I need ideas for Christmas gift

[Missy1961]

I have reached my end. I have no ideas anymore and I hope someone can help me.

I need to find gifts for 2 of my nephews. They are twins, turned 4 in July. They are very shy and I don't see them often, so I really don't know their likes & dislikes. I'd email my brother or sister in law, but they just had a baby so they are very busy with her. Here's a few facts:
1. Nothing Disney. They boycott it. (don't ask)
2. They don't watch TV & videos.

Got any ideas? I also have a limited budget, since they are 2 of my 13 nieces/nephews, so the max is $25.

TIA!

 

[hiwaygal]

I'm guessing some books would be good...maybe the "I SPY" ones? Or something that would help them in the first stages of reading.

 

[Missy1961]

I'm guessing some books would be good...maybe the "I SPY" ones? Or something that would help them in the first stages of reading.

Yeah, those are fun. I love them.

 

[mommytotwo]

How about bug hunting kits-with the bug box, net, magnifying glass....

Crayola.com has alot of different items.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Puzzles are always a good choice with that age. My 5 year old can do puzzles all day long.

 

[christinadei]

I got my 3 & 4 yo nephews some kid kinex sets. DS is 5 and got them when he was 3 and still likes to play with them. They are around $10 a set and they have different themes, bug eyed buddies, trucks, etc.

 

[keenercam]

Have you considered some puzzles? lincoln logs? tinker toys? k'nex? legos? I think those are all great toys they won't grow out of quickly, and if you buy 2 different items it will give them lots to choose from.

 

[Missy1961]

I got my 3 & 4 yo nephews some kid kinex sets. DS is 5 and got them when he was 3 and still likes to play with them. They are around $10 a set and they have different themes, bug eyed buddies, trucks, etc.

I bought the bug ones last year. I think they liked them.

 

[Missy1961]

I hadn't thought of puzzles, or lincoln logs. I did think of Legos, but my local Toys R Us had a stinky selection the day I looked.

So many great ideas! Thanks.

 

[experiment626mom]

Hot Wheels makes big cars for little hands. My nephews 4 and 6 just love 'em.

 

[clh2]

I agree with some of the other posters...the kids k'nex are nice, so are legos, and you can't go wrong with hot wheels either at that age.

And, then there are those magnet things - and for the life of me, I can't think of what they are called. But they are a set of magnet "sticks" and magnet balls, and you build stuff with them. Maybe some other poster will know what I'm talking about.

 

[tiggerlover]

Kids K'Nex are great for that age, as are Lincoln Logs and the Duplo Lego's, not the small ones. Another big hit for my DS at that age are those wooden train sets. We started DS on the Brio and Thomas the Train sets, which are kind of pricey, but they do have cheaper sets that are just as good and durable, like this one at WalMart for $20: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3347028. Our son played with his trains up until he was about 8 and he would probably still play with them at 9, but we have no room in the new house for the train table.

 

[Missy1961]

Lots of great ideas here that I never would have thought of. I'm going to check it out soon. I knew I could count on you guys! thanks again.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I have 3 and 4 year old boys, and they were a lot of fun to buy for this year! Here are some ideas:

Anything by Imaginext - right now the currents sets are dinosaurs, and T-Rex Mountain and the Castle and Knights - boys LOVE them!

Power Rangers SPD - this is really popular with the 4-5 year old boys. I know it's Disney, but most people don't really consider it "Disney like".

Rescue Heroes playsets

Kareoke machine - a hit with all kids!

Hope some of these ideas help!

 

[Missy1961]

I have 3 and 4 year old boys, and they were a lot of fun to buy for this year! Here are some ideas:

Anything by Imaginext - right now the currents sets are dinosaurs, and T-Rex Mountain and the Castle and Knights - boys LOVE them!

Power Rangers SPD - this is really popular with the 4-5 year old boys. I know it's Disney, but most people don't really consider it "Disney like".

Rescue Heroes playsets

Kareoke machine - a hit with all kids!

Hope some of these ideas help!

I was really thinking of the Imaginext. They looked really cool. And not terribly expensive either!

 

[Karel]

Rescue heroes.

My sons were not as interested in Legos at the age; they really liked them more when they were eight. They can be frustrating.

 

[Missy1961]

Rescue heroes.

My sons were not as interested in Legos at the age; they really liked them more when they were eight. They can be frustrating.

I've given them some Rescue Heroes, I love them myself. Great toys, well made. However, I've noticed that there seems to be less of them available right now.

Good point about the Legos.