Anyone not getting DC the present they asked Father Christmas for?

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

DS (5) showed me his list for Father Christmas last night.

Can't get it - he asked for a proper bike without stabilizers. Can't afford it and even if I could, I can't teach him to ride it.

Crap. What do I do? Is anyone else in this position? His school is in an affluent catchment area, so it kind of feels like I'm the only one not able to make my child's Chrishmas wishes come true.

I told him that I didn't think FC got things that aren't fun to use at Xmas time, and bikes not fun in the cold and rain... Then he asked 'so will Father Christmas never ever give me a bike? Why does he give other children bikes, but not me?'

So basically, I muffed it. What now?

[pieceofpurplesky]

Can you not get a second hand one? eBay? Is there a bike project near you where people donate old bikes and they are done up by people needing skills and experience?

[duckbilled]

If you have a local facebook for sale group you may find a bargain. I have seen lots for sale for around £10.

[SiegeofEnnis]

Absolutely, secondhand! You still have time to look around. Ebay, local fb selling groups, even free cycle. There's a charity shop local to us that has a specific branch for children's clothes and toys, and we've given them tons of stuff that's as new.

[SiegeofEnnis]

And there are excellent YouTube videos demonstrating exactly how to teach them to ride a bike. In fact, look up old threads on here. There was one a few months ago that linked some excellent videos.

[QueryQuery]

Definitely second hand. I bet lots of people will be looking to get rid - you could even try a wanted ad. There are always loads for sale on gumtree.

I will not be purchasing the requested baby reindeer or rabbit.

[mouldycheesefan]

Bikes are cheap in eBay. I just sold my kids bikes in e xcellent condition for £15 each.
Why can't you teach him to ride it?

[gamerchick]

It doesn't have to be a new one does it? You can pick bikes up cheap enough.

[wannabestressfree]

I thought you were doing to say a segway or something. Bikes are easily picked up second hand and easy to learn to ride

[atticusclaw2]

they have a unisex bike for £40 in argos atm brand new (although Id probably be inclined to get a better second hand one for half the price on eBay)

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Had a look last night and it seemed most bikes are over £90?

Are the cheaper bikes easy to ride? His balance and strength aren't very good so when I looked before it seemed that the cheaper bikes were heavier and harder to use?

I don't want to get him something that makes it less likely he'd be able to do it?

Btw, I can't teach him, I'm not well enough :(

[imip]

I'm not getting my dcs iPads. They have friends who have them, but I'm a bit against them having an iPad. I have 4 dcs, it would cost far too much, and one do with ASD who I can se would get quite addicted.

Try gumtree for a bike. Kid's 2nd hand bikes are reasonably easy to pick up around here also.

[Spidertracker]

DS aged 9 has asked for a PS4, apparently all his friends have one.
My entire budget for Christmas is £450, to include both children's presents, extended family presents and food.
A PS4 is not an option, it is the first year I haven't been able to make what he wanted appear. I feel bad about it but it can't happen.

[Awoof]

Can you manage to walk alongside him? He will be okay with stabilisers on I'm sure. I bought dd a bike for 40 quid in smyths last week, it is doable.

[MigGril]

I agree about a second hand one, do you have any friends who could help out with teaching him to ride. Or are you in an area with a cycle project the near us is called outspoken, but you could ask the school they may know who runs thire bike ability. Or your local Go-ride club may be willing to help out.

[ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO]

op where are you looking for bikes, I cant remember right now, but have seen some for good prices. second hand, on FB selling pages, in back of local paper, ebay, amazon, tesco...

[atticusclaw2]

I think its a shame not to get him something he really wants because you want to buy an expensive version. He's 5, he'll be delighted with a £40 bike.

And yes a super expensive lightweight bike might be slightly easier to ride than a cheaper bike - except that it won't be easier at all because you won't have bought the expensive one .

[GastonsChestHair]

I'm not buying my dd the frozen castle she wants. I have got her the Sofia the first one she's asked for, it was half the price of the frozen one which was just too much money.

[INeedACheeseSlicer]

What about a balance bike, they are a bit cheaper, and easier to ride for a beginner - he could get straight on and be away.

Once his balance and strength have improved, you could maybe get a cheap second hand bike without stabilisers - maybe for next year?

Decathlon have more affordable bikes that are good quality for the price, imo.

[ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO]

He's 5, he'll be delighted with a £40 bike


Oh goodness yes, I didnt realise he was so young!

My two have had second hand all the way so far when it comes to bikes. Tbh ALL bikes are pretty good op, not the old hulking things of yore. They are all pretty light, there wont be much in it for a 5 year old.

Just go second hand.

My dd's are older now and at age of 8 had first new item.

BTW what about scooters?

This german website is good, de rollenshop they have scooters for about 20 quid or more LESS than all UK shops and even with postage works out cheaper?

sorry you may already have scooter - just thought as something that smore affordable - new and he doesnt need your help...

[ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO]

my dd wants an ipad, no way, but she doesnt know there are other brands, to her all tablets are i pads like we call vacuum cleaners hoovers.

I have given loads of free and second hand stuff, they never knew!

[ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO]

bike just sold on ebay for 35 quid

[OSETmum]

Some people on Mumsnet will insist children can't learn on anything but an Isla bike, but it's simply not true! Ds (who is tiny for his age) learned to ride age 3 on a bog standard Halfords bike and it didn't hold him back one bit. I'd go for a second hand bike/ look out for offers and really make his dreams come true.

[Angelto5]

Have you tried your local police auctions-www.police-information.co.uk/auctions/index.html

[LeaLeander]

OP, are you a member of your area's Freecycle? If not, Google for it - type in Freecycle and your city/county/region. You can post a request for a bike suitable for a little boy and perhaps someone will give it to you for free.

I bet if you asked at an area school or church, they could find a reliable teenager who would teach your son to bike, if it's beyond your ability to do so. Or, as others said, contact a biking club - perhaps a member would spend an hour or two helping out.

There is nothing wrong with starting a child out on a cheap, free or second-hand bike. Most of us after all learned to ride on them, not sleek expensive racing machines.

[Glassofwineneeded]

OP what's your budget?
I agree with others that a second hand one would be ideal, 35 years ago my parents bought my brother a second hand one and my dad spent weeks painting it and getting it looking like new for Christmas.
That was ages ago and nowadays there are far more selling sites.
Is there another person who can help him learn to ride?
This year my ds wants a ps4. He's not getting one, there's no way that I can afford that.