Garrrhhhh! giving a present early dilemma...

[soontobeslendergirl]

Because the weather was nice in the October hols, we decided to give part of my 2 boys Christmas early so they would get use from them (dirt scooters) they are 13 and 12 so able to understand. Perfectly happy with that decision.

However, I've just found a course thing that they'd both love to go to (it's free) and involves them learning how to code apps and design websites etc. I've booked it and now realise that they will be expected to take a laptop. No1 son has one. No2 son doesn't, but that is what he is getting as his main present for Christmas. I use a desk top so don't have one he could borrow - we do have a little net book but i don't know if it will be up to the job.

Sooo, do I let him use his new laptop for the course and then spoil his big Christmas surprise or do I cancel his place on the course and disappoint him while I've got his new laptop sitting under the spare bed.........

or, any other suggestions?

I think I'd give him it early - he's 12 so not a little child and I'm sure you'll still have a lovely day without him opening his 'big' present on the 25th.

Also the other options seem a bit mean, either they both don't go to a course they'd love to do or one goes but the other doesn't while the equipment that means he could go just sits waiting for a specified day?

I would give it early and explain why - it will still be a surprise and it makes sense! Personally I wont have electronics just sat waiting for months on end (hence my daughter already having had her kobo when they were on offer in september) as you are wasting the waranty. I say go for it - I'd be tempted to wrap it in xmas paper though lol

Just worried he'll then expect a PS4 on Christmas day I guess :)...and that isn't happening!!

I'll maybe let him "borrow" it, but I'm a bit wary of him talking it out the house as he is a bit accident prone.

i got the laptop rather than a desk top so he could use it upstairs or down

It's already wrapped in Christmas paper - I like to be organised!

the netbook may be up to it.. id ring and check.

failing that is there one you can borrow?

I'll see if I can find out any info - the course is for ages 12 to 17 so I don't want him to feel the odd one out or inferior or be mocked as he will already be one of the youngest there.

I don't really know anyone that I think would be willing to lend one - the course is over two separate times on a Thursday and a Saturday so he would maybe need it for a few days

Could you tell him you have borrowed it of someone? That way he gets to use it on the course but will still be a surprise on Xmas day if he's not expecting it?

Hmm, don't think that would work unfortunately - I talked him into asking for a laptop as he needs one, he knows that that will probably be his main present but doesn't know I've got it or what it's like etc.

But thank you for the idea :)

I wouldn't give it to him. Even without the scooters. I would borrow one, make do with what I had or just send the other ds on the course.

I had a new bike when I was 11, and I got it early, because school was doing a cycling proficiency course over the Easter hols. It was fine. I don't even remember if I had a token present to open on the day - however, everyone else gets presents at Christmas, so I would give him something small to open on the day.

But if you can borrow one - or if the netbook will be high enough spec - then that would probably be a better option. Can you find out what the requirements will be?

Not sending him at all would be mean, I think.

I've sent of a message to their email address to ask what spec he needs as I'd rather not give him it if possible. If the netbook isn't suitable then I'll see if I can borrow one. Last resort would be loaning him it for the few days.

I'm not going to cancel his place though, this might be the only chance he gets to go, stuff like that doesn't happen round here very often, it would be different if the same thing was likely to be available in January or February, but we don't live in a big place.

sent off

he will still have things to open on the day and they will be things he will really like, just not wow things and I'm not spending more money to make up for things they have had early.

if the netbook dont work i think your idea of using it for a few days will work fine.. prehasp you could get a friend to drop it off infront of him so hes toattly unaware of where this loan laptop came from?

Quick update, the organisers came back to me and said they have a laptop that he can use so we are sorted :)

Thanks again all.

Hurrah! I hope your boys have a great time.

Thanks EBear, I am sure they will :) Apparently I am already the most awesome mum for finding and booking the session. Maybe they will learn a lot and keep me in chocolate and champagne in my old age :o