Second the Wii. The game library is huge, cheap, and their age group is well catered to. They'll be much more likely to afford used wii games with whatever gift money they have, new switch games are expensive. Also, my public library has amassed a huge selection of kid friendly stuff they could check out; I'd wager yours has too.
Thank you and kantos. We are ordering a Wii. We don’t want them to have the ability to take it with them out of the home. We envision using it only during dedicated “family” hours when we will all play together. Now, if I can get you and perhaps others to weigh in on the best wii games, that would be awesome. Thanks again
On the whole, nowaypablo basically hit what I'd touch on. I'm less in-the-know of Wii titles than I'd like to be. As far as solo adventurous games that inspire wonder years later, will bring on nostalgia, and a potential for learning about older titles, then Zelda (Twilight Princess, or even Breath of the Wild, if that's out for Wii). and Smash Bros Melee. But IIRC, you have young girls that you may want avoiding violent games (though, I think it's more like to be anti-social than violent). Otherwise, I'd be all for Mario Kart - Mario Party (the link is to 9, but there is an 8) is always a safe bet with groups and kids (if you want a title to play with the kids and easy to pick up, too). Either way, if they get excited and interested, they are bound to develop keen hand-eye coordination. Also, played them a handful of times, if at all, but I think they'd enjoy Just Dance or the Wii Fit assortment. I have an inclination you'd like the titles/games referenced in this paragraph more than the top, lol. The top is where the "best" are, down here is the "safe" are. But if you have any interest in gaming, then the above can also be a shared experience. Can't link Just Dance, since it's formatting is similar to Hubski's and keeps breaking. But there are a few of that released for Wii. Typing in the search bar of the nintendo site will get good results.
FAMILY TIME - Wii Sports Resort. It's wonderful for short group play sessions. - Mario Party is good for longer family time. - Wario Ware is supposed to be lots of fun. I've never seen it, but the reputation is good. - I personally find find Mario Kart and Smash frustrating to play, but again, good group games with great reputations. - Mario Strikers is a personal favorite, but I've encountered lots of people who feel about it how I feel about Smash. It's surprisingly complicated to play, so lots of people revert to button mashing. edit: On reflection, a 7 year old probably wouldn't enjoy this one unless they were big into soccer. - If there are bad Lego games, they are elusive. Every one I've played has had good split screen two player co-op, and was cute enough to be fun to watch as well as play.
The Wii and the WiiU are the two least played devices I own, but I'm glad I have both. If you want some classic gaming in your collection, both Kirby Dream Collection and Mario All Stars are good bargains. If your kids are seven and four, Kirby will be near perfect for them, as the whole series is known for being both accessible and relatively easy. Mario, on the other hand, will provide quite a bit more challenge in comparison, but chances are if they stick with it, they'll find the same rewards in the series we did when we were growing up.
Thinking on it, the Nintendo 2DS could also be an option for similar reasons. The public library probably wouldn't have any cartridges to loan out, but you could give them each one and they wouldn't have to share. Wii has Mario Party, DS has pokemon...
Consider it a third. Also, do your research in WiiU as much as Wii. Despite poor marketing, they are considered different consoles in the gaming community for good reasons in their own right. That said, my poor understanding is WiiU is more portable and the "missing link" between the Wii and the Switch. I'm more a proponent of the Wii alone so you have more time with your child when away from home rather than having them sucked into the digital world when you have intent to connect with them. That way, when its at home, it stays home. Speaking from experience of the child in their own digital reality during family events... Sometimes used as a coping mechanism now. Anywho, While they are young, they may enjoy WiiFit, too. Nothing beats playing catch with Dad, though.