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WWYD - child wants non-age appropriate gift

96 replies

RoaryLion1 · 05/12/2024 16:09

My DS (3.5) has his heart set on a particular toy for Xmas. For months, every time I ask what he wants from Santa, he mentions this toy. He’s seen it at a local playgroup and loves it. The problem is - it’s clearly a toy for 1-2 year olds and is therefore too young for him (think big plastic truck). I think I should get it for him because otherwise he’ll be disappointed on Christmas Day - but part of me thinks he’ll get bored of it so quickly, it’s a waste of money. He’ll get other, more grown up gifts, but it still feels weird for his main present to be something for a little toddler!

so WWYD?

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 05/12/2024 16:11

I'd get it. He could get good use from a plastic truck for a good while yet.

SilverChampagne · 05/12/2024 16:12

He’s three. He doesn’t need “grownup” gifts…
Why wouldn’t a three year old play with a truck?

mamajong · 05/12/2024 16:14

I'd allow it, they age range is a guide and minimum surely? If it's what he wants let him have it

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akkakk · 05/12/2024 16:15

I am 53 and would probably still enjoy playing with a large plastic truck!

besides a 3.5 yr old is still very little and allowed to be!

thehousewiththesagegreensofa · 05/12/2024 16:17

Why can't a 3yo play with a plastic truck? If it was a shape sorter or stacking rings, I could understand your point (although I did find it very satisfying putting my 11mo relative's toys the other day which involved doing both of those things!) but he could be playing with a truck for a while yet.

Bankholidayhelp · 05/12/2024 16:19

Get him the truck

TheCraicDealer · 05/12/2024 16:19

I thought you were going to say he was 3 and asking for a PlayStation or something! This I’d buy him no bother if he’s consistently asking for it, he obviously really wants it. There’s nothing to stop you getting that plus a few more bits you feel will expand his play a bit more.

TheMethodicalMeerkat · 05/12/2024 16:20

I think you’re being silly. The age rating for small children’s toys is mainly about safety. A 3.5 year old is not too old for a big toy truck!

Pigeonqueen · 05/12/2024 16:20

I opened this thinking it was going to be a 12 year old wanting an 18 rated game for the Xbox 😳😂

Get the truck!

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 05/12/2024 16:21

He's THREE AND A HALF that's exactly what you would expect him to want

Get the truck, "grown up gifts " HmmConfused

JawsCushion · 05/12/2024 16:22

I would get it for him. Christmas is for what the children want, within reason. Fine to buy a toy for younger kids less so for older kids due to safety.

toastofthetown · 05/12/2024 16:23

If it’s along the lines of a plastic truck, could you pick one up at a charity shop or on marketplace? He’s too young to get the concept between new and used, then if he gets bored quickly you can sell it for what you paid for it, and if it’s a longer term hit then great, and you can pat yourself on the back for the environmental credentials.

GrumpyCactus · 05/12/2024 16:23

He's definitely not too old for a gift aimed at 1-2 year olds and I find idea that you think it's too childish and not grown up enough completely bat shit. He is still so tiny and this is probably the first Christmas he actually fully understands what is happening. Get the poor lad the toy and enjoy him for the little person he is.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 05/12/2024 16:23

I agree with the previous posters - if this is what he wants and is a toy he loves, why worry about age guidelines? I am sure he will get so much happiness from the truck.

fanaticalfairy · 05/12/2024 16:25

Get him the truck!!

Jeez I thought you were going to say he wanted a Xbox or something

Hols23 · 05/12/2024 16:27

I'd get it. I regretted not getting the present DD asked for when she was 3 because I thought it wasn't age appropriate. (It wasn't expensive or actively inappropriate.)

isthesolution · 05/12/2024 16:27

Also think you should get him the truck. Particularly if it isn't too expensive or you can get one second hand.

parrotonmyshoulder · 05/12/2024 16:29

My DC played with big trucks and other vehicles until they were about 10. And with sylvanians and dolls until even longer.

IdgieThreadgoodeIsMyHeroine · 05/12/2024 16:31

This is a total non-problem. Get him the toy he wants.

Comff · 05/12/2024 16:33

What is the actual toy?

RoaryLion1 · 05/12/2024 16:33

Haha I’m clearly massively overthinking it! Thanks all. Truck has been ordered 😀

OP posts:
SilverChampagne · 05/12/2024 16:33

fanaticalfairy · 05/12/2024 16:25

Get him the truck!!

Jeez I thought you were going to say he wanted a Xbox or something

Hopefully that’s not one of the “grownup” gifts op would rather he have… 😬

SilverChampagne · 05/12/2024 16:34

RoaryLion1 · 05/12/2024 16:33

Haha I’m clearly massively overthinking it! Thanks all. Truck has been ordered 😀

Oh, well done 👍

loropianalover · 05/12/2024 16:35

Adults buy colouring books now, OP. I think your 3 year old will be fine with a baby truck….

DaisyDukesAuntie · 05/12/2024 16:37

Yippee for the big red truck!!! Hope the joy when he opens it will make any doubts fade away.

Plus you can Facebook marketplace it after he's got bored of it, or plant flowers in it and make it a garden feature Grin