If you really want to give your kids a special gift, then a trampoline should be at the top of your list. They are not only fun, but provide a hidden benefit of exercise if you can peel your kids away from the television for long enough. Parents usually have one of two concerns holding them back from plunging into trampoline ownership: safety and cost. Fortunately, both of these are solvable problems.
The more important of those two concerns is definitely safety. It seems that a child could easily get injured by falling off the trampoline, landing awkwardly, or landing on the spring or bar frame. They make safety equipment that can prevent most of these problems. Every new trampoline should come with a trampoline pad. If you’re buying used, however, you may have to purchase yours separately. Trampoline pads are a definite must for any owner whether kids or adults are doing the jumping.
The other major safety investment you may need to make is a trampoline enclosure. This is basically a net that is setup around the perimeter of the trampoline and prevents anyone from falling off. These are usually not required, so you’ll have to make a judgment call whether it is worth it or not. If you think your kids can jump fairly safely, then you probably won’t need it.
If cost is your main concern, then you just have to realize that there are a whole bunch of options available to you. Check all of the stores locally and compare prices. Check the local classified ads to see if anyone is selling a used trampoline. Usually you can find a good selection of cheap trampolines online as well. As long as you use all of the resources available to you and are patient to make your purchase, you will come away with a good deal.