Christmas ideas for 3.5-4 year olds

Ok, it's getting to be that time of year again. I need gift suggestions for my girls who will be 3.5 at Christmas...so I'm looking in that 3.5-4 year age range.

The two things I'm definitely going to get are Lincoln Logs b/c they LOVE to build. I just bought more Mega Bloks the other day b/c they wanted "bigger" castles...lol. And, I'm getting them the Graco set of doll stuff (crib, swing, PNP, etc). My two along with the other girl I watch could play babies ALL day long and since Olivia is outgrowing her swing, bouncy, etc (plus I borrowed some of it and didn't want it broken), I'm slowing putting it all away b/c it takes up too much room. They would love to have doll size stuff that I don't have to keep telling them to "leave it alone."

But, I need more suggestions...for us and for family members.

 

Do the girls have Leapsters?

 

QUOTE(Ali M @ Aug 30 2008, 05:29 PM) [snapback]954952[/snapback]
Do the girls have Leapsters?


Nope, which ones are you referring to? Aren't there different ones?

 

I agree w/ the Leapfrog stuff. My girls are getting My First Leap Pad (ages 3-5). We are also thinking of a V.Smile or Clickstart program (educational video TVset up)- so they can learn keyboard/computer skills w/o wrecking our main computer!

I put away some colorforms, polly pocket type princess stuff (mine love princesses), dress up things, and dollhouse stuff for Xmas/birthday (they will be 3 in Oct.)

How about the 1st rollerskates? (we have 1 pair and they fight over them) mini trampoline? pack of baby doll clothes?

We have also started board games and they love them!

 

Mine love Polly pockets and my niece loves Littlest Pet Shop, they have all had these since they were 3. The Graco set of doll stuff sounds great, I know my girls and my son love playing with strollers and running around with them. Maybe Barbies?

Maybe some board games if you don't already have some: Memory, Caraboo, sequence for kids, duck duck goose, Candy land.

 

We just got the kids the Leapster2 hand held system and they love them. If you have a Costco near you they have a great deal on a bundle (the system, 1 game and carrying case for $76).

 

The only thing they asked for is a jump rope from Santa ! However, the boys are getting Leapters this year as their big gift. Becky, here is the link http://www.leapfrog.com/en/shop/Leapster2....e%20Brand_Exact . They have the Leapster, case, and one game at Costco right now for $77. More GeoTrax stuff, puzzles, books, games, DVDs (Thomas, Land Before Time and Veggie Tales), Transformers for 4+ years, Word Launch. I will have to look at Lincoln Logs -- my kids love to build too and we have a HUGE selection of Mega Bloks. My dad is getting them Leap Pads because he already bought a bunch of the books that go with it. Wwe have had the My First Leap Pad since last Christmas (they were 2.5) and they love those. I was thinking about the Leap Frog Tag reading system, but leap pad does the same sort of thing. I will have to add Colorforms to my list .

Mendy

 

QUOTE(FirstTimeMom814 @ Aug 30 2008, 04:42 PM) [snapback]955091[/snapback]
We just got the kids the Leapster2 hand held system and they love them. If you have a Costco near you they have a great deal on a bundle (the system, 1 game and carrying case for $76).


You must have been posting this at the same time I was. We are getting ours at Costco. Glad to know your kids love them -- mine will be 3.5 at Christmas.

Mendy

 

QUOTE(FirstTimeMom814 @ Aug 30 2008, 08:42 PM) [snapback]955091[/snapback]
We just got the kids the Leapster2 hand held system and they love them. If you have a Costco near you they have a great deal on a bundle (the system, 1 game and carrying case for $76).


WOW, that is a GREAT deal from what I've seen online. The same set on Amazon is over $100! I wil definitely look into that! Thanks! I think my girls would LOVE these!

 

QUOTE(twinzmom2b @ Aug 30 2008, 05:50 PM) [snapback]954971[/snapback]
Nope, which ones are you referring to? Aren't there different ones?


The little video game systems like this one. 3.5 years is when my girls really took to it and they are wonderful for travel and rewards. At home, the girls can only play them on "Mixed-Up Friday" (a day when we do special things) but they can play them anytime they want on trips. The Leapsters were one of the best presents we ever received.

 

Leapsters were the first thing that came to my mind as well. And, if you are interested in the longevity of them, Marcus played his this week on a long trip with grandma to the beach--he is 6.

 

For non toy , i would get some of the leapfrog DVD. My costco had some for 6.99 yesterday.

Tinkertoys if you want something to build with.

I'm going to be watching this thread for some more ideas for my 2.

 

I like the idea of Leapsters, which ones are better?

 

QUOTE(JakeandPeyton @ Aug 31 2008, 01:34 PM) [snapback]955825[/snapback]
I like the idea of Leapsters, which ones are better?


I was wondering that too. What's the difference between Leaptster and Leapster2?

 

QUOTE(twinzmom2b @ Aug 31 2008, 01:45 PM) [snapback]956104[/snapback]
I was wondering that too. What's the difference between Leaptster and Leapster2?


The Leapster2 connects to your computer and allows you to track what they do on it. You can also download games and activities on to it as well as give them rewards etc. I don't know about the Leapster, but the Leapster2 comes with a game/activity already on it. It's one of those touch screen coloring things. Anyhow, the kids really like that as well as the games. Their two favorite games are the Letters on the Run and Wall-E.

 

Darn, wish I'd known about the Leapster2. We bought the Leapsters for the girls to play in the car when the DVD player went south. lol. I found them on clearance at Target for like $40 each I think. My girls like them but they aren't real sure what to "DO" with them yet. So, I wish I had waited but they'll grow into them.

Everything they see is "on the list" right now. It's maddening. lol. But here are some things we are thinking of:

Barbie Flower Shower Mermaid

Fisher Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio (Casey - BIG TIME into drawing)

Drum Set (Mandi - love instruments)

Fisher Price Digital Camera (Mandi - into photographing stuff)

Lincoln Logs


I'll be watching for more ideas though! Thanks for posting this!!

 

QUOTE(Jennie-OH @ Sep 1 2008, 02:02 PM) [snapback]957066[/snapback]
Darn, wish I'd known about the Leapster2. We bought the Leapsters for the girls to play in the car when the DVD player went south. lol. I found them on clearance at Target for like $40 each I think. My girls like them but they aren't real sure what to "DO" with them yet. So, I wish I had waited but they'll grow into them.

Everything they see is "on the list" right now. It's maddening. lol. But here are some things we are thinking of:

Barbie Flower Shower Mermaid

Fisher Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio (Casey - BIG TIME into drawing)

Drum Set (Mandi - love instruments)

Fisher Price Digital Camera (Mandi - into photographing stuff)

Lincoln Logs
I'll be watching for more ideas though! Thanks for posting this!!


That art studio thing is SOO neat! Thanks for that thought...love it!

 

They would love the handheld Leapsters. Brett got one at 4 years old and Brady & Aidan got them at 3 years old.
They are great and educational. Nice to take on car rides etc.

 

I had a hard time coming up with ideas, too. My girls love babies, so we're getting them more accessories, more kitchen accessories, I think an easel is a great idea. We're getting the girls a digital camera, too, since they have shown a great interest in that at a friend's house.

 

2-4 yrs old for birthday/christmas (some can be for girls -- opposite color)

Leapsters or Leapsters2 (?)
Digital camera
Lincoln Logs
Easel/paper roll
Supercapes (for boys) to play around / play dress up/shoes/wand (girls)
F/P Smart Cycle
GeoTrax (train colletion)
Pajamas/Robe/slippers
-in-1 Buildin’ To Learn™ Motor/Workshop
Vtech -- Touch & Discover Alphabet Town
Bandi -- Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Responsibility Chart
Radio Flyer My First Scooter
Superhero Figures (?) / Barbies/Pet/Polly
Bed tent for (twins bed)

DVD:
Scholastic Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics Thinpak (for boys)

Board game:
Lucky Ducks
Candy Land
Chutes and Ladder
Hungry Hungry Hipps
Gamewright -- Go Away Monster
Blue Orange -- Zimbbos