Should I buy more for 10yo ds1?

[accessorizequeen]

Ds1 had his birthday last week, so he got a few bits. Not loads though. Main things were a plasma globe & science kit. He only asked for a plasma globe. We did discuss buying him a tablet or new iPod but decided against it, dp felt he'd just get more obsessed. For Christmas, he's asked for a lizard but we've said no before and told him why. The equipment for it would be pricey and I don't think he's mature enough, it would just be work for me & I can't do it at present. All I have got him is a iPod dock a toy plush snake and his stocking is filled with some good bits like magic tree & rear vision glasses. And he's getting a trip to the Lego discovery centre with his dad (overnight stay). I am going to pick up a dsi game or Wii game tomorrow but I just wonder whether we've gone a bit too minimalist?

Our cat is no bother at all, she's 10 now but we've had her since 6 weeks and she really hasn't been any work unlike out bloody dog

Personally I'd get your ds something to do on the day like someone else suggested cards or a board game? Maybe a DVD and then a few stocking things. Stockings are massively important in our house though so maybe that's different for you guys.

Oh and at our local aquarium you can get a tour and hold the bearded dragon - is a ticket for something like that an option?

Sounds plenty! Goldfish are very calming and literally zero maintenance.

I found goldfish hard work Katie - all that cleaning etc the cat is a dream in comparison, and actually I thought the hamster was easier too - maybe I wasn't doing something right

I think that at our local park he could get to hold a bearded dragon. Must take him! Don't think a goldfish has much appeal tbh.

He has got a stocking with lots of good stuff, in fact I counted all the dc's stockings up last night and they're pretty good I hope! I'm still learning though, I do find the traditions of Christmas quite relentless sometimes in the UK. People seem to put a lot of pressure on themselves. Much more relaxed in Australia.

DD's friend, aged 10 at the time, joined the local reptile appreciation society (can't remember the proper name). She has a great time, owners bring their snakes and lizards, she gets to hold them, and learns loads from the speakers etc.

That sounds fantastic dusty. Must find out if there's something here. Maybe if I knew more about keeping a lizard I would be more open to it. But ds1 is just very flakey and can't concentrate well, it's hard enough just getting him to do basic stuff like putting his coat away without reminding him about feeding an animal. But it's hard to xplain that to him although he knows he is different in some ways.

what about a kitten bowl/toy/bed and a promise that you will go looking for a kitten together in the new year?

NO NO NO! He doesn't want a kitten so why get him one! I see many cats and pups in animal homes after kids get bored or reject them at christmas.

A living breathing creatiure is not a toy its a 20year responsibility!

Er Marguerite have you read the thread? I have 3 other dc and we've considered getting a pet for several months. I know it's a responsibility that's why we are still considering it. He would like a cat too. He just hasn't asked for one for Christmas. And of we did get a cat or kitten it would be from a rescue centre so they could match us with an appropriate animal. I've already looked at it. At no point have I said I think animals are toys.

Adopt a lizard as well at a zoo?