To exchange ds' main gift for a kindle fire?

[startingallover]

I think I know the answer but would like some more opinions. We bought our 8, 10 and 11 year old a kindle fire each. We got ds 5 years old a vtech watch - decided he was too young for his own tablet. Not because he wouldn't care for it - he's very sensible and bright but because it didn't feel right.

The other three have spent all day delighted with their kindles. Ds has been upset tonight because his watch only has four easy games and he can't play his favourite ones. My eldest spoke to me in confidence and said he felt sorry for him and that it is because they are so close and do everything together so he felt left out.

I'm tempted to change it for the kindle fire as it's only £10 more and I could put all the Dr Seuss books on as well which he loves. Dh says it's a gift and he needs to appreciate it. He says I've got it all wrong and this is a free gift. He says he will lend him his old nexus even though it charges terribly slowly. I suspect his watch will sit in the drawer. Would it be wrong to change the vtech watch for a kindle fire?

[CalleighDoodle]

Can you do that anyway since it has been used?

[PuntasticUsername]

I would.

"Dh says it's a gift and he needs to appreciate it" - a noble sentiment, for sure, but not a massively realistic expectation on a 5yo who's just seen his three siblings get a much better present!

[GnomeDePlume]

While I agree that children should appreciate presents I also dont think that insisting on sticking with the wrong present should be done as some sort of test of manners.

If you can return the watch then I would do so.

[CountryRoadTakeMeHome]

I think In that situation I would. If he can handle a tablet I can understand the disappointment. Obviously you can set the appropriate parental controls etc. I know we should all appreciate and be grateful of what we receive but it's truly annoying when something is not used regardless of cost. I will state my children are never on the want and only receive gifts of any type/value at Christmas or birthdays.

[Naoko]

Aw I would, you can do so much more with a proper tablet :) If you can exchange it do it.

He's not going to love the watch just because your DH says he should. Presumably he hasn't been a brat about it?

[myknickersknackersknockers]

My dd5 has got the kindle fire and it's perfect for her. I'd swap the watch especially if the others all have the kindle.

[Homemadearmy]

I would exchange it. My son had a children's vtech tablet a couple of years ago. It was hardly used. He much prefered the proper tablet his sister had, and it was actually more user friendly

[ijustwannadance]

I would swop it. We bought DD a cheap android tablet for her 3rd birthday. She had no interest in the kids vtech type ones which I think are quite limited. She was already using our phones and games apps are free or cheap.

[AndNowItsSeven]

Yes swap it, my dd is getting a kindle fire for her fifth birthday. Kindles are great as you can limit game play etc, and kids can even earn game time by reading for a certain amount of time.

[sleeponeday]

Swap it. It's very hard on a child to be left out when his sibs all get something better, and this will be a memory that stays with him. They all sound great kids - he is sad, not tantrumming and your eldest has tackled you on your youngest's behalf. You should be proud of how well you're raising them, IMO. And I agree the instinct to put this right is a good one. I think your DH has a point, in that kids need to learn want won't always get, but there is a time and a place, and this just seems pretty unfair on the smallest.

[ovenchips]

I would swop if I could.

Genuine question though - how are you able to exchange something electronic if it's been used?

[charlestonchaplin]

How can you exchange something you've used? I'm imagining shenanigans.

[RB68]

The child hasn't asked you too - this is something your eldest has mentioned and you have noticed I think DH is being unreasonable to be honest

[NowBringUsSomeFuzzpiggyPudding]

I think you should. If you can exchange it then I'd give DS the option. You'd be explaining that he could give up the watch so he wouldn't be getting anything extra out of it.

[StrumpersPlunkett]

How long till his birthday?
If it is in the first couple of months of next year I would personally wait
But if not I too would swap.

[Kpo58]

I would swap. Vtech gadgets are way to simplistic, limited and baby-like even for young children. I can see why they wouldn't play with them.

[sleeponeday]

I took a laptop back after a few days to John Lewis because I just hated it. Hated the feel of it. I didn't expect any joy at all, but they instantly exchanged, "you have to be happy with it, it's essential".

Costco also pride themselves on refunding you for any reason at all. Even if something is opened and used. They told me that when I mentioned at the till that I wasn't letting my DD have something (a toddler book set) because she always got bored as soon as we got it home, as she had with a Frozen one, "Bring it back and get a refund." "But we've opened it..." "Doesn't matter. We still refund."

It's always worth asking. As long as you are honest, what have you to lose?

[PoundingTheStreets]

I've always brought my DC up to appreciate their gifts graciously even when disappointed, but at 5yrs old and in the circumstances you've described, I'd exchange it. TBH I think the VTECH/children's variations of tablets etc are rubbish. IMO if a child's old enough to use/look after a tablet, they're old enough to have an adult one (with parental controls, or course); and if they're too young for that; they're probably too old for such a gadget anyway.

[startingallover]

Thanks everyone. Really helpful. I thought everyone would slate me and assume I am raising them to be spoilt. I think I will go and speak to someone at Argos tomorrow and see if it is possible. I thought he was too young but made a mistake. He is a clever boy and I think I could use it to get some good educational apps. Thank you!!!!

[UkmmTheSecond]

I'd swap it too.

I understand why you thought a vetch toy may have been more suitable, I used to be a bit hmmmmm about children and tablets, but I totally changed my mind, there's loads of great apps for children from toddler age. I love how it's not all games, there's some lovely interactive stories, colouring in, star gazing, loads of educational stuff.

Dd is in y6 and a lot of her work at school is done on iPads, they've kind of replaced textbooks in her school so I'm glad we bought one a few years ago as she already knew her way around a tablet, and can continue at home or log on to her school account to hand homework in etc. i think a lot of schools use them now, I think they are pretty amazing things tbh.

I was born in the wrong era :)

[knobblyknee]

It sounds like he has tried to be gracious about it and wasnt spoiled or bratty, I'm glad he's getting the tablet :)

[Mmmmcake123]

Aww bless, it's never poor parenting to reconsider, your eldest one sounds like an incredibly considerate and loving sibling, well done you!!!

[cariadlet]

Reading the title of this thread (and after reading a couple of moany threads) I thought you wanted to swap the present your ds had given YOU for the Kindle fire. I was all prepared to be outraged and say how selfish you are and of course YABU!

Back to the actual thread ....

You made what seemed a sensible decision, but it turned out to be completely the wrong one. You poor ds has ended up with a bit of a rubbish pressie, especially compared with his brothers. I'd try exchanging this morning. Boxing Day still feels like Christmas. He'll probably enjoy the new kindle even more after having the disappointment of a 2nd rate (no offense intended) present yesterday.

[Firsteverchangeofname]

I'm not sure if they will change it if used ....but I bought dd a kids kindle fire complete with the 2 year guarantee and years free Amazon kids a bargain at 69 pounds. Her first ever tablet she loves it