How to explain to a 7yr old that Santa can't always bring the things he wants

[HowToTrainYour]

So far ds has just asked for surprises for christmas. He's not been too fussed on choosing anything specific until today!

He got a hornby train set a couple of christmas ago and he's been playing with it this week. He's asked for a specific train (of the one that runs on our local line) but they no longer make it and it's become a collectirs item. Costing over £200 2nd hand! I just can't justify it.

I've explained to him that it is very expensive for what it is so we won't be able to get it.

Then he said that Santa could make one! I kind of dismissed the conversation. But what do I say back?!

I would agree it's a good idea to say the elves can't find the parts to make it anymore, or that they would have to spend such a long time making it that other children wouldn't get their toys too.
A good way to explain the cost of things would be to say if he wanted that train that is all he would get from santa and nothing else, whereas if he picked a few other things he would be able to get x,y and z for the same amount.

My dd3 is 7 (asd) and has always coveted the most hard to find things that are no longer made or are collectors items. 2 years ago it was a 2" ugly plastic figure of marvels firestar which sold on eBay for £150+

Can I ask which train it is he is after?

Wow j3 that is mad! But to your dd I guess that 2" figure could cost as much as any other 2" figure. I think that's how my ds is thinking.

It's a first north western train. He has the carriage already which cost £10 off ebay. He'd like the matching engine

I use the excuse that 'whatever company make it' have it trademarked and so Santa can't make it - this year dc3 wants an iPhone 7 and last year dc2 wanted an Xbox one.

Oh this is like a yellow pages advert, you need to ring round lots of model shops until someone makes your dreams come true...

Alternatively I would get him a really nice train that will go with his set, and perhaps a note from Santa to say the one he wanted has been decommissioned. He'll be really happy with the actual train and in the excitement of the day won't be as bothered about a particular one.

Father Christmas fills stockings here and you can ask for one thing, but it is a polite request and you are not to expect anything as Father Christmas is very busy and has a lot of children to think of so whatever your get is very generous and breathe...

Thanks satsuki I wish it was like the yellow pages ad but without the high pricetag!

We're another household that only does stockings from Santa. I always tell my children that if it won't fit in a stocking then Santa can't get it for them. They know only to ask for small things from Santa and larger gifts come from us...and they also know that we can't afford everything they ask for!

I like the parts idea. A while ago dd1 asked for a toy that had rubbish reviews. I tried to warn hefty that it might not be as good as it looks on the advert but she insisted santa and his elves would make a better version. I told her that santa is a toy maker but not an inventor and he uses the toy companies plans so you can only ask for toys that already exist