How to balance TWO kids and vacation allowance.

[SandraC]

Hi, dd is 8 years old and ds is 2 years old. dd gets way more STUFF than ds because ds is too young to know what he's missing. He gets lots of hand-me-down things. Frankly, both my kids have too much STUFF (we have generous friends and family) ~ but during WDW vacations I would like to even it out. I just can't think of how! Last year, we didn't give dd and allowance. we just let her buy anything see wanted because she didn't really ask for much ~ a stuffed animal here are there ~ things we were happy to get her. Last year, ds was 15 months old and we bought him a Mickey Mouse car just so he would have a souvenier (they have the ears, clothes, dolls etc.,. all ready). I know dd will want to buy a couple more stuffed Disney characters, so should I buy the same for ds? He still doesn't get it. Last year I gave him a giant BEAR, from Bear in the Big Blue House. I asked him if he wanted it, he nodded NO. Even now, we will be at a store and I'll ask him if he wanted what he's playing with, he never does. I know that will change because dd was the same way. But I would like to get ds stuff at WDW, just can't think of what to get him! THINGS aren't that important ~ but a few little souveniers would be nice. Sandra

[padams]

Trying to think of what younger DS liked 2 years ago at WDW when he was 2...those light swords and the light spinners that they sell at the parades, the Toy Story toys that are sold in the cart/kiosk across from Buzz's ride in MK, the stuffed animals at AK (not the characters, the "real" animals ones), and oh, how could I forget, costumes- in the next year, your DS will probably start to enjoy "dressing up". I never knew little boys played dress up until I had boys of my own. Even if your DS doesn't seem particularly interested during your trip, I bet that he would enjoy a Buzz or Woody costume, maybe Peter Pan (my guys love Captain Hook, but you may want to start with a non-villain for your little guy ;) However, your DS might like to have a plastic hook like Hook's) when he gets home (makes it easier to relive those WDW memories when you can dress like a character)...there are some good cowboy costumes in Frontierland near the shooting gallery. Hope these ideas help...Happy Shopping!

[SandraC]

Costumes! Of Course! You are brillant! My ds loves HOOK too! Right now, his BIG thing is anything Peter Pan and Toy Story 2. I can't wait until he meets Buzz at MGM! ds has the hook and a Peter Pan hat already. He has Buzz and Woody dolls too. He likes stickers! Maybe I can find some Buzz and Woody stickers! THANKS AGAIN! Sandra

[kidzmom3]

my kids also liked those little cars that you can get with the characters in them. Also the hats. EVERYONE had to get a hat!!

[zurgswife]

I tend to buy clothes or small tinkets...oh forgot I buy them pins to we collect as a family