Families that don't have video game units

[starrzone]

DH refuses to purchase any sort of video game system-our DD10 uses my old computer to play educational pc games and she has a leapster.

I wish my parents had done that...I wasted SO much time on my Nintendo when I was your daughter's age! We did, however, have an old Coleco/Adam computer that taught mem from the age of 4 how to navigate computers (we're talking 1986 here!). There was also a toy called the "Speak and Spell" (you could call it a "primitive" Leapster, I suppose!) that I loved to play with at my friend's place.

 

[twoeeyy]

Just to add one thing. I'm not trying to criticize other posters but those that won't let them have a game system (a decision I admire BTW even though I wasn't able to stick to it myself), why would you let them have a TV in their bedroom?

It's the same (or worse) mindless junk food for the brain IMO...just wondering. My DD used to ask me for a TV in her room but she gave that up finally when we said Never. Their game system and computers are here in my office.

Our reason for not getting a game system was simply that our daughter did not want one, she sets the sleep timer for 30 minutes when she goes to bed on her tv, other than that she only has it on for maybe 1.5 hours a day and that is even a stretch. She really enjoys sitting at her drawing table in her room , drawing and listening to music , Oh and texting

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

We don't do video games, either. Never have. The kids are 18 and 14 now and their wish lists have never included video games. They usually ask for books, sketch books, art supplies, clothes, gift cards, and other electronics. DD18 asked for an external hard drive, some boots, Nordstrom gift card. DD14 asked for an ipod touch, a new cell phone, clothes, boots, scarves, and gift cards to Borders and Barnes & Noble. We also travel for gifts. They get to pick a city or place and we'll go.

 

[ceopamom3]

Three kids DD 12, DS 11 and DS 10, and we only have basic cable (13 channels) and one TV in a common room. We can go a week w/o the TV turned on.

Gift ideas: MP3 players, travel gifts (we are doing one night in a hotel w/indoor water park), museum memberships, tickets to shows/outdoor activities (snowtubing, sporting events), some amusement parks have gift cards, disney dollars ... we buy loads of books. There are way better board and card games and puzzles available than what they sell at Walmart. I look online for award-winning games, MENSA award winning games are usually good (i don't think I can post the website I use here)...

We are also getting each of them a wallet w/giftcards to Borders, the movie theatre, their favorite restaurant and such... Not large amounts on each card, but enough that they can have fun.

Are your kids into things for their rooms? Mine have expressed interests in different themes as they get older. Perhaps some new bedding and decor? Sounds weird, I know... but I think my kids would like that.

My kids are KNEX nuts too - but I don't think they could fit anymore in their room!

We also cut way back on Christmas a few years ago. The kids just had too much stuff, and it became meaningless. Christmas hasn't suffered at all for the reduction in present volume. I finally realized that if I can't think of anything to get them - they probably don't need anything. I used to go crazy just to buy something to fill under the tree.

Best of luck to you and Merry Christmas!

 

[Lisa_M]

My parents didn't get us video game systems growing up, but one of my favorite gifts ever was a stereo system (the ones with 2 small speakers and the main unit had a CD changer, FM tuner and tape deck). Probably kids now that have an mp3 player might like a stereo that it can be plugged into or docked into.

Other things to get might be cologne, an electric shaver (for the older one), card or board games, books, gift cards, CD's, clothes...

When the time comes, our family will be a video game unit free household as well.

 

[graygables]

My DDs (11 & 9) both have Nintendo DS, but those are mostly for travel entertainment (we're on the road a LOT). We won't have a system in the house, much to 11yo and DH's chagrin.

For gifts, they get American Girl, Littlest Pet Shop, books, clothes, board games (they LOVE this, it means more game time with Mom & Dad), gift cards, scrapbook stuff, craft stuff, CDs. We do let them play things like Webkinz and Toontown, so they get animals/subscriptions as a gift.

 

[rgp]

We haven't any video game systems, yet and probably won't. DS 10 is the hardest to buy for, but I like some of the suggestions given. The girls, DD8 DD 4 and baby are much easier with dress up clothes, dolls, art stuff etc. Most parents who have the systems complain that the kids are addicted to them. It's hard when most kids have them but so far we have held out. I'm glad to hear there are other video game system free families out there.

 

[crunchymomma]

My kids have all the systems but to be honest I am sick of buying them games. Its the same thing every holiday, $50 game, or two, no imagination no surprise. SO this year I decided to change it up for my eldest son 13, beside video games another passion of his is EATING!LOL! So I had a budget of $150 for him and I bought him gift cards to about 6 restaurants that he loves. I will include a card that says these can be redeemed for dinner or lunch with mom whenever you want. This way, he gets to eat out one on one with me and spend some quality time and enjoy more eating out then we would normally do. I hope he likes it, I kind of think he will.

What a great idea.

We are video game junkies here. We have them all (except the xbox), but they are as much for dh and I as for the kids. Ds (11) is not allowed to play video games or watch tv during the week when he is in school though. I did get him a game this year but it was $4 His big present is My Pal Mickey.

 

[bethie]

We have none. I don't have any interest in spending the money for them.

 

[FINFAN]

while we do have severla games consoles...my DS 13's favorite thing to play is "Flight Simulator" by Microsoft on the computer. He has dreams of becomming a pilot and this is the best game we have found that he can easily play. It is about $50 at Best Buy and then there is an expansion pack ( for all the cool planes...blue angel, space shuttle etc)that runs $35...there are joysticks you can buy and even a pilot "yolk" controller but that one is WAY expensive...$150!
Anyway, it is a REALLY cool item that I would recommend for boy or girl!


Pam

 

[disneybound31]

No game systems here, either... DS8 and DD5 talk about them because they hear about them at school but DH and I have also decided no Wii's or Xbox. They do share ownership of one Gameboy and one Nintendo DS because relatives thought they might be 'missing out'. And that Nintendo DS just showed up last month completely from thin air. A VERY nice gift, don't get me wrong, but sometimes people need to ASK parents if they want their kids to have certain items!

I actually caused my mother to cry when I put my foot down and said 'No Gameboy' last year. She thought it would make my son (her only grandson) so very happy and after I realized it was because my younger brother (who was killed in the line of duty almost 4 years ago now) loved his so much as a young boy that I relented and let her buy one.

So, while he does love it (and his one game--) he is only allowed to play it on weekends for a small amount of time. We have concerns about sedentary play and the way some kids nowadays seem to zone out with video games. We have noticed a real problem in our area with elementary aged children becoming very inward and withdrawn and also overweight and try to be as active with our kids as possible.

Christmas ideas revolve around board games, books, cool science kits, Legos, some Pokemon has infiltrated this year, lots of pretend play for DD-- horses, animals, vet stuff. Last year they got fancy telescopes and we have had great family time looking at the moon and comets, etc. Build a Bear gift cards. Family movie/theatre gift packs. Restaurant gift cards to each childs favorite restaurant is fun.

 

[momx2]

Both my DDs (10 and 6) have GBs and Ninetendo DSs. We are getting a Wii for Christmas. I guess I don't have the same problem as others with the games. Both my girls enjoy them, but don't excessively use them. Both are very physically active, soccer, basketball, softball and swimming and anything else I let them sign up for. They both also beg for books. They also have tvs in their rooms. For some reason they still love pestering the daylights out of me and beg to watch their shows with DH and I. The only problem I've had is with excessive computer usage with my youngest DD. I have had to limit her recently on that. I guess I think it is all okay in moderation.

Maybe you could buy them lessons or camps in whatever instrument or sport they are interested in. Maybe movie passes or museum passes. My girls love those. My youngest is dying for a Build a Bear GC.

 

[Flower Power]

We have no game systems in our household either. I think they are a waste of precious time and imagination. The 2 DGD's have a TV and DVD player in their room but no cable hook up. They can watch movies or play with Leapster or with giga pets. Any actual TV watching has to be done out in the main house. They got the TV 2 Christmases ago and immediately disappeared out of our lives. So the cable got disconnected after about 2 weeks. I sort of like the stinkn lil brats and want them around me. So no game systems here to magically make them disappear again!

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

To get back to OP's original post, it is definitely getting harder to find "hot" things for DS10. No Wii, Gameboy, xbox, xcube, playstation, nintendo ds or ds lite but we do let him play on the internet (there's a number of free sites he likes) -- no computer in his room, he plays on my laptop in the family room or kitchen where I can peek over at what he's doing from time to time and also have a conversation.

He's getting the new Monster Dino Lego set as the wow present. Did consider the Fly Fusion, but decided to pass. Someone mentioned snap circuits -- that's a good one that he still plays with and got a year or two ago. Seems to have outgrown K'nex and erector sets, and even the new challenging lego sets are getting few and far between.

We don't count sports gear or clothes as gifts, although it would have made things easier if I'd set that up years ago. Relatives and DH and I usually get him Target gift cards, movie tickets, magazine subscriptions, books, food . . . and money.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

A friend of mine who had five boys, said that the best purchase she ever made was one of those huge basketball games, similar to those you see in arcades, where you shoot the basket and the ball comes back to you down a ramp. Her boys played with that endlessly.
tink

 

[littlele]

Please excuse my ignorance, but I am in all honesty, wondering what the difference is between game systems and computer games, in terms of being 'harmful' for the kids?

It seems like many will denounce the game systems, but in the same breath recommend computer games, tvs, etc. What am I missing?

We do have a Wii that we play about 1 to 2 times a month together, so I always considered that a better option than my DD in front of a computer screen.

 

[hsmamato2]

Please excuse my ignorance, but I am in all honesty, wondering what the difference is between game systems and computer games, in terms of being 'harmful' for the kids?
It seems like many will denounce the game systems, but in the same breath recommend computer games, tvs, etc. What am I missing?

I'm curious too..... though Op did mention her reasons were for a whole other thread..... I think it's a matter of different opinions on the various diversions available....my kids have a ps2(gift from uncle) they buy their own games,and each have a ds- we also have 2 computers,and tv in the house
each of these things is a waste of time in it's own right (look at me,reading a non essential message board )
I wouldn't dream of allowing tv in my kids rooms,yet they play on the computer quite a bit....in addition to reading,playing legos,sports, running around like wild children with their friends,reading books before bed,etc etc.....
gifts ...legos-strategy thinking games there are some COOL games out there,beyond the typical brand name things....our family fave is Apples to Apples right now....I notice target is carrying some really cool games,also check a local toy/hobby store for ideas....remote control plane/cars-etc etc

 

[gillenkl]

I use this site alot:
www.mindware.com

 

[eeyoremum]

Wow what great responses.

Thank you all for your ideas, sorry I did not post back yesterday I was having problems logging on after I posted (I think twice).

I like the Lego idea, we have so much lego but it is always played with. Also, my son is an air cadet and is attending flight classes and going to write his glider enterance exam soon so the flight simulator would be awesome.

Books are also a great idea as is music, they love both.

As for the post about computer games vs video game systems. Good point, I do let them play on the computer but would not buy a unit. I guess the games they play on the computer are more educational then those shoot em up games I see advertised on tv. But, I agree it is kind of a double standard. My kids don't have tvs in their rooms that is a personal decision as a kid I lived with a divorced and remarried mother who would not allow me to watch tv with them. They needed "private time" so I was stuck in my room with a tv. So I guess you could say my kids are being jilted because of my bad memories.

 

[harleyquinn]

Please excuse my ignorance, but I am in all honesty, wondering what the difference is between game systems and computer games, in terms of being 'harmful' for the kids?

It seems like many will denounce the game systems, but in the same breath recommend computer games, tvs, etc. What am I missing?

We do have a Wii that we play about 1 to 2 times a month together, so I always considered that a better option than my DD in front of a computer screen.

I'm curious too..... though Op did mention her reasons were for a whole other thread..... I think it's a matter of different opinions on the various diversions available....my kids have a ps2(gift from uncle) they buy their own games,and each have a ds- we also have 2 computers,and tv in the house
each of these things is a waste of time in it's own right (look at me,reading a non essential message board )
I wouldn't dream of allowing tv in my kids rooms,yet they play on the computer quite a bit....in addition to reading,playing legos,sports, running around like wild children with their friends,reading books before bed,etc etc.....
gifts ...legos-strategy thinking games there are some COOL games out there,beyond the typical brand name things....our family fave is Apples to Apples right now....I notice target is carrying some really cool games,also check a local toy/hobby store for ideas....remote control plane/cars-etc etc

I started a new thread on the community board about this yesterday since I didn't want to derail this one. But no one that feels strongly about no video games posted on it. SO I tried to be the devil's advocate a bit. Feel free to come discuss!