maybe a slide we could put in the playroom? Or maybe wheelie bugs?

[MommytoEliana]

Our older sons are the same age. :-) We don't have any Magnatiles but people seem to love them. DS got one of the take-apart toys (the plane) from Battat for his b'day and enjoyed it, but it might be too young for your DS now. Maybe something like this? http://www.creativekidstuff.com/magformers-xl-cruisers-emergency-set.html

For your younger DS, what about a shopping cart?

[KrystalS]

DS2 - will be 16 months - likes anything with wheels. I have no ideas for him.


My DS is about the same age, also loves wheels. On his list so far I have
Green Toys Recycle truck & dump truck
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Toys-RTK01R-Recycling-Truck/dp/B001Q3KUA0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3EDDGYN0YSG7D&colid=3CT4IJDI8872J

FP Wheelies Zig the Rig
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-People-Wheelies-Zig/dp/B004UU9X5O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2B9INZ2JXAA5M&colid=3CT4IJDI8872J

Do you have the FP Wheelies Rampway? DS got it for his birthday and he LOVES it.

I'm also getting him some chunky puzzles with the pegs, bath toys, balls, and some blocks.
We have lots of family that give gifts so I have to come up with a long list!

[carolinamama]

If someone asked what toys have had the longest life and most bang for their buck at our house, magnatiles would be the first to spring to mind. Both my boys play with them alot and have for the past almost 3 years we've had them. And they are safe for your toddlers plus they may like to play with them in a very basic way too.

For 16 month old kids - I'd recommend the Kangaroo climber for inside (ours is going on 5 years and has been used alot) or a ride-on. My kids have liked the Fropper but the wheelie bugs are so cute!