For those with pre-schoolers, how do you handle the souvenir issue?

[Wadecool]

We'll be taking DD4 and DD6 for their first visit in May. I know there will be lots of "Can I get that?" "That's the best thing ever...PLEASE can I have that?" I think it would be good to have a set policy on the way we'll handle souvenirs to cut down on the begging.

A.) Refuse all requests and say "On the last day, we'll let you pick one thing out." I figure if there's something they're still jonesing for on their last day, it's worth buying.
B.) Set aside a dollar amount and tell them it's theirs to spend as they see fit but when it's gone, it's gone. (This would be difficult for DD4. DD6 is learning about money now)
C.) Tell them "We'll buy you one stuffed animal and one other thing and THAT'S IT".
D.) Unidentified other choice

We're very good about sticking to our guns. Does anyone have advice for what's worked for them with kids in this age group?

Kudos for at least going to it with a plan. When we took DD3 last May, I honestly hadn't even considered the souvenier issue. What a mistake. DD wore us out begging for this and that, and we set a bad precedent on the first day by buying her a stuffed princess Minnie. After that, the vicious cycle was in motion. Next trip, we will be going with choice A.

 

[lsulindy]

We don't really do souvenirs. I'll buy them themed clothing, sunglasses, and a couple toys (including one that lights up) that I pack and give to them when we're there. I did the same thing when we went to Sesame Place. They pretty much know from all of our vacations/outings that we don't do souvenirs and they don't even ask. Knock on wood, we haven't had a meltdown yet about it. We all brought our ears back with us last trip.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I wanted to tell DS5 that all those gifts shops at the end of all the rides was really just museums and not a place to buy things but DH just shook his head at me!

In reality it was not a big deal. He asked for nothing till we got to the Tatoonie gift shop and then wanted everything!

We had a pretty good compromise plus a couple of bribe items, we really spent very little.

 

[crisi]

We steered them past the junk in such a way that they seldom get the opportunity to ask. They are much older now.

1) Have a next stop in mind and start talking about it as you exit the ride into the gift shop.
2) Move purposefully to the gift shop exit.
3) Avoid gift shops that you aren't forced to go through.
4) Avoid shopping for entertainment yourself, set a good example
5) Do my own souvenir buying when my husband has the kids on a ride.

 

[tiffjoy]

Our DD is 2, and the last time we went to Disneyland, she had a gift card from her grandparents. I was honestly both shocked and impressed by how well she did. We explained quite carefully what it was and that she pick whatever she wanted, but when the card was empty, it was done. I thought she was too young to understand, but it was worth a try.

She did great. She was incredibly selective with what she wanted to take versus what she was happy just looking at in the store. It took the entire 3 days to spend the card, and at the end, we pushed her a bit because she wasn't getting anything. In the whole 3 days, she'd bought a pen and coloring book. This time, we'll do the same, but if there's money left, we won't fuss about it again.

I actually think it's a nice way to start teaching about making choices and spending money wisely. But I also think it completely depends on the child- it might not work for everyone.

 

[North of Mouse]

Holy cow, some of you parents are generous! My kids are 4 and 2. We say that we are not buying anything until the last day. We can look and I will take pics on my phone if they want, but no buying anything until the end.

Then they are allowed to choose one thing each!

Totally agree We did that with our children and now our daughter does that with her boys - end of story They knew and didn't expect or whine and complain because what we said we meant. They loved to look and "anticipate" what should I decide on the last day. I see parents every time they go in a store their children whine and cry until parents cave in (they know the parents will) and buy something. It only makes very unhappy, miserable kids. I've seen it over and over. Their "no" never means no and the kid knows that - they're in control. It is a total disservice to the child because they grow up thinking they can have anything they want - ever wonder why so many young marriages fail - they both cannot have everything they want - boohoo We had and have happy kids because they had limits and were contented.