[AvadaKedavra]

We have two kids that need to be bought for. One in FYOS and a toddler.

Both parents are pretty disengaged from the kids - they watch TV or play by themselves. Their house is chock full of toys, spilling out of cupboards and littering the floor (their mother will buy anything and everything from eBay/gum tree/garage sales etc) and the kids are expected to jut play with them by themselves. More often, they just end up in front of the TV. They have enormous piles of clothes, also haphazardly throw about. So I'm stuck.

Additionally, because they have so much, the kids eyes glaze over when they get anything. The only thing that briefly excites them is stuff which is interactive, because it gets played with with the other adults present on the day it's given (eg board game, golf set etc) but then the parents will never pull it out again. The parents very much take it all for granted, they give presents because they have to, and receive with the same 'meh' attitude - now don't get me wrong, I don't expect overwhelming thanks or anything, but when you put a lot of thought into something, spend $80 on it, and the parent doesn't even look at it (even on the odd occasion the kid gets excited and wants to show it to them) apart from bundling it all into the car to carry away and stack it in a cupboard never to be seen again - well you start to lose motivation after a few times.

But - 1. I love these kids and 2. I have to buy for them. So help me EB!

Board games? Kids are too young to play with each other and parents won't play.
Arts and crafts? Parents won't help kids.
Books? Won't be read.
Clothes? Too many already.
Scooters/bikes/balls/other outdoor things? Parents refuse to take kids out and ride bikes/scooters, or go to a park, or even play in their own backyard.
Electronics? Loath to give a Wii as a combined gift or a DS to the elder as they both get SO much screen time (yes I know, not my kids... But still, I can't in good conscience do this).

They have doll houses, trains, sandpit, trampoline, other usual suspects.
What is left?

This post has been edited by MsN: 04/12/2012, 06:28 PM

[Saecularis Angel...]

Tickets for a zoo trip or other kid-friendly experience?

[beaglebaby]

How about Movie Tickets or Mini Golf or something similar - even better if they come with a promise from you to take them!

[la di dah]

Can you do an experience gift with them? Are they sort of well-behaved? I saw my first movie in theatres when I was 6 and I still remember it.

Something like a trip to a local waterpark or something? I mean I know its not super cheap but if you're looking at 80 dollar gifts anyway?

[Tiamo]

If you love them how about an experience with you?

A show, a movie, zoo trip, afternoon tea?

[Niamh23]

Tickets for a zoo trip or other kid-friendly experience?

This.

Or if you're really game - a donation to World Vision or similar in their name!

[ginger72]

Dress up costumes? Just bought my 3 year old a doctor costume + medical kit for her birthday and she loves it (as does my 5yo).

Mine also love sticky mosaics and once you spend 2 minutes showing them how to do it, they pretty much get it. (Boy, are you down on their parents, by the way!).

Puzzles? Mine love puzzles too and the big one will help the little one if she gets stuck. The Melissa and Doug ones are great.

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

New parents?

I think an 'experience' (zoo, etc) with your family sounds great.

[Milly Molly Mand...]

I know you said they wouldnt be read, but I would get books. Maybe a box set or something

[GenWhy]

I have kids like this - but it's because my family spoil them. We aren't buying them any presents - instead we are going shopping with pocket money and buying food for the homeless. Then we are going to hand it out Christmas Day. The best present I can give my kids is the true gift of giving.