This is OP. Thank you for all of the ideas. Parents are non help at all, and there are no wish lists.

What about Alex and Ani bracelet for the girls?

craft and science kits.
art supplies.
outdoor toys (contemplating a tether ball set for my 10 yr old).
movies or music (check w/ parents if they already have a certain item).
My DD probably covets whatever the "it" accessory or toy is this year, but I'm not sure what that would be. Last year it was rainbow looms.
Room decor (ask the parents for specifics).

Any other ideas that are non-gift card? I also need to get my 10 yo niece and 7 yo nephew Christmas gifts. They are growing out of toys but am not ready for gift cards yet. Nephew is into hockey. Any ideas?

Anonymous wrote:I am also in the anti-gift card position b/c it just becomes my job to redeem them, but if you go the gift card route, use Amazon or something else on-line!

Not sure how redeeming an Amazon gift card is a "job" in the real sense of that term? You're at home. Your child is presumably there telling you preferences and you're clicking buttons. This is far, far, far better than getting something that becomes my job to return or else to just donate because it is unwanted. I can't tell you the number of books we've received from my SIL that are completely unwanted, unused, and not practical. I use Amazon so much that I offer my DD cash for the card if she can't find anything she wants easily. She is saving her money for who-knows-what?

Anonymous wrote:Gift cards are fine, but as a parent I find them a bit of a bother--my kids aren't major shoppers. In the end, it becomes my responsibility to take them to the store to find something. FWIW, by this age they get a number of gift cards at their birthday parties, too.

Some ideas for alternatives:

1. Ask the parents if the kids have a wish list. I keep lists on Amazon for this purpose but don't share unless asked.

2. Think back to your childhood and send books you loved, or basic toys that you enjoyed: yo-yos, rubix cube, craft supplies, favorite board games. Then tell them in the note that this is something you loved and that you hope they'll enjoy too. I think it means a lot when kids can connect to family members in this way.

3. Go to a good local toy store and ask for suggestions--maybe for new board games. I've had great luck at Child's Play.

4. Come up with something standard you can do every year. One great-aunt sent us Christmas ornaments every year, and I loved receiving them. Giant tins of popcorn are also a hit.

Then I tell the parents that I will take care of 1 or more of the items.

I am also in the anti-gift card position b/c it just becomes my job to redeem them, but if you go the gift card route, use Amazon or something else on-line!

Definitely Amazon gift cards or, if they have music devices/phones, iTunes gift cards. In the older age range, gift cards for Starbucks, Chipotle, or other places in their neighborhood or near their school so they can go there with friends. Board games are also a good idea, if you want something more personal.

Gift cards are fine, but as a parent I find them a bit of a bother--my kids aren't major shoppers. In the end, it becomes my responsibility to take them to the store to find something. FWIW, by this age they get a number of gift cards at their birthday parties, too.

Some ideas for alternatives:

1. Ask the parents if the kids have a wish list. I keep lists on Amazon for this purpose but don't share unless asked.

2. Think back to your childhood and send books you loved, or basic toys that you enjoyed: yo-yos, rubix cube, craft supplies, favorite board games. Then tell them in the note that this is something you loved and that you hope they'll enjoy too. I think it means a lot when kids can connect to family members in this way.

3. Go to a good local toy store and ask for suggestions--maybe for new board games. I've had great luck at Child's Play.

4. Come up with something standard you can do every year. One great-aunt sent us Christmas ornaments every year, and I loved receiving them. Giant tins of popcorn are also a hit.

I didn't even think of Amazon. Thanks!

Amazon cards are so much better, because they don't even have to get out of the house and the selection is larger. As someone who hates malls and supermarkets, I would prefer having my kids browse Amazon rather than go shopping with them.

We do amazon cards. Universally loved.

Gift cards are fine. My kids like Target and Walmart. There are fun stores, like Justice (girls), but those type of stores cater to certain personalities and while my DD would love that, I know so many girls who don't.

Is a gift card ok?

They are nieces and nephews, and I have no idea what to get them.

If a gift card is ok, any suggestions on what stores?

Thank you in advance.