Birthday Gifts

Hi M.. I am having the same problem. My twins turn 7 in early August and I have no idea. I asked my kids by letting them create a gift registry and they got to pikc things they liked. I use this list to tell family and myself what they want. Also, I assume they have bikes. What about scooters, roller blades, trampoline, hoola hoops and other outdoor items! My kids LOVE to play outside so we have tons of stuff for them to do. Hope this helps!
T.

As parents, it is a tendency to want to give our kids more than what we had growing up. It sounds as if your daughters have about everything they could want at the tender ages of 4 and 6. How about just cake and ice cream and a family activity they'll enjoy. The truth of the matter is 10-15 years from now they probably will not remember what "present" you gave them for their 5th and 7th birthday, but I bet if y'all did a real fun activity with them they'd probably have a harder time forgetting that.

By the way have y'all maxed out their college funds for this year. That would be a gift that wil go a very long way. When we just had one kid (our son) he was the first grandkid on both sides and everyone tended to always shower him with toys, and clothes and other "stuff". So, we decided that we would not continue that trend and asked our families to instead of getting him (it's them now) all of that "stuff" it's ok to give them a gift if you so desire but the money you would have spent give it to us to put it in their investment accounts. I am a hurricane Katrina survivior and one of the most important lessons I learned was that presents are not important but presence is. So, hopefully your girls will have and enjoyable birthday.

Shant

Everyone wrote you with really good ideas. Looking back at when my oldest was that age. Somewhere down the line she got where she expected. The very thing I didn't want her to learn. So I cut back on the gifts. She's 19 now and when I listen to her talk. Its the memories of fun times with the family that she treasures. Parties are memorable for them too, the simple ones are the most memorable. My kids tell me that their fav party is when everyone came over and we did games and activities at the house.

How about a gift certificate to Build a Bear wkshp or a day at the girls store Libby Lu - they can make their own makeup, get make-overs and dress up. It is awesome and so so much fun!

Also dvds, portable cd/headphones with their own children cd's to go with them.

Last but not least, maybe scooters or a webkins - they are interactive animals that they interact with ie: play, feed, and meet with other webkins on the internet.

Let me know if you'd like more suggestions...

How about a trip to the zoo? or the butterfly exhibit? I always take my kids for pictures for their bdays. I have heard that picture people (located in most malls) do a nice job. Maybe find a stable or Y that has horses and do a family horse ride. Most little girls love ponies. The Aquarium downtown is awesome. lots of colorful fish to look at and even a midway of games they can play. They also have a train ride that goes through the shark house.

If you want to have a party at home, do a dress up tea party. Everyone can wear one of their mom's dresses and play jewelry(makes a nice parting gift to attendees) while the bday girls get to wear inexpensive tiaras, long gloves (try thrift shops) mom's shoes and handbags. Little plastic teacups and plastic plates for cake and ice cream would complete the day. Be sure to get a digital camera and take each person that attends a picture with the special girl. Then when you print them out, write a thank you as dictated by the bday girl, let her "sign" it with a crayon and mail to the guest. It makes a really nice reminder of the day and serves as a nice keepsake. It also teaches the girls that we must do thank you notes when someone gives us a gift. I find my kids are more willing to write and mail them if a pic is included whether its for bday, just because, christmas whenever.

There is always the children's museum as well. They have lots of fun things there and it's not too expensive for a special family occassion. If you live near Humble there is Old McDonald's Farm that has animals for petting and other activities. Ice skating at the Galleria or out near 249 somewhere, I think it's called the Aerodome (maybe). There is also the possibility that there is something like Disney on Ice or Bear in the big blue house live show so check with the newspaper.

Hope these help out some. I haven't had a small girl to plan parties for since my daughter is now almost 25 and she plans the parties for her girls.

Good luck,
C.

sounds like they have it all. what about outdoor toys such as scooters, bike, etc. kids these days don't get enough outdoor time.

You could take them on a special trip for a weekend to Disney or Sea World or even Galveston to the beach (an expensive idea, granted, but they are just the right age for something like that). Or, you mentioned game night...do they have any board games? Everything doesn't need to be electronic. You could get them some fun board games that they could play together and that you could all play as a family. I think some of the easier ones (Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Hungry Hippo, Operation, Guess Who) are geared towards kids that age.

One other thought...do they have bicycles? I know most kids do, but that is another idea if you live somewhere where they can ride them. You and your husband could get bikes too and go for rides as a family. I think Target and WalMart sell inexpensive bikes if you aren't looking to spend a ton.

There also is a place called Sweet and Sassy that does little parties for girls (there is one in Sugar Land...not sure where you live, but it's a chain). They can get little makeovers (nails, makeup, etc.) and they have a little runway that they can do a fashion show or something. It looked cute. My daughter is only 18 months old. We went there for her first haircut, but they had packages for older girls. Could be fun for them!

I hope some of these ideas help. I know it's really hard when you just don't think you need anymore "stuff" in your house. Good luck and have fun!

Take them somewhere, do something with each of them. Just you and your husband with a birthday daugher. Find a babysitter for the other.

Hi M.,
Well, sure sounds like you love your children without a doubt. But you are making them sound spoiled. It's great that they have everything they want, but many kids don't. A great idea to get them would be a lesson of responsibility. They're old enough to understand that you need money to buy things and that other children don't have that opportunity like they do. Take them to get a bank account or just a piggy bank. And next time they want a toy tell them that you'll pay half and they pay the other. It's never to young to show them responsibility with money.

If you're not up for that.... then try taking them on a nature walk or to your local museum and make that your family night. Usually theres a couple museums that offer family nights a few times a month.
GOOD LUCK!

I love to get kids this age gardening tools, aprons, work gloves, seed packets, dirt, pots, watering cans and more. They can plant mums, pansies and more this time of year. Also, digital cameras and scrapbooking kits can spark an interest into two new hobbies! At least with the digital cameras (now being sold pretty cheaply for all age groups), you can delete the photos that are not print worthy and save your money! Kids love it!
Sam's Club has a freat teeter totter for two, that will last well beyond your childrens young ages. Good Luck!