Asking for presents that you don’t think are appropriate

[duckduckswan]

Dd is nearly 9. She’s been looking through the smyths catalogue today and has asked for a £150 play kitchen. It’s much too expensive but also I think it’s too young for her, she’s had a play shop for years and hasn’t played with it for ages. Her second choice is a an electric car that you sit in, again, it’s for much younger/smaller children. Santa brings the main present in our house so when I’ve gently dissuaded here she says it’s up-to him! I think she’s beginning to doubt the existence of Santa so I’m wondering if this is a bit of a test.

She would be too big, physically, to use these toys anyway. Perhaps just tell her that.

Could Santa give her more grown up versions of what she asks for ?
So instead of a play kitchen, a cookbook, with mixing bowl, ingredients. Or something like a doughnut maker. Tefal also do a cake baker device too.
Instead of the sit in car maybe an experience day driving real cars, or a new scooter/bike.

Does she know they're for younger children?

Christmas lists aren't an order form, they're suggestions.
Santa decides what to bring.

(You're not going to like this...) Our DD - 8yo last year - was obsessed with those electric car/ride on things. We pointed out they were for much younger children, she was too tall etc In the end, on a complete whim, we bought her the Razor Crazy Shift Cart instead for Christmas (in the Smyths catalogue too at £250....)

Best present she has ever had! Absolutely loves it, uses it so much, and all her friends love it too... we definitely are happy we compromised and bought her a more grown up, age appropriate version of what she wanted.

Santa wouldn’t bring anything parents wouldn’t allow or is unsuitable (too small).

Thanks for your replies 😊. I guess I’m just a little concerned as to why she is asking for these toys that are too young for her and why she got upset when I gave my reasons why she might like to reconsider. I reminded her that she was making pancakes this morning so why would she need to pretend to do it. Her big brother has a severe Learning Disability so part of me wonders if it’s a bit attention seeking (but in an understandable way). We’ll have a chat about it. Love the Razor @Chilver but she already has a hover board and cart so why on earth she wants a 2 mph electric barbie car where her knees will be around her ears I don’t know 🙈. Thanks all

Ah, it's understandable that she wants a bit of babying then, but she doesn't need expensive toys that will be useless to her, just age appropriate love and attention and not to always have to be the responsible one I guess.

My youngest dd often asks for younger toys. She can be a bit anxious at times, and is quite sensitive to certain sensory things. They make her feel secure, I think. I don't buy big things, because I think she won't enjoy them but I get her some smaller things e.g. soft toys and she enjoys them.

Tell her Santa only buys age appropriate presents.. Bet that jeep says 3+

Ask her does she want treated as 3 years old?
Suggest some cut backs she will have to make to be 3 again.
Early nights.. No tech..
Or stay 9 and get an older gift...

I dunno.......I don’t want you to waste your money but I’m not sure that allowing her to have the kitchen would be such a terrible idea tbh.

The vehicle would be too small so that’s out.

But the kitchen could be ok if that’s what she truly wants. If she only uses it for a matter of months it can be sold on eBay or marketplace (keep the box and the paperwork).

I’d give it another month or two, she might change her mind, but if not is acquiesce.