Almost 3 y/o girl & 5 y/o boy Christmas present ideas?

[alaina]

Last Summer, I separated from my ex-husband. I moved out last December, and our divorce was finalized this past Summer. I wasn’t able to get my kids much last Christmas because I was in the process of starting out all over again as a single parent (finding an apartment to live in, getting a car, etc).
Fast forward to this Christmas, I’m barely treading water but want to give my kids a wonderful Christmas. What gifts would you recommend? I have a few ideas of what would be most meaningful to them, but I want to cover all my bases here and don’t want to forget anything. TIA!

 

[teenagedatheist]

@alaina My daughter loved Scribble Scrubbies at that age. They have kits anywhere from $10-$30. Most of which are on sale right now through Target. She also loves dress up so tutus, headbands, hair clips, etc.

Picasso tiles are great for either age. Same with coloring supplies, stickers, scratch off art. I also love velvet art sheets. Super easy for kids to color and stay in the lines! Dollar Tree has some and Michael’s even has big poster sized ones.

Lego has small kits for 4+. They have single sets of like a car and figure that are pretty easy to put together and they’re maybe $9. Can’t go wrong with a good regulation sized soccer/foot/basketball for a 5yo boy. Five Below has them.

Also, depending on your comfort level with sensory stuff—kids absolutely love sticky stuff. Slime, stretchy sticky toys, playdoh, model magic, kinetic sand. You can get any of those for between $5-$10.

And I have to add props to you for getting on your own two feet! That’s not easy and I commend you!

 

[nogamenolife]

@teenagedatheist I second all these answers.

Scribble scrubbies and Picasso tiles are both a huge hit with my two and four year old.

 

[alaina]

@nogamenolife Are Picasso tiles the same or better than magnatiles? That’s on my list, magnatiles (we had some at our old apartment, but some got lost in the move)!

 

[teenagedatheist]

@alaina They’re the same but cheaper. We have a set of each and they’re compatible no problem.

 

[alaina]

@teenagedatheist Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you! Great ideas!

 

[katrina2017]

@alaina What about motorized trains like Thomas?

A bike with training wheels or no training wheels, depending on stability.

Barbies? A wooden doll house with doll pegs?

Legos?

Slime?

Kinetic sand with a sand box?

 

[alaina]

@katrina2017 Trains are a great idea (I think I need a train table, any recommendations?) It’s too cold here in VT for a bike, will do that in Spring. Barbies definitely and I’ve been thinking of a dollhouse for my daughter a cute wooden one. Lego set for my son again I think I’d also need a Lego table (tiny apartment not much room). Play dough, legos & slime great stocking stuffer ideas!

 

[sathi]

@alaina You could consider getting them a yoto. They are on sale right now and you can get just a few blank cards and put audio books from the library on them without having to spend any more. Our toddler loves his yoto mini and listens to books and music on it all the time and we’ve asked family members to record themselves reading books for him as well. It’s easily the best thing we’ve gotten him this year.

 

[alaina]

@sathi Do you have a link?

 

[sathi]

@alaina https://us.yotoplay.com

We have the mini and it’s a great size for carrying around

 

[meglois]

@alaina My 5 year old is getting these- on sale for $13 right now and both of my kids have loved them in their Pre K class! https://www.amazon.com/PLUS-Constru...id=1700879720&sprefix=hashtag+,aps,162&sr=8-7

 

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[nate91]

@alaina Are there local buy nothing or kid 2 kid Facebook groups in your area? I have been able to put together awesome collections of games, puzzles, costumes, toys, etc by stockpiling things I find for a few weeks. Second hand toys can be super affordable (and environmentally friendly) and this time of year, people are getting rid of things to try to make space. Good luck!

 

[cutiepi]

@alaina Spirograph junior was a huge hit for my 5 year old!

 

[ragenflac]

@alaina Hey, my local Walmart had scooters on sale for BF at 18 dollars for kids 3to 6 years. Many stores probably still have some. Melissa and doug anything for the 3 year old for sure!

 

[tinbongda247]

@alaina Go with a theme. Something to read, something to wear, something to play with, something to share. Then buy according to what they are into.

For the share, I recommend a game to play as a family. Cooperative games keep it fun for all. Haba orchard is a great one. Then for playing to win, Feed the Kitty would be good. Nice and fast paced, cheaper than Orchard, but without the cooperation, so there may be hard feelings.

The wear is nice if it’s hand made- a mom made hat, slippers, or pair of socks is perfect.

you’ll know which books and toys best suit them. The Elephant and Piggie Biggie books pack a nice bang for your buck.

Then for their stockings you can do oranges, candy canes, and a full size chocolate bar. Add a couple cheap novelties or consumables, and that’s done. (This is our go to since we can get the food with our food stamps.)

Another very special thing you can do is budget a little money for them to shop with. $5-10 for them to each buy their sibling a present, and about half to buy one for you. If there is another important adult(like grandma) have them help you during your shopping. If you feel it’s appropriate, a little to buy for their dad is also nice.

You could easily stay under $100.