I am having a hard time giving gift ideas to relatives who want to get a gift for my 4 1/2 year old daughter. My MIL will be getting her a play pop up tent (cottage themed), and she received lots of art supplies for Hanukah (wataer colors, new crayons, etc). She has never really been so into dolls, but she does love pretend play. I have no idea what to tell my brother in law what to get for her! It just feels tricky this year - lookikng for some input and some good ideas! (we also have an 18 month old, so concerned about toys with lots of little pieces that he could choke on...)
Also not sure of what to tell them for the 18 month old...he will be receiving a play tool bench, which he will LOVE! He loves to clean, and will also be receiving a toy vacuum and toy broom. He doesn't seem to love the typical little boy things - he has some cars and trains and coudln't care less about them...
Board games are always good. Zoobooks magazine is also great & they have different age level choices. Books are great gifts. I also recieved a child size wooden table & chairs one year & my kids use it all the time. It's lasted quite a few yrs.
toy kitchen with plates/food etc.
or magazine subscription for both of you to share (like family fun, or something crafty)?
Big backyard magazine is good too.
Animal babies for the 18 mos old.
tell them to get savings bonds for the children and if they want something that the children can open tell them to get books as you are starting them on building a library. the savings bonds will build and the children can use them later for college, cars or whatever. the books are something that kids love.
costumes and dress up stuff
For your daughter--what about a gift card or trip to Build A Bear?
And for the little O.....Mega Blocks maybe?
We're getting our 4 and 2.5 year old girls a train set and table this year and a couple of Barbie and Ken dolls.
You could suggest accessories for her cottage, books, clothes.
play kitchen items, play food
bathrobe, cute PJ's, slippers
puzzles or board game (candy land, chuttes and ladders, memory)
magazine (Ladybug, Click for your daughter... there is a younger on babybug maybe for your 18 month old)
Dress up clothes
is she into any movies, maybe something related to the movie
Pillow Pets is a HUGE thing, my daughter is 4 1/2 and talks about it non-stop.
I have a great Toy Guide that I have put together that should hopefully give you some great ideas for both your children!
http://www.ittakesavillagedallas.com/It_takes_a_village/B...
Happy Holidays!
VillageMom
dress up clothes! a handheld game (fisher price ixl), movies, dvd player, games, smart cycle game, kid tough camera.
18 mo- blocks to build with, story books, drums.
How about tea party or kitchen play items if she likes to pretend. Or dress up items, maybe a microphone or musical instrument? A digital camera (a twenty dollar one, not a real one) or a leapster are good electronics for that age. Maybe a laptop - again, a twenty or thirty dollar one, not a real one! She might like something for her room, like a bed tent or 'moon in my room'. A cash register that counts the coins is good for pretend play, too. I would go with a nice set of blocks for your little one. They always seem to love balls at that age, or even a bowling set. A rocking horse is always fun. Along the lines of a rocking horse, mine always liked a ride on toy for inside. Nothing automatic, just something fun with wheels. I think they still sell the Mickey Mouse airplane ride on, and it's really cute! Hope this helps.
Sounds like your kids really love dramatic play. How about play food? Or try getting her a really nice doll, she may grow to like caring for it. My son wasn't terribly interested in his doll when we got it when he was 2, but now he loves to take care of him (he's almost 5). Or maybe get your son a doll too. :)
Pillow Pets seem to be a hot item this year for big and little kids.
Also, we just got our younger daughter an Eco-Aquarium with 2 dwarf frogs. Easiest pets ever! Feed them twice a week and clean the tank 3 times a year. The tank is all of 4in X 4in. She loves watching them swim around!
Here's where we got it: https://www.wildcreations.com
board games are a great gift for your 4.5 yr old. Also gift certificates to movie theater or a bowling place. A magazine subscription like high five by highlights
I second the savings bonds!! Or my brother always gives my older daughter who is 6 now money towards dance class or something like that. She thinks its great and always reports to him how she is doing. He picks a class that she really enjoys this year it will be swimming. She thinks she is cool because she is "paying" for the class! If they live close maybe a special day out together?
18mth old development toys. 4 yr old magna doodle,big legos, hungryhungry hippos no lose parts, skateboard, bike,books, wooden puzzles. good luck
