Like the title say, I'm looking to get my boys a playset for Christmas and am looking for recommendations. Nothing huge, but want the typical swings, slide, etc. Boys are currently 1 and 3.

I see lots of ads for Gorilla and Kidcraft. Gorilla has pretty awful customer service reviews from what I've seen. Ideally spending $1500-$2000, which I know rules out some of the more expensive brands.

If handy, best value is to get plans at hardware store and then buy supplies to build. Order slide, swing, etc to fit the plans. This way you get pressure treated lumber that will last.

Obviously, that's a project vs turnkey but most pre-made ones are crap or 3x cost of building yourself.

I am handy, just time constrained.

100% understand that

I just ordered a Vuly but havent put it together yet because it is for Christmas.

We got a Lifetime brand playset from Sam's for my kids a couple years ago. It's held up great and has no signs of wear and tear at all. It's all plastic/metal so we didn't have to worry about treating it annually.

We had a lifetime metal set. Didn't have to worry about keeping it stained/fading. It was heavy duty and lasted until we sold it to someone else when the kids outgrew it.

Like you, I'm handy but was very time constrained.

I drew up what I kinda had in mind and handed it over to the local metal fabrication shop and had them do it out of steel. Now it's way low maintenance and it has been designed so that we can add on, should we choose.

Prior to it, we had a turnkey kit that was made out of Chinese cedar. While it was fun for the kids, it only really lasted three years and it definitely didn't survive a move.

The steel swingset we have now will still be there when our grandkids show up.

Have a Gorilla. It's solid. Only had to deal with customer service twice and both times they were great but it's been a while.

We have this one
https://gorillaplaysets.com/products/double-down-ii-swing-set?variant=50364866199844

Second gorilla playset we have had. Both held up well but needed to be sanded and restained after about 3 years.

Squirrels chewed up some of wood on the roof structure. I contacted customer service and gave them my information and was able to get replacement parts.

It may be worth checking around for a used set.....at some point, they all either get re-homed or they stand until they rot.

We have a gorilla. It's held up well for 5 years. Only issue was tarp cover tore when a limb fell on it.

Just my $.02, but a used one and just move it. They all look worn down after a year or two and most of the time you can get it for cheap.

I plan to do something like this with ours when it no longer useful to kids.

https://thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/i-turned-an-old-playground-into-a-raised-garden-bed/

Or turn it into potted plant planters, or outdoor table/bench

Facebook marketplace for one of those premium versions and hire someone to move and assemble