Power Wheels?

[HLAuburn]

So we're still debating what to get the kids as their "big gift" for Christmas. Younger DD is about to turn 2, so she doesn't have much to say about it, and older DD 6 wants a Power Wheels car they can both ride in. The only thing like one we've had is the little toddler Tot Rod, which the baby likes a lot, but obviously my 6 year old is way too big for it.

So my question is...are Power Wheels a "must have" toy the kids always go back to or is it the kind of thing that costs a bunch of money and the novelty quickly wears off and it ends up taking up space in the garage?

We have a wide, but fairly short paver stone driveway, so I don't think they can ride on it too well. They do love to be outside and we have a nice neighborhood park they could drive it around.

I figured a bunch of people must have them, so I was hoping to get some thoughts! Thanks!

 

[cristit14]

My kids loved them, but we didn't buy either one new. We got a pink corvette for DD from a friend at work for free. All we had to do was buy a new battery. And I think the monster truck we got at a yard sale and just needed to get a battery for it too. DS leg wouldn't reach the pedal of the truck when we got it so we had to put a wood block on it so he could reach. It was really cute he loved his "tuck"

 

[Nicolepa]

All 3 of my kids love(d) them. The first one we had they totally wore out from use. It was free w/pampers points. The second one we had was more of a 4-wheeler than a car. Loved it too. Now have another of the 1st one (6 year age difference between child 2 & child 3). He loves to ride around in it.

I will say though, it might be better to wait until next year. My 2 y/o will be 3 in Feb. He can make it go but he really doesn't understand turning or anything of the sort. He just goes full force, laughing all the way, until he hits a curb.

 

[EeyoreEma]

My two love the jeep that my parents got them. They will ride around having a great time, and now my ds is a better driver than my dd (he's 2.5, she's 4.5). It's awesome for them to have such a wonderful time together - they actually share it really well, even though it was for our dd.

 

[HLAuburn]

I will say though, it might be better to wait until next year. My 2 y/o will be 3 in Feb. He can make it go but he really doesn't understand turning or anything of the sort. He just goes full force, laughing all the way, until he hits a curb.

Yeah we're kinda in a bad situation b/c I think my older DD is getting a little too big for a power riding toy and younger DD is too small to operate it. The benefit of getting it now is that my 6 year old will love to drive the 2 year old around, and the 2 year old will be OK riding around so hopefully they won't fight over it!

Thank you all for the replies! Sounds like they're big hits....I think we'll just bite the bullet and get one.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

I wouldn't wait. The 6 year old will outgrow it all too soon. We sold ours in garage sales this past summer and my boys were 8 and 9. They were just getting too big for it.

They got the first one when they were 2 and 3 years. It was a jeep. They loved it! We ended up getting 2 more given to us by relatives who had outgrown them. The batteries will last much longer if you bring them inside in the winter.

We have a huge area for them to drive around. They go on the grass just fine. The only problem I had with them was storage. They take up a lot of room in the garage!

ETA: Just saw you are in Florida. I guess you won't have to worry about bringing the battery inside in the winter!

 

[HLAuburn]

I wouldn't wait. The 6 year old will outgrow it all too soon. We sold ours in garage sales this past summer and my boys were 8 and 9. They were just getting too big for it.

They got the first one when they were 2 and 3 years. It was a jeep. They loved it! We ended up getting 2 more given to us by relatives who had outgrown them. The batteries will last much longer if you bring them inside in the winter.

We have a huge area for them to drive around. They go on the grass just fine. The only problem I had with them was storage. They take up a lot of room in the garage!

ETA: Just saw you are in Florida. I guess you won't have to worry about bringing the battery inside in the winter!

I don't know - the wind chill was 13 yesterday! I thought I moved here to be close to the beach and DW and for the warm weather, but yesterday we had to break out the gloves, hat, and thick coat! Seriously though, I'm sure we would keep in the the garage...we have the space in there, so that's not too big of an issue.

DH still isn't sold on the idea. Not sure why, but unless he comes up with an alternative quickly, I think the girls will be getting a Power Wheels!