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How do I improve on last years gift, and do I have to?

6 replies

Tidey · 24/09/2009 22:18

So, I think I may have shot myself in the foot with DS's present last Xmas. He was desperate for a Nintendo ds, which is a very expensive gift, IMO, but we managed to get him one, and he was absolutely delighted.

But now I feel like nothing we get him this year is going to be as good. We can't afford something bigger/better, like a Wii, much as he'd love it. He's really only interested in reading, listening to audio books and playing computer and board games. But a load of books or board games is going to seem somewhat pathetic compared to last year.

I've always been rather judgy about people who get their children very expensive gifts from an early age and thought 'They'll be expecting a car by the time they're twelve' etc. And now I seem to have done the same thing.

Does anyone else feel under pressure to better their children's gifts each year, or am I just being stupid? I'm really stuck for what on earth I can get him this time. He'll be 8 by Xmas, btw.

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MaryBS · 25/09/2009 12:00

I would just pre-warn him, say that last year was a special case, that you can't afford to do it this year. Set his expectations at an appropriate level. That's what we did with our two and they are totally happy about it (or so they seem )

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Tidey · 25/09/2009 15:50

Thank you very much for your response. Think you're right, no point in letting him get his hopes up for something amazing that won't happen.

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annh · 25/09/2009 16:56

You haven't actually indicated that he is expecting something amazing. If his interests are reading and board games, you can get a lot of those for not very much money by using e.g. Book People or 3-4-2 offers. He might be equally pleased with 6 packages containing smaller presents. At that age, quantity is often better than quality!

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shonaspurtle · 25/09/2009 17:00

It's difficult, but I think you've got to keep thinking of a present as an object. One present that he'd really like that costs £20 is just as good as one present that he'd really like that costs £200.

The problem arises when you think you've got to spend £200. So if you find the ideal £20 present you need to find a load of other things to spend the £180 on.

It's whether he'd like it or not that counts. Not the ££.

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Milliways · 25/09/2009 17:12

Our financial situation is like a roler coaster, and the DCs have learned that some years are MUCH better than others.

Last year was a very lean year and we warned them - they were fine.

COuld he get a new DS game (they normally bring some out at CHristmas).

We always got DS pre-owned games & DVDs (they are guaranteed by the shops - Game / Gamestation etc) and he is just as happy as if they were new

Not sure of his age, but if he likes audio books and is getting to the age where they really get into music, then a new music centre that plays CDs & MP3s may be an idea - they come in a whole range of prices.

DS bought himself a new Ipod classic recently (had not spent any of his money for over a year) and he downloads books and reads them on his ipod!

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Tidey · 25/09/2009 18:52

Sorry, should've said in OP - DSD got a Wii for her birthday (from her mum, not from us) and now he wants one even more than he did already. So I'm a bit worried that because he got exactly what he wanted last year, he'll think the same thing will happen again. He will have turned 8 by Xmas, so old enough to understand we're not rich.

MP3 player is a great suggestion, thanks very much Milliways. Will have to start talking up the idea!