What do you do when child asks for something from Father Christmas you don’t want them to have?

[Sunnydaysarethebestdays]

daughter is getting a gaming console from parents for Christmas.
parent has suggested that child asks Father Christmas for a game but instead they are adamant they’d like Father Christmas to give them something else (plastic tat) that you know they won’t play with once the novelty wears off but it’s £60 so a lot of money to waste.
any advice greatly received as not sure how to get out of this one.

How about getting her the Adventure Tree House instead? Its a cheaper option but she can still have a lot of fun with it. If she loves playing with Sylvanian Families then she will have at least a year of onjoyment from it - even if it is plastic.https://sylvanianfamilies.co.uk/products/adventure-tree-house

You may think she still believes in Father Xmas, but honestly by ten, they are just playing along so as to extend the present opportunities.

It's time OP to have the discussion.

That's a good idea. She will probably get loads of joy out of that and it's different enough that it's not a waste of money. Tbh it's a good thing that she still wants to play and I'd encourage it for another year or two at least, plus Sylvanian families stand the test of time and can be kept right into adulthood if she wants.

Maybe some do, but I find it really hard to understand how a NT 10yo does. Or why it's something the parents would embrace. To me it indicates quite a big gap in their critical thinking and I'd be worried that they're going to be easy prey for fake news and conspiracy theorists!

DD is 4 and has already said that the tooth fairy sounds "not very real." We managed to change the subject this time, but to be honest I think it shows that she's got a good grasp on what fits with the laws of science and what doesn't.

I agree though that round about now is a good age to have the father Christmas talk. Certainly before she starts secondary school.

Yes @MrsSunshine2b I do agree. My daughter was the same at that age. We really didn't do the whole Santa is actually REAL thing , we just had fun going along with the lore.

We're kind of the same, we talk about Santa now, but when she asks if he's real, we'll say he's a fun game we play at Christmas. I think if they ask, they're ready to know.

I was all ready to say get the plastic tat, but I think two Sylvanian doll's houses is a bit excessive really.

I'd tell her that either the sylvanians learn to share nicely, like a lot of us have to do, or the dissenters can go slum it in a (much smaller) cottage, barge, campervan or treehouse. Because that's what happens when you don't get on with your family and you humph out without thinking it through. You end up slumming it in a tent, a trailer on the driveway or some other temporary accommodation.

Heheh @CrispieCake life lessons brought to you by Sylvanian Families!

That tree house looks really cute.

TBH I'd assume most 10yos have been told Santa is just your mum and dad, they may choose not to believe that at first, preferring to put trust in mum and dad, before they eventually figure it out.
I have a 13yo who knows Santa is us, likes playing along for little brother, but still can't figure out how the gifts appear in the living room.

When mine were little (now 22, 17 and 14) I used to tell them that santa would bring them what he knew they would play with most and he always knows because he is magic.

Then steer them towards what you already have for them by making positive comments etc every now and again

You're not obliged to get a child everything they want.

Buy second hand? Very good condition?

Parents have to pay for the presents the elves make and thats to expensive?

Father Christmas thinks it was nice that they all lived in the same house

Do you know what I'd get it. Mines older now and this is the first year she doesn't believe and it's such a shame. For you this is one annoyance, for them it's their childhood and their memories. There's only so many years they believe in the magic. I'd waste that money.

Santa lists are just ideas . Santa will pick the thing he knows he is right for you . Thats what we tell our kids.

Santa always brings something my children know I would never buy and possibly disapprove of. Not £120 gifts though! It's generally a few mid price toys and some stocking (sack) fillers. Big ticket items come from family.