DD will be 7 next month and she has always liked my little ponies, disney princesses, stuffed cats etc.  Not sure for a 3 yr old boy except the various toys by CARS 

not sure, but all of my siblings and my hubby's siblings has decided that we would just get books for the kids unless we see them in person.........which only happens once a year, lol.

This would be fun for all 3 to share ............ http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Cardboard-Blocks/dp/B000A12YBW/ref=sr_1_20?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1360979599&sr=1-20

At that age my friend's boys were into pirates, dinosaurs, and Spiderman. But you can look online for developmental/educational toys too. I've gotten a Melissa and Doug Latches board for her one son and for my DD who just turned two. there are also wooden lacing beads (also Melissa and Doug, I buy a lot of this stuff lol) and your basic dumptrucks, firetrucks, etc. The Melissa a d Doug stuff runs around $20 but you can often find sales and clearances. OH and don't forget books! That's all I have, good luck! :)

5 yr old girl this its 19.99 @ Walmart

American Plastic Toys My Very Own Shop N' Pay Market

3 yr old boy this $15 @ Walmart

American Plastic Toys School Bus Ride-O

 at 5 my daughter was OBSESSED with "my littlest petshop" stuff

for the boys, hotwheels..spiderman..'cars' characters..

 The Disney princess Barbies,Cars characters,Hot Wheels, Coloring books,art pads and the big boxes of Crayolas,water paints,various craft items...my kids loved crafts,they also loved books...Dr Suess,Biscuit (the puppy),Fancy Nancy,If You Give A Mouse ____ books...

We all live within an hour of each other so we will definitely see each other.  I like the idea of books, but I gave them all books for Christmas and two of them tore the books apart (the older ones!  And they were board books! Just a destructive family, I guess..)  

Anyway, thank you to all for the suggestions!  We decided to get Crosby crab for the 2yr old boy, A stomp rocket for the other boy (because he has so much energy!) and build-your-own headbands for the girl, which we don't expect her to do on her own, but with the help of her mom they can build fun accessories which works really well for her because she's such a girly girl.  Hope they like our choices!