What about Guess Who? Have to notice different hair/eyes,etc.
Apples to apples big picture. Use the cards to create categories.
Introduce the venn diagram. Showing how pens and pencils are alike and different.
We have these to start http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002Q5YH9C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1447896527&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kid+knives&dpPl=1&dpID=41iuHDwg7PL&ref=plSrch
It just takes practice they were practicing with paring knives and a cutting board today (moving up!)
I write one gift to dd1 and dd2. The next will be to dd2 and dd1. Whomever is listed first opens it. This is for family movies, board games, larger items generally
I do photo cards and a brief update on the year, mentioning the girls current age/grade and interests. Last year I let the girls write it. It prints on 1/4 sheet of paper
We have an Escape. Love it! I agree, some of the incentives available for new escapes are pretty good. Buying used would have only been a couple thousand cheaper, not worth it.