Thoughts on a "family gift"?

[hbomdiggity]

My bro is married with 3 girls, ages 3-7. The girls have every piece of plastic toy available. They don't live near any places I could get passes for. My bro is so busy with his business that his hobbies are cut way back and SIL isn't super easy to buy for either.

They have a huge finished basement. I was thinking about getting them an arcade type game to have down there (I think they have a pool table already). But due to the cost, it would need to be a gift for the entire family.

I do think it would be something everyone would enjoy. I think the girls would get a kick out of such a huge box. but is the family gift lame?

[heyrebekah]

I think that would be awesome. We had a pinball machine in the basement when I was growing up and everyone loved it. Well, maybe not my mom so much. But it was so cool!

[ijack]

great idea as long as the parents are okay with it

[cjeanette]

Nov 28, 2012 14:37:00 GMT -5 ijack said:

great idea as long as the parents are okay with it

This.

[casmgn]

Nov 28, 2012 14:37:00 GMT -5 ijack said:

great idea as long as the parents are okay with it

This.

I like the idea of a family gift, I've done it in the past. If the parents aren't down with a big arcade game, you could also do a collection of board games.

[definitelyO]

that's a pretty awesome gift! and here I was thinking more along the lines of a few board games and popcorn....

[cjeanette]

Nov 28, 2012 14:43:13 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

that's a pretty awesome gift! and here I was thinking more along the lines of a few board games and popcorn....

A popcorn machine!!!!!

[genet313]

My mom used to try to get a family gift for us and it was always a big hit. I'd do it.

[Deleted]

An air hockey table would be cool and it would work for even the youngest.

[hbomdiggity]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking something like foosball, table tennis, or mini basketball. Most look like they fold up, but their basement is huge so I'm not too concerned about the space issue.

[definitelyO]

We just bought DS a foosball table - it's a standard size and was on sale at Sports Authority for $160 down from $400. they also have those 5 in 1 sports tables - but all the ones I saw looked kind of flimsy - so I'd check those out in person vs. online.

[smiley]

That sounds like a fun idea. Could you run it by your brother first to see if it is something they would be interested in?

[Doggy Mommy]

I think it's a great idea, but definitely ask your brother first! I would not give someone such a large item no matter how big their house is without checking with them first. Personally I hate when people give me house stuff because I'm very picky about house stuff.

[mollybrown]

I like the idea. However, I would definitely ask the adults first. I have a huge empty basement currently, but I do have plans for it in the future, so I wouldn't assume it's okay.

[vegas]

I actually like the idea of a collection of board games. Probably cheaper and would take up less room than an arcade-type game, but still a gift the whole family could enjoy.

[bronxgirl]

An air hockey game in my basement would be way more awesome than words could ever say.

[steph96]

Sounds fun! If the parents aren't okay with such a large item, I think there are smaller tabletop versions.

[grey56]

We had an air hockey table growing up. It was a Christmas present from Santa. It was AWESOME. Everyone liked hanging out in our house.

I would ask the parents first, just in case. Maybe they were planning on something similar?

A family membership to a zoo, etc. would also be a nice "family" gift....but I get that you want to do something for the newly finished basement.

[shortstax]

A friend of mine used to have skeeball in their basement. It was AMAZING!

Go for it. It sounds like a great gift!

[Ashley&Scott]

Nov 28, 2012 18:00:33 GMT -5 vegas said:

I actually like the idea of a collection of board games. Probably cheaper and would take up less room than an arcade-type game, but still a gift the whole family could enjoy.

I agree, family board games would be great.

If you go with an arcade game (even if it folds up) clear it with your Bro & SIL first.