I would have to say the worst thing I bought was a speaker system for my daughter who walks around the house trying to sing into the microphone and it sounds terrible haha

The best thing I ever bought her was a dress up station where she can store all her princess dresses.

The best would so far be our toddlers Loungey set. He absolutely loves climbing around, throwing himself on it, building new set ups. Its been a great investment. The worst would probably be toy cars that make obnoxious sounds. Its headache inducing when on, but he gets upset if it’s off. It did make me laugh that the PS is the worst for you, my mum had the same issues with all our consoles growing up. “What do you mean it’s not a 3 player game??!” Haha

The best would so far be our toddlers Loungey set. He absolutely loves climbing around, throwing himself on it, building new set ups. Its been a great investment. The worst would probably be toy cars that make obnoxious sounds. Its headache inducing when on, but he gets upset if it’s off. It did make me laugh that the PS is the worst for you, my mum had the same issues with all our consoles growing up. “What do you mean it’s not a 3 player game??!” Haha

A few years ago I bought a Christmas gift for my Nephew. He was a tween at the time so hard to buy for so I thought. I found a red bubble bath with a gel like consistency with a plastic bat inside. He was over the moon. He kept hassling his Mum to go home so he could have a bath.
I can’t think of a worst gift. I try to put a lot of thought into it.

Omg big yes to puzzles and jumbo chalk!! Such great products that take up time and imagination! Definitely depends on the age of your child aswell. I have no problem with technology and frequently enjoyed playing old sega mega drive games with my kids but these name games that have no ending are very clever at keeping kids hooked.

In addition to the items and toys listed in my comments below; the items and toys that endured were the ones the children could be active with and enjoy activities not technology based. There is a switch when children get older to technology and it requires setting up rules and times around this type of limited tech play.

The best things were the most simple.
Giant chalk to draw on the footpath and driveway.
Paints, play dough.
I have all girls and they loved bubblebaths.
When they were really little things like wooden blocks and wooden jigsaw puzzles were awesome.
I really cant think of something that I purchased for them that i was disappointed in.

I do not recall any thing, toy or item that was a terrible purchase. We have always been quite careful and selective about purchases. All outdoor play equipment has been a success and had years of use. All hands on, arts and crafts, cooking, science and creative toys have also been a huge hit. The things that did not work well were disposable fad toys given as gifts; they did not hold interest and endure.

For my youngest the best buy is definitely the trampoline ! She is daily out in the garden winter, spring summer autumn and rain and jumps away. We have a covered deck area and pull the trampoline on the deck when the rain is heavy. We also have a good swing set (with climbing ladder seesaw, swing, net swing, slide and basketball ring) which she uses a lot too.