Suggested toys??

[Louise85]

Hi, I am new to childminding and have a very limited budget with regards to getting new things. Most of the children I currently have are school age (5-10). I am ok with the slightly younger ones, as I have lots of paints, crafts, games etc, but it is the older ones that I would like to get more for (year 3+ at school). I currently only have a Wii and it's all they ever want to do. Can anyone give me their top 3 or 4 suggestions for things that they couldn't 'live without' for this age group?

Many thanks,
Sherri

[Nature'sKids!]

LEGO!!!!!
any construction toys (knex, magnetix, building blocks)
Den building stuff (old fashioned wooden folding clothes horse, blanked, cloths, pegs, etc)
Matchbox cars
Game compendium

[samb]

Playmobil
Fancy dress
balls
construction - lego, meccano
craft

To be honest I think they like the excuse to play with the younger stuff too