Suggestions for big gift for 5 y/o DS

[jennilynn]

I'm officially stumped. I want something big, as in a big impact on Xmas morning, not expensive or takes up a bunch of space. He loves building things but we're avoiding Legos for baby sister's sake. On his Santa list: trampoline, a treehouse, spy kit and robot. I was considering the trampoline but DH says no. He isn't interested in a scooter, already has a bike and tons of Magnatiles and a Leappad (and I'm not ready to introduce any more electronics.) Help! Ideas?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Get the Imaginext Eagle Talon castle and ogre. :)

[Tenasparkl]

My DD is the same age and I'm looking into getting a globe of some kind. I just saw one at Costco (in someone's cart & the last one, boo!) that was electronic and looked fun. She also keeps saying that she wants a telescope. Maybe something like that? What about rollerblades?

[abh5e8]

i'm equally stumped for my 5 y/o ds. i'm thinking I will cave and give him the legos (his baby sister will be 7 months at christmas).

things he loves (and that we already have):

trains (brio-ish)
duplos
art
riding his bike
magformers (like magnatiles)
blocks
marble run
magic school bus dvds
snap circuits
"break your own" geodes

[jennilynn]

We love Imaginext. We have the Batcave and I'm looking for the Dino Mountain on eBay or Craigalist (discontinued.) the ogre is a great idea. He'd love that.
Marble runs are fun but again I worry about sister getting a hold of one.

[SoCalMommy]

I know you said he likes to build things, but I've seen some "tool workshops" at Toys R Us and I think Costco has some too. They are work benches with pretend power tools, etc. so he can build or fix things. Takes up space but there is storage for all of the tools, etc. Not sure the cost, but the grandparents got the Bosch power tool set for DD at Costco and I have seen Home Depot branded tools and work stations elsewhere.

[swissair81]

Battat take a part toys (comes with a drill) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_18?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=battat+take+a+part&sprefix=battat+take+a+part%2Caps%2C153&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abattat+take+a+part
Mic O Mic Vehicles http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_toys-and-games?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Mic-O-Mic&node=165793011
Texo http://www.amazon.com/Guidecraft-Texo-100-Piece-Set/dp/B00CEHELS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1385617981&sr=1-1&keywords=texo
Imaginext Rescue City http://www.amazon.com/Imaginext-Rescue-Center-Frustration-Package/dp/B00CQHYZO2/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1385618023&sr=1-1&keywords=imaginext+rescue+city
Magnetibook http://www.amazon.com/Janod-J05548-Magnetibook-Vehicles/dp/B003HGHH3W/ref=pd_ybh_4
Castle Blocks http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Castle-Blocks-Play/dp/B004PBJBTG/ref=sr_1_8?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1385618174&sr=1-8&keywords=melissa+and+doug+castle
Baufix http://www.amazon.com/Baufix-13130800-Super-Barrel-Construction/dp/B000BI5632/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1385499165&sr=8-2&keywords=baufix

[Simon]

Why does Dh say no to a trampoline? We got one last year and its used daily for many things, not just jumping,.
If he is really adamant, I'd make a spy kit for my kid.
A playhut tent to be a pop-up club house instead of a treehouse?

[jennilynn]

Why does Dh say no to a trampoline? We got one last year and its used daily for many things, not just jumping,.

I think he's worried about someone getting hurt. Although we've had a concussion and broken arm at our house just from doing normal everyday stuff.

[abh5e8]

hmm...still stumped on my 5 y/o ds. any other ideas?

[KrisM]

hmm...still stumped on my 5 y/o ds. any other ideas?

Mine is getting into Power Rangers and he's getting a couple of the Zord builder sets. Lego would work and just have him do it at a table and then keep it in his room. We never had a big issue with Lego and DS1 got it at 5 when DS2 was 16 months. Board games?

[jennilynn]

I'm still undecided. Any other ideas? I'm looking for a big exciting reaction for not a lot of money:)

[Tenasparkl]

remote control helicoptor? My DD saw one that a friend had the other day and is now OBSESSED with getting one

[elbenn]

Would this robot be too complicated? http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1467711/wowwee-robosapien-x-chrome-figure.jsp?skuId=robosapien&search=robosapien

[wallawala]

How about a real camera? Big range in prices to pick from. But something shockproof but no kid camera. Those are small, useful, grows with him.

Big impact in our house last year was one of those cardboard houses that you color. We had a "cabin", but I think Kohls has a rocket ship for about $20. DD LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Eventually was jumped on an trashed, but it lived various toy stages at a coloring project, a play house, and then a demolison project... each phase was loved dearly. It was then recycled... which we loved too!

Second big impact is a collapsilble tunnel. We have this one: http://www.amazon.com/PACIFIC-PLAY-TENTS-20410-Tunnel/dp/B00000IUX5/ref=sr_1_1_m?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1386361379&sr=1-1&keywords=playtunnels
but there are cheaper ones. Folds out to look impressive, but stores in a tiny space. LOVE, LOVE, and still looks new despite lots of abuse and regular play.

Thinking about getting this- love the Popup option and that these are all connected- most four prong tunnels are not and separate.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ074F8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=VWDLFTNHLUDW&coliid=I3J6A5U80NXNOO

[KrisM]

How about a real camera? Big range in prices to pick from. But something shockproof but no kid camera. Those are small, useful, grows with him.

Big impact in our house last year was one of those cardboard houses that you color. We had a "cabin", but I think Kohls has a rocket ship for about $20. DD LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Eventually was jumped on an trashed, but it lived various toy stages at a coloring project, a play house, and then a demolison project... each phase was loved dearly. It was then recycled... which we loved too!

Second big impact is a collapsilble tunnel. We have this one: http://www.amazon.com/PACIFIC-PLAY-TENTS-20410-Tunnel/dp/B00000IUX5/ref=sr_1_1_m?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1386361379&sr=1-1&keywords=playtunnels
but there are cheaper ones. Folds out to look impressive, but stores in a tiny space. LOVE, LOVE, and still looks new despite lots of abuse and regular play.

Thinking about getting this- love the Popup option and that these are all connected- most four prong tunnels are not and separate.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ074F8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=VWDLFTNHLUDW&coliid=I3J6A5U80NXNOO

My kids all got cameras for their 5th birthday and they were super excited for them. I think that's a great idea.

DS2 was 4.5 last Christmas and got the cardboard space shuttle and it was great. We folded ours and have gotten it out a few times over the year. Very fun. you could have it assembled and covered on Christmas morning for a good impact.

A tent and sleeping bag were exciting for my kids at that age, too.

DS1 has had this door alarm for 2 years and it still works well: http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Gear-70378-Door-Alarm/dp/B00405SXQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1386362600&sr=1-1&keywords=door+alarm+spy+gear

He also likes spy glasses where you can see behind you, and the spy watch.

[jennilynn]

Big impact in our house last year was one of those cardboard houses that you color. We had a "cabin", but I think Kohls has a rocket ship for about $20. DD LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Eventually was jumped on an trashed, but it lived various toy stages at a coloring project, a play house, and then a demolison project... each phase was loved dearly. It was then recycled... which we loved too!



Like this (http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Own-House-Cottage/dp/B0002FQUHK/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2NL9UUKFTRQH)? We might have a winner :boogie: I also found this (http://www.target.com/p/lego-creator-treehouse-31010/-/A-14560017#) Lego set, which would be a really good option too.

[KrisM]

Like this (http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Own-House-Cottage/dp/B0002FQUHK/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2NL9UUKFTRQH)? We might have a winner :boogie: I also found this (http://www.target.com/p/lego-creator-treehouse-31010/-/A-14560017#) Lego set, which would be a really good option too.

Pretty sure that is what she means. We have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-5-ft-Cardboard-Rocket-birthday/dp/B00A9NHCNQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1386362819&sr=1-1&keywords=cardboard+spaceship and it was $20 at CVS, so check around for cheaper prices.

[wallawala]

Like this (http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Own-House-Cottage/dp/B0002FQUHK/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2NL9UUKFTRQH)? We might have a winner :boogie: I also found this (http://www.target.com/p/lego-creator-treehouse-31010/-/A-14560017#) Lego set, which would be a really good option too.

That is it! Seriously I was unprepared for how much love that thing got. It was her favorite present. We have a small living space, so the ability to recycle it was such perk when she "over loved it". :)

ETA: Cross posted with Kris M- totally agree to shop around for prices. I swear I've seen the house for $20.