to not give my dd what she wants for Christmas (yes it's started already)?

[scorpionne]

We have been living overseas since my dcs were very small. I think this has meant we've avoided a lot of the "crazes" as regards toys/clothes as there's not really one thing everyone has/wants. But....now dcs are in American school and DD(6) is desperate for one of these

I think they are revolting and have you seen how much they cost?! We don't tend to spend a lot on presents and it's never been an issue before and the dcs seem to be happy with what they get. We put more emphasis on doing nice things at Christmas than presents.

DD is doing the "all my friends have one" and it's actually true. They all do (American school but not in US). So far I have said no but AIBU? We've never bought any Wii/XBox or anything expensive like that and it's never been an issue but I'm wondering whether we were just very lucky that the older dcs never complained.

How old are your DCs DaveMcc?

And do you live on an island?

As important as it is to protect our children from the real worldconsumerism, there is a fine line, probably about three years after starting school, where the social disadvantages of being brought up very differently from their peers outweigh the benefits of being brought out sans tv, anti consumerism, etc.

I think I'd definitely get one for my 10 year old dd but they are really quite expensive!

Theres a shop in Westfield in London if noone has mentioned this already.

Trills much as I would love to go into shops in December and decide what to get for my dcs, it's not that simple. I buy their clothes and shoes once a year when we go home!

Undeadpixie that is good idea - I'm crap at sewing (only practical skill I have is cooking) but there are tailors here who will make clothes very cheaply.

Doublemum thanks for the info.

I did think that about the bitty twins too! Every time dd mentions them I have a childish snigger to myself.

Dave no dd doesn't see any commercials - we do have a couple of kids' channels but they don't advertise toys. Mostly the dcs watch DVD's. The consumerism annoys me too though but I try to relax a bit about it. Unless my 6 year old wants a doll for $105.

actually the shop isnt American Girl its My London girl and the dolls are not as nice!

Think it depends on the DC and you. Are they likely to be very upset and disappointed and it spoil Christmas for everyone?

Or easily distracted by other stuff?

You could make clothes, source accessories second hand to reduce future costs.

My eldest is 7 and so far we've not had this issue she seems happy with most things. Possibly thats to bbc and no adverts or possibly just luck. I hoping it continues and she can ba a little drama queen and bear grudges which would ruin Christmas for me a bit as I enjoy their excitement.

dd1 who is 6 has an ag, we got her on holiday whilst in the US, she loves it, but it is tricky to get the accessories for her now. We have got a few outfits from ebay that aren;t origional but fit the doll so dd is happy.

the argos ones are good, not really anywhere near the same quailty as ag but would keep dd happy.

I think she's pretty distractible. Her teacher told me today that DD had said "I love American Girl but I'll never get one, they're too expensive." She'll probably start telling everyone we're really poor next.

I don't lay it on thick but my dcs are aware that most of the local kids have nothing. Really, nothing, not a single toy. They just run about together and seem fine tbh.

Am I missing something? A child wants a doll that costs around £20... What's wrong with that?

The AG dolls are more like £60 Posie.
I still have my eye on 70's Julie, wish I had a girl, as I don't think ds17 would appreciate it.
I think they're gorgeous, I'm surprised they don't have an outlet here in the Uk.
I can see your point if you're living in a third world country though Op. That sort of money must look pretty vulgar when you see the poverty around you.

Ah okay.

Why are you living in a third world country?

Posie we're living here because my DH is working here. But to an extent we're in a bubble as the dcs go to American school. I want to be sensitive about the poverty around me. It's difficult and you have to let certain things go - like the fact that I spend the average monthly salary here on groceries in a single week. Also because I'm not allowed to drive, I have a taxi I always use, meaning that everything I buy is seen, and probably commented on! It's a good thing in a way that I can't buy toys, as tbh I would be a bit mortified every time I bought something else leading up to Christmas.

shipping is pricey. i emailed yesterday s wanted to get dd some more outfits and shipping starts at $60! So a $20 dollar outfi will be 4 times the price. Looks like she will have to wait until we go to the us again.

I can't wait (eeeeek) to get all this when my ds and dd are older. So far, I get to choose what they get. I agree with most people here - they are pretty ugly (sinister in fact) and a tad expensive, but if you feel the doll has longevity, then go for it. I wanted a Mr. Frosty too - heard that you needed muscles like samson to actually turn the handle! Sell it if it's not played with. Just a shame she's not crazy about a bike or scooter.

Ah.....

Well Christmas can't be an issue, can it...if you're not allowed to drive?

????????

I assumed you were in Saudi??

No, no, Christmas is sort of celebrated here, although not the main religion!

I'd only get one if i saw it cheap second hand.

Ah okay. Well I would buy her the doll.

There are loads of patterns on ravelry (the knitting website) for American Girl clothes. Presumably they would also fit the other 18" dolls.

I'm a softy but if someone wants (and I mean really wants) an expensive, good quality toy then I would err on buying it. Most of the kids i buy for are boys so this has been lego, brio, playmobil but I am buying dolls house furniture for Christmas....

Surely if you are providing the magical 'doll' it won't matter too much if your husbands friend ditches the box to get it back from the UK?