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Christmas

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Original poster

Is a bike a Christmas present or a every day essential?

110 replies

WeavedLentils · 17/11/2023 16:50

I think it's an essential item that gets replaced as needed when children grow. Likes shoes and stuff.My friend thinks I'm mad to buy DD anew bike so close to Christmas and give it her now.

OP posts:
RoseMartha · 19/11/2023 00:26

I would not just buy it unless it was for Christmas or birthday.

Snugglemonkey · 19/11/2023 00:37

aswarmofmidges · 17/11/2023 17:55

One pair of shoes is essential

A pair for wearing to a party or at weekends or just as a change in addition to your basic pair isn't essential

I think that this lack of understanding as to what is truly essential is costing people money , causing them stress ( because once you have all the essentials as not presents you have to think of a present) , contributing to climate change via waste / unnecessary production

So yes people can do what they like - but when people start to claim that you can't buy something as a present because it's essential even when it isn't , it's putting bad pressure on people

So buy a bike for a Christmas present and don't let people shame you because of it

Well that does not work at all for lots of children. Mine need school shoes, play shoes, wee plimsole things, rugby boots, just for school. None of those are suitable for weekends and actually, most live at school. No, having loads of shoes is not necessary for a child, but come on now, one pair of shoes is ridiculous.

Snugglemonkey · 19/11/2023 00:47

housethatbuiltme · 18/11/2023 19:30

Why and how on earth would it be essential?

There is no requirement to have/ride a bike. My oldest has never even bothered despite having several, my middle child doesn't even have one. I don't own a bike, neither does DH. My youngest has a balance bike but thats it.

There was 'wheels' day recently at DS school where you where to bring in a bike or something with wheels in for safety training/proficiency... 95% of kids brought scooters not bikes.

I can see how it is not if you are nit a family who cycles. We do though, so it is essential that everyone has a bike. My son really lives his scooter and would bring that to school for a wheels day probably, as a novelty. He frequently rides his bike though! I do not think that is any way to measure anything.

mondaytosunday · 19/11/2023 01:02

I thought a bike was a very traditional Christmas present!

sashh · 19/11/2023 04:25

BeautifulBoy · 17/11/2023 16:52

I always think Christmas is a rubbish time for getting bikes. The weather is awful for so long afterwards they never get to play with their Christmas present very much!

You and your friend have different ideas, and that’s okay, but I feel like you do.

Are you my mother?

My brother and I both have winter birthdays so one year we both got a bike at the start of the summer holidays, but knew we wouldn't get a 'big' birthday present that year.

Literally never heard of anyone giving gifts at Easter that's all It's the most important Christian festival, lots of people give / receive presents that are not just a chocolate egg.

The Faberge eggs created for the Russian royal family are all easter gifts.

Pipistrellus · 19/11/2023 06:06

I'm really curious what age of child yous lot are talking about... to be riding miles to school and town must at least be a teen right?

From age 10 alone, younger accompanied.

LubaLuca · 19/11/2023 06:22

A bike is, and always has been, a decent Christmas present. It doesn't matter if it's sometimes used for necessity, a shiny new bike arriving just for you is a treat in anyone's eyes.

A couple of my kids drive now, and they'd definitely consider a new car a good Christmas present even though they'd need it for transport.

Wheeeeee · 19/11/2023 09:08

Pipistrellus · 19/11/2023 06:06

I'm really curious what age of child yous lot are talking about... to be riding miles to school and town must at least be a teen right?

From age 10 alone, younger accompanied.

My three year old is going out for a ride with his Dad this morning - they'll cover about 8 km, so I imagine by the time he's at school he'll have no bother cycling there and back physically - road safety is perhaps another issue.

Natsku · 19/11/2023 11:53

housethatbuiltme · 18/11/2023 21:23

I'm really curious what age of child yous lot are talking about... to be riding miles to school and town must at least be a teen right?

My DS 15 and still wouldn't have my teen cycling the roads round here in the dark in the wet/icy winter weather to go to school. I'm not even sure whats worse the super busy roads in the center of town or the rural ones where cars speed round blind bends etc...

We live pretty rural and its simply not safe or practical (live on a mountain and to get anywhere requires going up steep hills, you would have legs bigger than Arnie to ride from the school at the bottom of the mountain back up into town) to ride bikes to school.

Driving your kids round is hardly a bizarre part of parenting though and yes it does take time (thats also a standard part of parenting). Getting the bus is common too especially for kids whose parents don't drive that why they literally do special fairs and passes for teens.

If you gave them the money you spend on a new bike they would have more than plenty for a bus pass.

Edited

If its not safe to cycle then obviously better to drive or take the bus but if its safe to cycle then its far better to spend the money on a bike and have them cycle, then spend it on bus passes or petrol driving them around - better for their health, helps them get some of their daily exercise, and better for the environment. Was just having this chat with another mum yesterday - that its bad to drive our children to school, even if logistically it might be easier, because they really need that exercise from biking or walking to school each day and it builds their resilience (especially when its bad weather)

MrsWhites · 19/11/2023 13:20

I think this really depends on:

  1. Finances - would you be able to afford Christmas plus a bike at another time.
  2. How much the child enjoys bike riding - my son personally doesn’t particularly enjoy bike riding but obviously has one for occasional family rides and things like bike ability in school.
  3. Is it that the child has just outgrown the bike or do they want a new one because they enjoy using it/getting a new one?
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