Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group presents for an eight and four year old?

As Christmas seems to be creeping up on us fairly quick I am finding myself at a lost of what to get the eight year old grandson and two four year old granddaughters.

I'm sure there are several people here who have kids in the same age range so I need some hints or advise on what to get them for Christmas. It would not be a hard choice if they lived near by and I could spend some time with them but they are 1,200 miles away in San Antonio, Texas.

My youngest will be 21 before Christmas so I am out of touch on all the new popular toys and books.

Brent

i was always the aunt that got the "interesting" gifts..... i didn't worry about the latest fad or toy. i am always drawn to the nature company stores, science museum store, aquarium stores, etc.

both my nieces and nephews like anything to do with nature, animals, never seem to outgrow cool stuffed animals, fake spiders and bugs, kits to collect bugs and things, books are always a great idea, old fashioned toys like slinky and etch a sketch, art supplies.

if you can find "giant microbes" anywhere, they were a big hit with my nieces and nephews last year. they're all between about 8 and 12. here's a link; you can order on line:

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/

i can tell you they're not really into clothes (even the girls) or things for their rooms (like lamps, etc). at least that's my family.

my family was always "afraid" that the kids wouldn't like our gifts. but usually our gifts were some of their favorites.

sue

lego sets are great esp for boys

my girls like anything relating to princess things..

maybe their parents could give some advice too on what they like

4 year old girls are easy, well for me because my three six yer olds adivse me what is what.

You'll be a hero grandpa if you get the 4 year old girls anything related to Disney's High School Musical. I went to Barnes and Noble and got a book with stickers and litte doo-dads last year for the girls when they were five. It was a score.

Barnes and Noble kids book section has little toys and things like the High School Muscial book with stickers and crafts and its usually not too pricey. Plus you can tell their momma its from a book store so its educational.

My nieces used to love Chickadee and Owl Magazines when they were kids - sort of naturey/sciencey. Also, a billion crayon colours and computer paper would probably go down well. We used to love playing with Lego and with those Log Cabin building sets.

Not sure if that helps much.

Warm hugs,

Leapfrog.

Ask the parents if they have any (and which consoles), and if so, ask which games they do not yet have. If not, then purchase the age-appropriate consoles and a few games. Lots of fun and EDUCATIONAL too.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1225822178/ref=a9_sc_1?ie=UTF8&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=leapfrog

You will feel good about giving this gift.

All the little kids I know are so into dress-up, and there are adorable dress-up kits for boys and girls at Costco right now. For girls, it's always princess stuff, and boys always want to be superheroes. So cute!
I have to second what others have said about the lego though too.
Not sure if the kids are allowed to watch TV, but DVDs are easy to send. You can get some great educationonal DVDs too.

My kids are grown but I watch cartoons. Spider Man and Brats seem to be big this year. Oh of course Star Wars.

Hi

I have a son and a daughter, so for a boy, I'd suggest a scientific experiement toy, or something to make himself, like the kits you can get to create radio's, electrical circuits, alarm clocks or cars etc.
There are some great construction things out there, like lego playsets, meccano, magnetix or k'nex which is good.
My daughter is 4, and loves playing with dolls (lil bratz/barbie, disney princess). She likes building toys too, dress up, as well as Dora, Playdoh play sets, hand puppets and all pretend toys, like kitchen & cleaning sets, post offices, shop etc...

Craft items always go down well, and a child can never have enough crayons/felt tips (as they disappear into the strangest places in the home!)

Hope this gives you some ideas.
I've done most of my xmas shopping now. Spent the last 2 days wrapping them!

Take care

AmberUK

How about a kite? It's really good for a family fun outdoors. And they have it for kids as young as 4 year old.
http://www.southbeachkites.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68
http://familyfunkites.com/shop/index.php?cPath=21