Christmas Gift Dilemma...WWYD

[4luv2cdisney]

So frustrated! I placed an order about a week ago online at Target for a $17 Our Generation tent / camping set for DD10 as a substitute for the $75 American Girl tent she was asking for. The AG tent is so expensive and is on backorder until Dec. 12th. I was satisfied with the substitute and I think DD would be too.

A few minutes ago, I get an email from Target saying they cannot guarantee the original delivery timeframe. The new timeframe is 12/11 - 12/28!!!! Of course, free shipping at AG ended yesterday. To top it all off, I had just decided to get her a refurbed Ipod Touch, which isn't even on her list, but she "needs" (her current one is full and glitchy). I figured if I get her the 4gen refurb at a good price, before she is asking for a new 5gen, it will save me money in the long run!

She has a really small Christmas list and the tent was near the top of the list, but I'm sure she'd love a new Ipod. I think she just wasn't asking for one because of the price, but I suspect it is on her bday list that is coming up.

So, budget board, do I order the AG tent for $75 plus $8 shipping and skip the ipod or take my chances with getting the Target order and keep the ipod since it is a good deal right now?

Decisions, decisions.....

 

[Priorityonecb]

I'd go with the Ipod. If the tent doesn't come in in time, find a clever way to wrap up "This is what is coming soon!" gift under the tree for her to open. She will love playing with the Ipod while she awaits her other gift in the mail.

 

[JessB320]

I agree, go for the iPod. There is still a good chance the tent will get there in time, and if not a home made "ticket" can be unwrapped and the real thing there a couple days later. Also the the doll brand Walmart carries also has a tent and sleeping bag combo, you may want to see if that would work?

 

[Misskitty3]

Could you get an AG tent off of eBay or Craig's List?

 

[maslex]

I'd wait to see when the tent comes in. If it doesn't come in, in time, maybe just give it to her for her birthday. You did say that was coming up soon, right?

 

[akcire]

I'd buy the AG tent. If she asked for it and she has a short list it must have been important. You can even inquire if she has seen other AG sized tents to find out what about the AG one she likes. Depending on that you can act.

I am all for saving money, but I can't tell you how many items my parents purchased for me that I did not ask for that were never played with, all the while I would wait for the very moderately priced item I did request. Thankfully I had 3 older cousins who understood if I asked for a Trapper Keeper with Puppies, I really did want a Trapper Keeper not a Monogramed Sweater or an expensive doll, etc.

Often times my parents would put their product opinions ahead of mine--the year Santa brought me a duvet cover and matching vertical blinds (I think I was 9 and really did not have a desire to have tweed colored blinds nor the carmel colored duvet). My parents are an extreme example, but if someone requests something I normally buy exactly what they want if it is in my budget. If not I give cash or a gift card to be put toward their requested item. I am one who has no problem putting cash in an envelope--I call it my universal gift card.

For the record, I got plenty of items I wanted but many many I didn't want nor never used and it was a huge waste of money. I find most kids to be pretty reasonable regarding Christmas lists.

 

[CammelleandBre]

I'm pretty sure the Target tent will get there in time. But if not Walmart also has an American Girl like tent for $20.Hope this helps.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

Thanks everyone! I got her the Ipod. She is getting everything else on her list and if the tent doesn't get here, I will return it and get her the AG tent for her Bday. I know she will like the Ipod and it will be a complete surprise!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'd buy the AG tent. If she asked for it and she has a short list it must have been important. You can even inquire if she has seen other AG sized tents to find out what about the AG one she likes. Depending on that you can act.

I am all for saving money, but I can't tell you how many items my parents purchased for me that I did not ask for that were never played with, all the while I would wait for the very moderately priced item I did request. Thankfully I had 3 older cousins who understood if I asked for a Trapper Keeper with Puppies, I really did want a Trapper Keeper not a Monogramed Sweater or an expensive doll, etc.

Often times my parents would put their product opinions ahead of mine--the year Santa brought me a duvet cover and matching vertical blinds (I think I was 9 and really did not have a desire to have tweed colored blinds nor the carmel colored duvet). My parents are an extreme example, but if someone requests something I normally buy exactly what they want if it is in my budget. If not I give cash or a gift card to be put toward their requested item. I am one who has no problem putting cash in an envelope--I call it my universal gift card.

For the record, I got plenty of items I wanted but many many I didn't want nor never used and it was a huge waste of money. I find most kids to be pretty reasonable regarding Christmas lists.

I totally agree. I want my kids doing the Snoopy Dance Christmas morning.

Ds15(very soon to be 16) has a very short list, all reasonably priced things, nothing big like iPads etc. One of them is a set of gaming-style headphones w/microphone, etc. Already dh is looking for "something similar on ebay" but not the exact item, a different cheaper brand to save $20. He's a great kid who never gets in trouble, doesn't give us a hard time, and jumps in to help out without us asking (vacuuming, unloading dishwasher, etc.) Why not just get what he's asking for?
Sometimes I have to remind dh of the big picture and what we could be dealing with at this age.

 

[mdsoccermom]

Thanks everyone! I got her the Ipod. She is getting everything else on her list and if the tent doesn't get here, I will return it and get her the AG tent for her Bday. I know she will like the Ipod and it will be a complete surprise!

Frankly, I'd go with the tent and get her the ipod for her birthday. You said her list was small and the tent was at the top. Why wouldn't you get her what she wants?

 

[hops&dreams]

Check out AG tomorrow morning at about 6am. The last 2 years, they've had HUGE Cyber Monday sales. I've gotten things through it for 75% off or more!!!

Worth a shot. But get up early... They sell out of items quick. It's normally worth getting up for though. I roll out of bed, go down and place my order online while drinking some coffee the hop in the shower and get ready for work.

 

[sk!mom]

I just looked at the tent. $75 for a tent to put the dolls in?? The child doesn't fit? Frankly it doesn't seem like $75 worth of fun to me.

In this situation, If I thought my 10 year old would play with it, I would buy it. However since I can't wrap my mind around this being a fun toy, I would try and talk my child out of it.

The one thing I never do is buy something similar but cheaper. I buy the requested item or flat out tell them that what they have requested is too expensive, not a good value, or whatever the issue is.

 

[SaraJayne]

I would buy both. But I'm a sucker when it comes to Christmas, and American Girl.

 

[richmond282]

I think you made the right choice with the ipod and waiting for the tent you ordered. You know your DD best and whether she will like the substitute tent or be disappointed w/o an AG one. I know my DD would be perfectly fine with a substitute and when she asks for "american girl" items, she really just means anything that she can use for her Target-version doll.

 

[ceecee]

I would buy both. But I'm a sucker when it comes to Christmas, and American Girl.

We had the Our Generation tent (still do) and it was fine. I also got a couch and beanbags and a futon for less than the AG tent. I did stick will the real AG clothes due to the quality.

 

[blessedby3]

I would give her the Ipod and wait on the tent from Target. $75 is a crazy amount of money for a tent for a doll. My dd just bought a tent for her and her DH at Target for $50....for real people
If the tent from Target doesnt come in, wrap up a picture of it from the internet and tell her it will be here in a few days.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

Frankly, I'd go with the tent and get her the ipod for her birthday. You said her list was small and the tent was at the top. Why wouldn't you get her what she wants?

Both girls have gotten the Target version of certain items (not the dolls) in the past and it has never been a problem. The AG tent was also on backorder, which played into my original decision to substitute. I understand the concern about substitute items from a few of you and think that is a valid point in some situations. If DD14 asks for a Hollister hoodie, I don't get her one from Target! But I really don't think it's an issue in this case.

She was also asking for a new case for her ipod because it is falling apart. I just went a step further and got her a new ipod for the case! In doing so, I was already upping the budget, but I'm not willing to up it another $60+ to switch out the tent, too.

The very top of her list was the AG Winter Chalet which cost $170 total even with free shipping because there is a $10 shipping surcharge. She got that, everything else on her list, a new ipod and some other items I've found on sale that I think she'd like. I will feel a little bad if the tent doesn't get here, but I think it'll be okay!

 

[marmalade]

I had this happen to me once with target where they changed my shipment date. My package was delivered the following week and in plenty of time for chirstmas. Target knows most of their orders are for xmas so I am sure they will do their best to get it out.

Do they have it in the store?

ETA... I just checked my Target and it is in stock at my store for $12.99.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'd wait for the Target tent. It's great. We have it. I would not buy the $75 AG one and I'm an American Girl nut!