Is DCs Xmas morning going to be disappointing?

[Santadecisions]

Have never worried about keeping up at Xmas, DC know some get more, some get less.

This year however the eldest wants a Playstation. Originally it was going to be a joint present but realised the games aren't suitable for the younger child. The budget means he will be getting a PS4 - so not the latest one which his friends have.

Long term I understand this will be fine - will be able to join in gaming with friends. But is getting the PS4 going to be a bit disappointing Xmas day?

Is it worth doing some expectation management?

Generally kids are excited by the whole day/whatever presents, but if a PS5 is expected then a PS4 might be a bit of a disappointment.

I think it's best to be honest with what's possible and what isn't.

I hope this isn't insensitive. If i was spending the same amount on other presents I would never be crass enough to suggest it's disappointing. Its just the teen/latest technology thing I'm not sure about.

@User478 he is aware and has said he's happy.

I think if they are old enough to get a PlayStation then they should understand the financial impact of that so I would explain now if they want want it will be the ps4 otherwise they need to pick something else.

also have you looked at picking one up second hand?

He is a child who would never dream of complaining so impossible to know if he is disappointed at times.

No luck with secondhand. Not even great savings on PS4 pre owned models although will try.

How old is DC? Do they have any savings they might wish to contribute? In these situations where our budget doesn't stretch quite far enough we would offer a choice - we pay for PS4 or if you really want PS5 we can get that if you contribute the difference.
Has worked well for us and focuses DC mind on what they really want. Sometimes the outcome is surprising !

We always have been quite open about finances with our teen DC. We've been looking at what things cost - especially their must have gadgets- in relation to min wage and how many hours they would have work for it.
Mine understand now that they can't have everything.

No savings. Need to work on that. Pocket money gets spent which I generally don't mind as I love that he meets up with friends.

I'm generally open as well about money but sometimes wonder if must be nice to be the child who just gets extravagant presents!

You can get games on PlayStation for younger kids. Mine played on my old PS3 from youngish, we had Lego Star Wars and Jurassic World, skylanders, FIFA 12 (which they’re still playing, we’re finally upgrading fifa this year).

DS1 got an outrageously extravagant birthday present (paid for by both sets of grandparents, his great-grandmother, his uncle and us) - new console, plus a deluxe game, plus the add-ons for playing it. He’s basically getting books and a duvet cover for Christmas. He’s 12. He understands why. How old is eldest?

His dad has just pointed out it's not a Playstation it's an Xbox he wants!! I am so out of touch. All the other stuff applies though in terms of older model. I'm sure DS is wondering why I asked if he'll be disappointed not to get a PS5. I'm going to stop worrying about it.

Ah, if it’s an Xbox can you get the Xbox s, it’s much cheaper.

Wasted morning looking at playstation deals. I'm going to blame my flu/cold, whatever I have at the moment.

I think the xBox platforms can be played regardless of which console you're on, so if his friends are on xbox of any sort he will be fine.
But if they're on playstation...

The ps5 has backwards compatibility so the games would be fine for the younger one if ps4 games are??

Apologies just saw the Xbox comment but I think it's the same

Xbox games didn't seem suitable for 9 year old hence it not being a joint present.

Yes, I was really reluctant to get DS1 an Xbox due to the games options. He only has flight simulator, and they’ll get the fifa upgrade, but that’s it.

But in terms of price, an Xbox S is probably about the same as a PS4 and the spec is very impressive.

an Xbox one is still a very decent gaming console I wouldn't buy an s series personally (im saving for the x myself) as I'm not a huge fan of downloaded games I find them far more glitchy than having the disk as well but that's obviously just personal preference.

How olds the DS who wants the PS5? Is it not possible to tell him you can't afford it but will give him money towards it and he can ask relatives for the same?

Everyone's situation is different but for very expensive gifts like an Xbox/PS4 we sat down with our son and looked at how much it would cost. He had savings/Christmas money and we bought it between us (not half each but he did put in money). This was mainly because we thought it was just too expensive as a Christmas gift. He was at an age even he needed to know how much things cost. However it has been great value - 6 years old and still going strong.