PentecostalMom Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 We want to minimize Christmas this year which of course will help with the space issue, but since we downsized from our home that was a little over 3000 sqaure feet to a 1500 square foot apartment, we have had t get rid of a lot of the kids things. Trying to think of space efficient, yet still enjoyable, gifts. Older dd wants a playhouse, and we are planning to get a small dollhouse for little dd. Only planning on a few gifts each. All suggestions welcomed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I would focus on "experience" gifts....things like a family membership to a zoo or museums, a family trip, etc. Those won't take up space...except in your memories! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 They make pop up playhouses that fold flat and can be stashed behind a bookshelf or dresser between uses. I always figure that models or art supplies are compact and consumable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 Good idea! I would add some inexpensive cameras (they ahve some really inexpensive ones now!) and have them make their own photo albums throughout the year. Dawn I would focus on "experience" gifts....things like a family membership to a zoo or museums, a family trip, etc. Those won't take up space...except in your memories! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 For your girls' ages, play silks make a perfect compact gift. You can combine those with some Schleich and Papo figures (my DD loves the fairies, unicorns, Pegasus, royal figures, etc.) or Waldorf style fairies. About the playhouse, my kids have a stash of PVC cut to different lengths and lots of connectors. They use the PVC to build anything from puppet theaters to playhouses and the structures can be broken down and stored (pipes up) in a Rubbermaid tub. The play silks would work with a PVC playhouse too, providing lightweight and easily stored sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By Grace Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 For your girls' ages, play silks make a perfect compact gift. You can combine those with some Schleich and Papo figures (my DD loves the fairies, unicorns, Pegasus, royal figures, etc.) or Waldorf style fairies. About the playhouse, my kids have a stash of PVC cut to different lengths and lots of connectors. They use the PVC to build anything from puppet theaters to playhouses and the structures can be broken down and stored (pipes up) in a Rubbermaid tub. The play silks would work with a PVC playhouse too, providing lightweight and easily stored sides. Love the PVC pipes idea!! My girls have some playsilks, too, and love them. You can get them cheap in the plain white, then dye them together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 For your girls' ages, play silks make a perfect compact gift. You can combine those with some Schleich and Papo figures (my DD loves the fairies, unicorns, Pegasus, royal figures, etc.) or Waldorf style fairies. This year it's some Schleich toys, a small box full of dress-up/pretend gear, and one toy each. I might ask my parents for a museum membership if anything from that side. :) We're also using some Christmas money for charity work together as a family, and that never clutters the house. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 The playhouse can be made easily if you can sew a straight seam. I made one out of fabric for my dd when she was young. I made it so fit over a card table, but you could make it for a card table, or even your kitchen table. I measured the table top, and all four 'sides' from the top of the table to the floor, and from one edge to the other and added an inch or two to accommodate seams and make it not fit too tight. I cut the five panels (top and four sides). I opened up a small area on one side to be a window by cutting out two sides and the bottom of a square in the top third of one panel. I added some velcro to the bottom so it could be rolled or folded up and velcroed to stay open. Then I sewed the panels together, except for about 3/4 of one seam from the table top to the floor, which opened and became a way in and out. You could use solid fabric, then add iron on flowers, etc. for decor, or make it out of pretty printed fabric. Heavy cotton is nice because it hangs well. This way your dd can set up her playhouse, then take it down again and fold it up to store it. It is actually quite easy to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Wall vinyl to decorate their rooms. :001_smile: (This is my website, but only posting it because it fits your criteria and my kids love getting to do up their rooms.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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