"Good" Xmas Gift for 21/2 and 41/2 Yr Old

I also have a 2 1/2 year old and 4 year old. Mine are both boys. My kids LOVE the cardboard bricks (just do a search), mega blocks, big dump trucks, games and puzzles. These are the toys they play with everyday! We do have a MY First Leapad and other electronic toys and they are only played with occasionally. The other toys they really like are the kitchen, chalkboard, Crayola Colorwonder, trainset, and other vehicles. I hope this helps! I know I am in the same boat and don't want to waste money on stuff that won't be played with. Mine are only getting toys that are open-ended where they can use their imaginations.

Just wanted to mention there are some really great block and puzzle sets available. Two of my 5yr old DS favorites are Wedgits and Castle Logic. Another favorite is the Ball of Whacks. It is for 8 and up (actually got it for my husband) but my son loves it. My husband and I have just as much fun, so if you're looking for lasting, these are good bets. We have a Leapster as well.

You don't mention if they kids are boys are girls. Last Christmas my daughter was 2. I got her a pack of Disney Princess figurines (no extra parts just dolls that are painted and about 3inches tall). It was about $10 at Target. It was her most favorite gift, and the only one that she has played with daily.

Some other ideas along that line - legos, bristle blocks, golden books.

Like you I am also doing the same for my kids as I am done with wasting money on toys that they have no interest in! My 6 & 4 yr old both have a leapster , the 4 yr old seems more interested in it though , the games start at pre k age and go up to (I think from what I have seen) 2nd grade. It may be a little advanced for the 2 1/2 yr old and it would probably end up just being bashed at with the pen , Leapfrog do some other good toys for that age group so that may be worth looking into.

Good luck

K.

while my daughter is getting a computer game from santa, it is a stocking stuffer. her "main" gift is one that encourages more open-ended play.

some things that have been a huge hit:

1. play kitchen - i think the wooden ones are beautiful but at the time i could only afford a cheap plastic one from kmart. we have gotten 2 years of good play and i foresee at least 2 more. another benefit is you can play with other kids with pretend play. can't always do that with a leapster.
2. dolls - my daughter liked the babies when she was younger and still does. this year she is getting a big girl doll from santa.
3. doll house - we are thinking of this for another time. my daughter asked for for a big doll house for a big doll and i told she could only have one. so she decided on the big doll and said she'd build a big doll house with some furniture.
4. matchbox cars or trains - both big hits for us and both gender neutral. that is, according to me they are.
5. legos - or duplos for the little one. we purchased a few sets second hand and these are frequently played with.
6. puzzles
7. bead sets
8. books or magazine subscription. we get "your big backyard" from the National Wildlife Federation.

I bought the LeapFrog My First Computer for my son and he loved it. It was educational and fun. Just how learning should be. I want to get him the Leapster handheld came in Feb. when he turns 4.

I have heard a lot of good things about the leapster too! If you want some unique toys and great music instrument toys, you can check out www.mybabycrazy.com. All of their products are 100% money back or replacement guaranteed.

One of my 4 year olds favorite is the min-chimalog. It comes with a book of songs that they can play by color or number and it keeps her attention for a long time.

Hi there,

I am all about the learning toys that are fun, and Leap Frog is great! I would highly recommend the Leap Tag Junior for your 2 year old. We got one for my daughter's 2nd bday and she LOVES it! It's awesome, and I would get the Leap Tag for your 4 year old as well, provided he/she won't be rough with it? It has the pen and I am not sure if it is as durable as the Junior to rougher treatment. Or the leapster is awesome as well! My son has both items too. You can't go wrong! There are plenty of accessories (books, games, carriers, ect.) for both. You should get cases for each to store all of the items, to keep in one place and safe! If you get the leapster, I would recommend getting the charging dock for it, it's like $25-30 but you will save on the batteries. The system does use 4 AA batteries, they can go fast!
Good luck, Merry Christmas!
God Bless!
MW