How do you refine what you buy DC's?

28 replies

amisrong · 16/09/2023 15:23

I've seen so many things my 2DC would love and I keep seeing more, but I have gone overboard every year and want to change that pattern this year. How do you refine your DC's gifts down?

OP posts:

Prinnny · 22/09/2023 21:33

BHRK · 22/09/2023 21:00

I hate want, need, wear, read. Xmas isn’t a time to teach my children a lesson. Fine for adults, not for children I think. Most young children. do not want something to wear.
I set a budget, the kids know roughly what it is and write lists accordingly. I then top it up with a few surprises, chocolates and stocking things. It works well

Agree! Imagine only getting 4 presents and 1 is clothes..poor kid!

I start a list from DDs birthday in the summer of things she comments on that she’d like, then we get smyths catalog and she does a Santa list nov time. I get things on the list plus things I know she’ll like to add to and expand things she already has. I never had a stocking as a child but I do this for her, unwrapped little things, always a cuddly toy and a chocolate Santa!

CoffeeChocolateWine · 23/09/2023 00:18

Rhyme haters...you are allowed to get a little bit creative with your interpretation of the rhyme.

Agree! Imagine only getting 4 presents and 1 is clothes..poor kid!

If you look through the many many gift lists on these threads, you will see things like...
Dressing up costumes
Face paints
Roller skates
Heelies
Nike Air Force trainers
Oodies
Onesies
Silk PJs
Jewellery
Watch
Fitbit
Earbuds
Headphones
Gaming headsets
Make-up
Perfume
Bags...
All of these are wearable things and on many kids/teens/adults wishlists! One year my DD fell in love with a massive parrot puppet that she had to put her entire arm into. Another year my DS wanted one of those Wrapples interactive toys that wrap round your wrist. Both wearable in my mind. Two delighted kids; zero 'poor kids'.

I do very loosely use the miserable rhyme to inspire some ideas and give some variety to their gifts, but also add something to make/do/play and one other special present. They also get a stocking full of bits and pieces. Plus presents from wider family. They have never felt hard done by and I never feel like I've gone overboard.

LolaSmiles · 23/09/2023 10:53

Agree! Imagine only getting 4 presents and 1 is clothes..poor kid!

Alternatively imagine thinking that love equals shopping and if you don't buy lots of stuff then your children will feel they've had a rubbish deal.

Everyone will do their Christmas shopping differently and that's ok. Children aren't hard done to if their parents choose to do a more stripped back Christmas.

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