Should I get present DC asked for, even if I know it will be disappointing in the end?

[DoubleLottchen]

11 year old DC has asked for a film-themed version of a classic board game for Christmas.

It's the only thing he's asked for.

We already have the original version of the game (DC is not that bothered about it, has played once, and hasn't asked to play again.)

Reading the reviews, it seems the themed version has quite complicated rules, which DC might struggle with, and which would very probably exclude younger siblings, so we'd be less likely to all play as a family (which DC really enjoys).

I know DC is mainly wowed by the packaging and the theme. There are other different board games available with the same theme, and I think some of them would be more up DC's street, and more accessible for younger players.

It makes more sense to buy one of the different games instead.

But, DC has asked for this specific game only. I think he would ultimately enjoy one of the different games more, but I know there is likely to be a moment of disappointment when it's unwrapped, and it's the "wrong" one.

What would others do, I am going round in circles?

1. Get the one that DC asked for, and accept that it is likely to sit on the shelf gathering dust, at least for a couple of years.

1. Get a different game, that I know will be played with more, but risk disappointing DC on Christmas day.

1. Explain to DC that game is too complicated, and that it will be likely more fun in a couple of years time, and suggest that he tries to come up with something different for this year.

DC probably would agree to this, but might still be secretly disappointed.

If it’s Harry Potter scrabble I’d say get it (and I’m not a fan of “themed” games generally)

Imo it depends if the gift is from Santa or you!! Ds 4 had asked for the most tacky plastic tool kit!! As its from Santa he is getting it. If he had known it was coming via The Bank Of Mam I would have dissuaded him!!

Also as a rule I’d probably not think about whether the younger ones can play (they could team up with a parent though? We usually do that with new games anyway) - it’s not a present for them

I'd get it. Learning that stuff can be disappointing is part of life. Let him make up his own mind about whether it's what he expected it to be or not.

Cagliostro, no it's Harry Potter Cluedo.

I was considering getting the Scrabble or Labyrinth instead.

He should be fine with that - we have it and my 2 DSs (11 and 8) love it. DD is 5 and too young but she plays in my team (clambers on me and moves our piece). Once you’ve got to grips with the rules it’s fine. They prefer it to normal cluedo now.

I love cluedo, they wish my dd’s Would ask for a board game. We did buy Pokemon monopoly one year, it got played once (4 hours) and hasn’t been played since.

I think I would buy it, you can play it Christmas Day?

I bought the harry potter cluedo for my 9 year old last year. It's not that bad once you've played it a couple of times it's easy enough. She's played it loads just because it's harry potter she wouldn't have bothered with the normal version.

I would get it you can as a pp said play in teams with the younger ones

The cluedo does complicate it a bit as you need three players, would there be three people who could play?

I think he’d be fine with HP cluedo, much easier than scrabble. But if you really think not then let him watch some YouTube reviews, this is what I do when my son wants something a bit crap. 95% of the time he then realises it’s rubbish. Although I do on occasion buy rubbish as I don’t want him to grow up with Mr. Frosty memories (I haven’t forgotten the upset of not getting one)

I'd say you have 6 weeks to brainwash him into something else. Try mentioning scrape a lot and then, oh wow, surprise! There's actually a Harry Potter version. How great is that? Do it with a few games and get him to re-decide closer to xmas.

Scrape=scrabble

I would get it too. We try to get dc things they want if they are not too expensive, guns (nerf etc.) or Xbox/PS. They know they are not getting those kind of things, even not from Santa.

I'm still torn. It would be a present from me and DH, not Santa. Other (main) present is tickets to a show, so this will be the main "physical" thing he is getting.

Yes, there would be 3 people if DH and I both played, and younger DC could be part of a team initally (good idea!).
Unlikely to be able to play on Christmas day as extended family will be there, chaotic and noisy and it would be too much for younger cousins.

If people think the rules aren't that complicated after all, maybe I should go for it - can anyone explain what the additional rules are?

I suppose I just feel the whole game mechanics even of the original are just really not DC's thing, he is much more verbal than he is logical.

All my nearly 4 year old wants is Pig Goes Pop! I know it will be a bit rubbish but he;s getting it!

I think you are over thinking it he has obviously looked into it and it is cluedo it really isn't too complicated and it is harry potter so it will be magical and whatnot get the kid the game play it boxing day when it is less hectic and if it gets dusty in the cupboard sell it on ebay for next christmas.

Children always remember what they didn't get. Buy it as it is not a massive investment and it is the only thing he wants...
Then team it with a few other Potter items... Job done.

My Dd (25) reminded me yesterday she never got lego set she asked for not that she is bitter or anything truth is i forgot which 1 she asked for and paniked and bought the wrong one

I would say buy it yes. He's asked for it and it's not a "silly" request. He won't be disappointed, because it's what he wants - but if he's not interested after a few plays, then ebay it and put the proceeds towards something different which you think has more longevity.

I don't really love the idea of a Chewbacca lava lamp but it's what DS has begged for, so I've got it!!

He hasn't looked into it as such, he has just seen the box in Smiths and thought, wow, cool, Harry Potter.

Anyway, I think I will get it. I don't want him looking back on it as the present that got away. He'll be so excited to unwrap it.

I would just get it. It's not as if it's hideously expensive. I still feel bitter about the mr frosty I didn't get because my parents deemed it as junk.

@DoubleLottchen I knew it would be Harry Potter Cluedo! Yes the rules a ridiculously complicated and you can’t play with only 2 players. Mind you we make up our own simplified rules (mostly caused by me misunderstanding the actual rules 😂). I wouldn’t buy a different version of Cluedo but I would buy him a different Harry Potter game.

Ps the people saying Cluedo isn’t that complicated are talking about actual Cluedo I think, the Harry Potter version is different, it’s not just Cluedo with Harry Potter characters.