Preschool is great because you can get them things they need, and they are excited about it.

So: a fuzzy robe, fun socks, a new warm hat etc can all get loads of excitement.

It's also a good time to start building a collection of magna tiles. Those are so expensive so they are a nice gift, but kids still really do like them for years and years.

My current 3 year old has a birthday right after Christmas. Here's what she's getting...

From Santa - play food for her kitchen, mermaid stencils, books
From Grandparents - Polly Pocket, make your own jewelry set, nail polish

Birthday - new bike

Micro scooter, helmet, and protective gloves
A cape and matching mask for dress up
Stickers, books
An action figure/vehicle toy (PJ Masks)

Trying not to go overboard. We have so many toys in this house 😬

A lump of coal.

Just kidding!

We have a lot of stuff like magnatiles and coding robots already from an older child. This one really likes to color, so another coloring book. Maybe another doll (baby alive) but she already has several regular dolls and I'm not convinced she needs another one.

Toniebox
Woom 2
Squishy stuffies
Bluey house and characters

4.5 is getting Magnatiles, magnetic dress up dolls, doll clothes, books, puzzles, Calico Critters amusement park, and a coding robot toy (DH’s contribution).

4 y/o DD asked for a Barbie house (has not previously expressed interest in Barbies). We’re getting one of the big Kidkraft ones because my niece played with hers until she was 11, so hoping to get some longevity out of it.

She got a bike with training wheels for her birthday a few months ago. At this age, my older DC was into legos/duplos, magna tiles, and paw patrol everything.

M&Ms and cozy socks.

Anonymous wrote:We're getting our (just-turned) 3 yr old two books. He doesn't need anything at all.

Same. Well maybe some crayons and coloring books too.

We're getting our (just-turned) 3 yr old two books. He doesn't need anything at all.

My almost 4yo also has a December birthday. We got her a Yoto player and some cards, an our generation doll, and a fancy dress + tickets to the Nutcracker. She will also be getting various books/clothes/art supplies.

Last year, I put washi tape and band aids in her stocking--planning to do the same this year.

This is our 4yo's wishlist

-baby alive doll that really poops
-easel
-dentist set
-ear muffs that look like kitty cats
-A "real" watch

Last year when she was 3, we filled her stocking with a flashlight, a magnifying glass, and walkie talkies and those have been used far and beyond any toy she's ever had.

Spidey and Friends web crawler toy (we usually stream TV but she saw this commercial in a hotel and is obsessed)
Giant Bluey plush
Dress up princess costume - sleeping beauty, I think?
A horse or unicorn hobbyhorse
Play-doh ice cream set

These will divvied among xmas and her January bday (4). When family asks I just tell them what she's "into" (MLP, Bluey, Spidey), not specific toys. I want them to pick their own price point.

Last xmas I went overboard and she was overwhelmed and it was wasteful and not fun for everyone. This Christmas it will be smaller with an emphasis on toys not big-ticket items (looking at you, $600 scandinavian play kitchen from last year).

My 3yo also has a birthday close to Christmas (and I have a very small place!) so I feel your pain. She is getting (mix of me and the grandparents over both Christmas and holidays):
- a 3d tangram type toy (she might just add them to her block collection?)
- an alphabet book
- new PJs
- a backpack
- a dollhouse
- associated furniture/dolls

Curious what everyone is getting their 3-4yos this year!

My DD has a birthday close to Christmas as well and I'm struggling to come up with enough ideas to supply the grandparents/aunts/uncles and still have some left for us to get her, lol. Looking for some fresh ideas!