I'm thinking of getting the dc these advent calendars...

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Good Gifts

Our ds's are 4 and 6. Last year we had the usbourne colour in ones, and the year before some naice ones from John Lewis! I really dislike the chocolate Disney character ones, and was thinking that if they're having them this year perhaps these would be good. Opinions please.

[mrsconfuseddotcom]

Dull as dishwater.

[BiscuitNibbler]

I think this is all about you rather than your DCs, sorry.

Why take away simple childhood pleasures for a "cause"? Can't you do both?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

There'll be plenty of childhood pleasures, grandparents are likely to get them each a chocolate one that they'll catch up on each weekend.

As I thought though, a step too far.

[chicaguapa]

I'm all for supporting the developing countries etc, but I don't think this advent calendar is suitable for 4 and 6. I think it would be better for a pre-teen/ teenager who could do with a reminder and a bit of perspective whilst begging for the iPhone 5. But I think yours are too young to understand or even need this message.

[Nagoo]

for that money you could have one with lego in it.

[Tryingtothinkofnewsnazzyname]

One for you and one for them! Simples.

I personally don't like the chocolate ones, though, as the chocolate is never very nice. I would get the Good Gifts one for yourself, get one of the cheapish WHS type ones that have obviously Christmassy pictures (tree, snowman, you know the score) for the DC, and buy them a bag of decent chocs to have one of each day.

[forcookssake]

I'm going to offer up a vote in support of those calendars - I've just clicked through the link, they're lovely and I think it's definitely a viable option for your DCs, particularly as you mentioned their GPs may well get the chocolate versions anyway.

Yes, true, they are worthy BUT perhaps introducing your DCs to mulling over their relative position, how small acts of kindness can make a difference AND refocussing DC's attention on giving not receiving during the festive season are positive things. You're not embarking on a new mandatory gift-giving manifesto to include only 'a-goat-for-a-village' and 'save-a-snow'leopard' type presents. This is just an alternative advent calendar idea.

[VoldemortsNipple]

I like the idea that a lot of MNetters do. Buy or make a fl your own calender and each day put a little note of things to do. You could include give old toys to charity shop, buy a toy to give to the Christmas toy appeal or make a shoe box. If you wanted to, you could sponsor a child and put that as number 24. Other days you could have baking cookies, making Christmas cards, go for a winter walk, put up decorations.

I think spending time doing things as a family with gentle reminders of how lucky your dcs are, will have much more impact than opening a window with a picture of a bowl of rice tbh.

[oldraver]

I think its a tad to tryhard worthiness, and takes the joy out of Christmas. There are plenty of worthy things you could do to let your DC's know there are other in a not so fortunate position....and I'ma person not overly keen on chocolate calendars anyhow.

[Shesparkles]

I'd rather get them one from a poundshop and make a large donation to charity. It doesn't seem right to spend so much money on something that's supposed to demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas if that's what you're trying to do

[MonsterBookOfTysons]

:o Goo that did make me laugh.
Personally I think they are more aimed at adults, buy one for yourself :)

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Yes, I think I might monster and let our ds's pick whichever one they fancy.

Keep everyone happy!

[MonsterBookOfTysons]

Yes Iwish, I may do the same :)