Ideas for one big-ticket gift item for preschooler and kindergartener

[Anonymous]

My sons will turn 3 and 6 soon. Rather than a bunch of small toys that we don't need, I'd like to get them one larger, special present. However, I'm at a loss for ideas.

A bounce house -- Are the ones you can get for $200 fun for a 6 year old still? Do these even hold up decently?
A trampoline -- Don't want one; medical professional relatives have told too many horror stories
Big wheels car -- They already have one
New bikes -- This is the best option I can think of so far, but it doesn't seem very exciting

What ideas am I overlooking?

[Anonymous]

They might not consider it big ticket, but at those ages I got my niece and nephew 2x the 100 piece set of Magnatiles and they loved them. They made massive structures

My kids would also have loved the bounce house, but they are too accident prone for me to actually get one.

[Anonymous]

play structure

[Anonymous]

Swing set?

Week-long trip to a resort with pools & fun activities?

Playhouse for the yard?

I like the looks of in-ground trampolines more than the above ground ones... no idea if they're safer but maybe?

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking of getting my kids (3 and 7) nice tumbling mats for Christmas. Might not have the "wow" factor you are looking for, but I think they will get lots of use.

[Anonymous]

My kids always wanted a playhouse from Land of Nod. Scroll down to look at the red Jetaire camper one

http://www.landofnod.com/playhouses-and-teepees/toys-and-gifts/1

[Anonymous]

an indoor playhouse or teepee or tent

[Anonymous]

Bike for older, scooter for younger?

[Anonymous]

My SIL gave my three kids (6 years and under) the Land of Nod camper for Xmas last year. (link in post above). It's been a hit.

[Anonymous]

We have the IKEA tent, and my 5 and 1 year old both love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They might not consider it big ticket, but at those ages I got my niece and nephew 2x the 100 piece set of Magnatiles and they loved them. They made massive structures

My kids would also have loved the bounce house, but they are too accident prone for me to actually get one.

When I read the thread title, my first thought was "oodles of Magnatiles." Like, 4 giant boxes or something totally over the top. They will all get used, and don't take up much space. I understand the idea of wanting it to be a shockingly huge gift for them, since there's only one and they have to share it.

[Anonymous]

I would get each separate presents. The needs of a 6 year old are very different from a 3 year old. Bikes are always good. I'd get snap circuits - the big one for $100 for the 6 year old. He may need help for a year or so but its a great gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm thinking of getting my kids (3 and 7) nice tumbling mats for Christmas. Might not have the "wow" factor you are looking for, but I think they will get lots of use.

Ikea has nice ones that work well at that age. Ugly green but they work great.

[Anonymous]

Why would bikes not be exciting? I'd go with that over one gift they have to share.

[Anonymous]

Same age kids. I'm thinking a big bounce house for the winter.