Comments on: Wanting, Wishing, Hoping… What Gifts Will You Give This Year?

By: Christine at Origami Mommy

Christine at Origami Mommy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:26:32 +0000

Denise, how lovely. I want my boys to be able to play with your boys someday! I really relate to you on this issue very much.
We’re having trouble coming up with ideas here too. I’ve been wondering what other children their ages are asking for or getting, but am almost afraid to ask because it may not really help to know. My second son only wants a go-cart – not sure where he got this idea – but it’s what he longs for more than anything. I guess he just envisions himself going on all sorts of little-boy adventures on that! Since we don’t live in the US (though we’re moving back soon) they don’t really know what’s “in” and I’m not sure it would matter that much to them anyway.

By: Denise

Denise — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:05:29 +0000

Jenn — a new toothbrush? That’s priceless. You should write that down somewhere and show it to your daughter when she’s 16! Thanks for your comment,

Denise

By: Christina Baglivi Tinglof

Christina Baglivi Tinglof — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:09:36 +0000

For the first few years of their lives, my kids got very little. They didn’t know any better so why bother? Now at ages 13 and 11, they love to scan the Sunday circulars dreaming of iTouches and digital cameras. I don’t think it’s greed necessarily. We’ve made it clear that they won’t be getting those things because it’s not only way too much money to spend on a child but we also feel it’s important to wish for something…to work towards something. We don’t believe in just handing our kids whatever they want. But I think it’s perfectly ok and in fact a good thing to dream. I don’t want them to feel guilty for wanting nice things. But it’s that anticipation, that drive to work hard for something that builds character. And if I’m a good parent… to instill the act of charity. To give to others who have even less. So far I think we’ve done a good job.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:01:16 +0000

My kids couldn’t think of anything either. Though thanks to over-eager grandparents they have about seventy-five billion more toys than they need anyway. My daughter (who is 3) actually said, “I would like a new toothbrush” when I asked her what she wanted.

By: edj

edj — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:37:02 +0000

My 12 y/o girl handed me a list and said, “I’m greedy this year! Sorry.” The list? Rollerblades, art supplies, twine, wired ribbon, duct tape, new boots (which she needs), and a decorative knife from the medina. (We live in Morocco) She might not get it all, but I wouldn’t call her greedy.
I like what you’re getting your kids! My 12 y/o boy (they’re twins, yes) made do with my old camera for years, but it has finally died. He’d love a new one but won’t be getting one anytime soon. Maybe next year.

By: Bridget

Bridget — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:14:44 +0000

Why not give a karaoke machine? If they want a microphone – then you could take it one step further and make it a family fun thing and do karaoke!

By: MarthaandMe

MarthaandMe — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:24:28 +0000

My kids don’t have much they want this year. We’re not spending as much on Christmas and instead are taking a family vacation over the winter.

By: Melody

Melody — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:46:24 +0000

My girls are surprisingly ungreedy too. I think my 8-year-old asked for markers or something. Yes, she’ll get the markers, but also a few books, a Justin Roberts cd (love him!), and the piece de resistance, a goldfish in our heretofore pet-free household. The 2-year-old gets a few Richard Scarry books, Animal Scramble (a game from the makers of Hyper-Dash), and maybe a new dress-up dress. It’s all about simplicity here. Until I have last-minute guilt and go out and blow $100 at Target.

By: Ramya

Ramya — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:22:46 +0000

529 & ESA