What's everybody buying their kids for Christmas this year - age 12 and up?

[disneybound31]

I have to say that I feel behind the curve here...I see that alot of kids under 13 already have the ipod, itouch, tv in room, laptop, cell phone, etc, etc...my kids DS11 and DD8 have none of those things. Do any of you ever feel like because sometimes kids get those things so young nowadays that there is 'nowhere to go' as far as gifts when they get older?

For example, DH's brother has gotten all those things and more for our only newphew(7) and now complains every bday and Christmas that he can't think of anything to get his kid because he already has it all...he thinks we are cheap and old fashioned because our kids get clothes, board games, legos, dollhouses, pogo sticks, craft stuff, maybe one DS game, movie passes, etc...

I also worry that if we give our kids too much, too soon that they will grow up to think that all this stuff is easy to come by and will have HUGE sticker shock when they are adults themselves and realize that they cannot continue the lifestyle they enjoyed as children.

Am I alone?

 

[luvmy3]

My dd (almost 13) is getting the nook, UGG boots, Coach purse,itunes card perfume, make-up, A wii game, Eclipse movie, and squinkies but I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

 

[WLfamily]

Well dd 11 is getting all new bedding for her room, a butterfly chair, pj's, robe, slippers, perfume, Aero jacket, Vera Bradley purse, Tink and Beauty and the Beast dvd's (of course!), bath wrap from Justice. These are the things I have already. Still need to grab some iTune cards, shoes, and thinking of getting the Amex pass card.
DS 15 finally just gave me his list and looks like an iPod touch is the item of choice this year. I'll throw in some new Sperry's, iTune gift cards, and some other small things he needs.

 

[StephMK]

I have to say that I feel behind the curve here...I see that alot of kids under 13 already have the ipod, itouch, tv in room, laptop, cell phone, etc, etc...my kids DS11 and DD8 have none of those things. Do any of you ever feel like because sometimes kids get those things so young nowadays that there is 'nowhere to go' as far as gifts when they get older?

For example, DH's brother has gotten all those things and more for our only newphew(7) and now complains every bday and Christmas that he can't think of anything to get his kid because he already has it all...he thinks we are cheap and old fashioned because our kids get clothes, board games, legos, dollhouses, pogo sticks, craft stuff, maybe one DS game, movie passes, etc...

I also worry that if we give our kids too much, too soon that they will grow up to think that all this stuff is easy to come by and will have HUGE sticker shock when they are adults themselves and realize that they cannot continue the lifestyle they enjoyed as children.

Am I alone?

Nope, I'm right there with you. That was my mom's line when I was growing up too, if we give you too much too early, you won't have anything to look forward to. My kids (10, 8) get the "old-fashioned" stuff too though I did break down & get them DSis last year. DS has lost his in the house more than he has had it to play this year so I think 7 was even too young for him to get it. DD16 was among the last to get an ipod & cell in late middle school.

We always do books, pjs, board games & craft stuff. While they each have a friend or two that gets all the latest & greatest, most of the kids they hang with are raised pretty similar to our kids so it's not a huge deal. My oldest is a major budget shopper & the younger two are not into brands yet.

Heck, I'm 40 & still waiting to get some of that stuff! I'd love a laptop and text capable cell, mine doesn't even take pics. And the TV in my room is the one I got when I graduated college.

I do think that the "budget board" can seem skewed because some people that can travel to Disney frequently operate on a totally different household budget. So I like reading about other families but realize that is not the norm everywhere. It does sometimes make me wish I was a kid in one of those families but I do get what you mean about setting up expectations.

 

[happily single]

I have an 13 dd, 11 ds and 6 ds. Luckily it looks like we will be buying a house with a "game room". So an Air Hockey table, maybe one of those 3-1 tables, that you can play a few things.

Also the ds6 will get a dsiXL and I'll probably get the same for ds11 since I ruined it by leaving in the rain-I swear it was in my purses

DD13 may get a new ipod, she got one several years ago but the newer ones have screens and stuff-Yes I am Ipod illiterate.

The gift card idea for teens is a great idea, no need to fork over $20 every time they go out!

Oh, I ordered a pillow type pet from Tanga for ds6. Aerostopale was having a great sale and I got dd a pair of jeans, a tshirt, hoodie and sweat pants for under $70 shipped!

If the new house doesn't kill me I think I'll throw in a weekend snowtubing trip up north.

 

[soccer_mom4]

DS 10 (will be 11 a few days after Christmas) will be getting an IPOD Touch. . He also has movies (Blind Side) and Itunes gift cards on his list. He loves clothes from his favorite teams -Cubs, Colts & Notre Dame. Grandparents will probably get him IPOD docking station/alarm clock, Wii & DSi games. We have also added Disney gift cards to his list for next summer's grand gathering with entire family.

Biggest gift - upcoming trip to Florida -- been wishing for this trip since last Christmas. Planning to visit IOA/Harry Potter.

 

[Alexander]

I have to say that I feel behind the curve here...I see that alot of kids under 13 already have the ipod, itouch, tv in room, laptop, cell phone, etc, etc...my kids DS11 and DD8 have none of those things. Do any of you ever feel like because sometimes kids get those things so young nowadays that there is 'nowhere to go' as far as gifts when they get older?

For example, DH's brother has gotten all those things and more for our only newphew(7) and now complains every bday and Christmas that he can't think of anything to get his kid because he already has it all...he thinks we are cheap and old fashioned because our kids get clothes, board games, legos, dollhouses, pogo sticks, craft stuff, maybe one DS game, movie passes, etc...

I also worry that if we give our kids too much, too soon that they will grow up to think that all this stuff is easy to come by and will have HUGE sticker shock when they are adults themselves and realize that they cannot continue the lifestyle they enjoyed as children.

Am I alone?

Both of my kids (12 and 4) have LCD TV's, and computers in their bedrooms. The oldest has a Wii, cell phone (I insisted when he went to Middle School and began playing sports), and an iPod touch. I have no idea what to get them for Christmas. The reason they have all of these things is because I have never known what to get them for Christmas! The 4 y/o actually has the TV and computer that were originally the older ones. When they moved bedrooms, we left the electronics behind and bought new stuff that Christmas for the older one. The 12 y/o is aware of exactly how much all of these things cost, so I am not worried at all about sticker shock when he grows up.

The younger one wants a Wii for Christmas for his bedroom because his brother won't let him play his. He will probably get it because I can't stand the constant fighting and screaming. To the PP who said their kids haven't spoken since summer--I could use a week or two of that around here!

My kids are spoiled beyond belief, I know that, they know that. They want for nothing. We are fortunate that we can provide things for them. However, the gift giving is getting harder and harder. The older one is getting to the age when clothes should be important to him, but he could care-a-less about what he wears.

We are spending 2 weeks in WDW for Christmas this year, so gifts will have to be small enough to bring back home. And, I know, the trip should be their gift, but when we visit the world 3-4 times a year, it just doesn't fit as a gift. My kids are spoiled!

 

[rszdtrvl]

My son's birthday is Dec. 9th, and he will be 14 then. He is in 8th grade.

He is getting :

(Birthday) - Rock Band 3, Green Day 21st Century Guitar book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid "The Ugly Truth" book, Scott Pilgrim VS The World DVD, Good Headphones for his Amplifier (he plays electric guitar), and a Digitech RP250 Multi Effects Pedal (used for making different sounds on the electric guitar).

(Christmas) - Laptop (this one : http://www.overstock.com/Electronic...duct.html?keywords=13090351&searchtype=Header ), Lego Minifig Book ( http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Stic...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1287323960&sr=8-1 ), Paper Jamz Guitar and Amp, Super Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS.

All of the above is already purchased. I still need to get : Lot of Guitar Picks (stocking stuffer), Wireless Mouse (for the laptop - again, stocking stuffer), Laptop Bag, and misc. Stocking Stuffers.

edited to add : My son keeps saying that he wants an Ipod Touch too, but he has an MP3 player he never uses!! I think he prefers the old fashioned cd player and a book full of cd's, because his cd player is right by his bed, yet the MP3 player is in the kitchen, sitting in a basket, even though I uploaded a bunch of his cd's on it.

 

[fiveforall]

I'm glad this post is here to give me ideas and help me think!

DD (13) Uggs, PINK lounge set, make-up, iTunes card, and a new purse.

DD (15) new comforter set, new painting for her wall, cushion for her chair (We're revamping the room), Dharma hoodie, iTunes card, and a Barnes and Noble card

DS (11) laptop or netbook(if I can find a fairly cheap one) and Under Armour shirts

I really wanted to spend no more than $300 per child, but we shall see......

 

[kkmcan]

DS is getting the New Wimpy Kid book coming out, a Cabelas wii game, Just Dance 2 Wii game, pjs, Toy Story 3 DVD

DD 13 is getting a new comforter ( for her new beach theme room), Glee season 1 on dvd, a makeup brush set, Camp Rock 2 karaoke, book (not sure what title yet), Pjs.

I need something else for ds to even out the gifts a little. Still working on their lists. Mind you, they asked for electronics (Ds wants a DSI, dd wants a Kindle) but they aren't getting them this year.

They don't need any electronics this year. DD already has an Ipod Nano, a mini netbook (which she purchased herself with saved money) and a Nintendo ds.

Ds has an Ipod Nano, Ipod Touch (which he purchased himself with his saved money), his NintendoDs is broken from so much use.

They have a wii they got for Christmas 3 years ago and a Playstation 2 that Dad bought 7 years ago but it still gets used.

 

[Duckyiam71]

I have to say that I feel behind the curve here...I see that alot of kids under 13 already have the ipod, itouch, tv in room, laptop, cell phone, etc, etc...my kids DS11 and DD8 have none of those things. Do any of you ever feel like because sometimes kids get those things so young nowadays that there is 'nowhere to go' as far as gifts when they get older?

For example, DH's brother has gotten all those things and more for our only newphew(7) and now complains every bday and Christmas that he can't think of anything to get his kid because he already has it all...he thinks we are cheap and old fashioned because our kids get clothes, board games, legos, dollhouses, pogo sticks, craft stuff, maybe one DS game, movie passes, etc...

I also worry that if we give our kids too much, too soon that they will grow up to think that all this stuff is easy to come by and will have HUGE sticker shock when they are adults themselves and realize that they cannot continue the lifestyle they enjoyed as children.

Am I alone?

Nope I am with you too! DS11 has not even asked for these things. I guess we are lucky. This year he may get a cell phone because there are days he walks home because he missed the bus to youth center. My DS LOVES books. He rereads them over and over til they fall apart so he maybe getting a kindle. I dont really know.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

The topic of This thread is the reason we went to WDW the last 2 xmases! Once you have the game systems and electronics, it gets harder IMO. I thought it would be better to do something fun together than get more stuff that keeps everyone in their own world staring at screens (like me on the disboards! LOL!!).

That said, the school calendar doesn't work out for us this year to go again

I will be re-reading everyone's posts for ideas

So far, DS says he wants a rubik's cube. Way cheaper than WDW!

 

[disneybound31]

Both of my kids (12 and 4) have LCD TV's, and computers in their bedrooms. The oldest has a Wii, cell phone (I insisted when he went to Middle School and began playing sports), and an iPod touch. I have no idea what to get them for Christmas. The reason they have all of these things is because I have never known what to get them for Christmas! The 4 y/o actually has the TV and computer that were originally the older ones. When they moved bedrooms, we left the electronics behind and bought new stuff that Christmas for the older one. The 12 y/o is aware of exactly how much all of these things cost, so I am not worried at all about sticker shock when he grows up.

The younger one wants a Wii for Christmas for his bedroom because his brother won't let him play his. He will probably get it because I can't stand the constant fighting and screaming. To the PP who said their kids haven't spoken since summer--I could use a week or two of that around here!

My kids are spoiled beyond belief, I know that, they know that. They want for nothing. We are fortunate that we can provide things for them. However, the gift giving is getting harder and harder. The older one is getting to the age when clothes should be important to him, but he could care-a-less about what he wears.

We are spending 2 weeks in WDW for Christmas this year, so gifts will have to be small enough to bring back home. And, I know, the trip should be their gift, but when we visit the world 3-4 times a year, it just doesn't fit as a gift. My kids are spoiled!

See, I would think the Wii would be a family gift or at least a family item...we do have a Wii- a gift from the grandparents- but it sits in our living room and the whole family uses it. If they fought over it or refused to let each other play then it would go into the closet til they could work it out...

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

DS11 is probably getting: itouch, ihome, night vision goggles, something for Boy Scout camping (not sure what yet) and a ds game.

DS13 is getting a laptop, that's it. I already bought a refurbished one from overstock. He will probably get a couple accessories for it wrapped separately like a mouse and thumb drive. I am thinking I will put some movie passes and a McDonald's gc in his stocking.

DD14 is getting the same as DS13.

I should add that each one of my kids will also get a new pair of pajamas and one or two new books, that's a family tradition. DS13 and DD14 know that if they get laptops that is all they are getting and they are fine with that, there isn't anything else that they want except a new basketball DS mentioned.

 

[Figment's Girl]

I have no idea what to get DS12 for Christmas. He has a cellphone, laptop and iPod Touch knock off but those were all given to him through his grandparents but like I said, the touch is a knockoff, the cellphone is an older style as is the laptop. He has a DS but it is one that he purchased himself through trading in his Gameboy Advanced and saving money.

The problem with him is that he sees his DS5 and his younger cousins getting bigger presents in terms of size and had a hard time realizing that the amount of money is the same.

I'm thinking of redecorating his room, he loves muscle cars so I'm leaning towards that.

 

[limace]

Wow! I'm glad my kids don't read these boards because they would REALLY be feeling deprived . Our main thing this year is a family trip to Maui-my folks are paying for lodging, so we just have to pay for airfare (which is really expensive at Xmas). I still want folks to have stuff to unwrap, so we will do gifts but they'll be scaled back.

DD 13-AE gift card (100 will cost me 50), a necklace and earrings I bought at a Lia Sophia party last summer, couple shirts small things, whimsy kid book, glee cd.

DD4-pillow pet (16 at BB and B yesterday), Christmas dress (18 from Costco), new crocs (7 shipped), other small things.

Xmas jammies for everyone-9 each from the childrens place.

Only posting prices because thanks to this board and slick deals vie had some fret deals already this year!

 

[nettekay]

I know the feeling!! My DS18 is married and is getting a microwave and table and chairs for his house when he gets his first duty station! My Ds 15 asked for a flat screen tv and we were lucky enough to find one last week on sale! a 32 inch for 249 We went ahead and bought it!! Why wait and then end up paying more!!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

Last year we bought our dd 12 (she is now 13) a 64g iPOD touch. 10 months later that sucker is lost. LOST! $400 electronic just gone. I'm so mad. She also dropped her cell phone in the toliet and then it was stolen (and the jerk who did it went on a $1,000 downloading spree, luckily AT&T recogonized it was a drastic change in pattern from our dd's usual use and we did not have to pay it). Of course, the iPOD Nano she bought with her own money two years ago is safe and sound.

Also, we bought our ds 11 (now 12) and ds 7 (now 8) each Nintendo DSs and the 12 year old lost his. He also lost his MP3 player. They've both been found but lesson learned. I seriously thought they'd be more responsible than this. Boy, was I wrong! If they want expensive items like these, they can save their money and buy it themsleves. We will NEVER buy expensive gifts like this again. They are too young, too careless, and perhaps even (I hate to say it but it may be true) spoiled. They need to learn the value of EARNING then maybe they will learn to take better care of their things.

Christmas will be frugal from now on. Clothes, toys, make up, a few small things. They'll live and learn and hopefully be more responsible in the future.

 

[pantherlj]

Despite the constant begging, my 11 1/2 year old will not be getting a cell phone or a laptop for Christmas. Maybe another year or two. Surprisingly, she never asks for a TV in her room. It's nice, one less thing to say no to LOL.

She'll be getting a DS game and Wii game, maybe a sweater (she just last week asked to go to Justice for the first time ever and wears uniforms anyway), a klutz book, latch hook kit and some weather related gifts - she loves weather. I would like to find an earring kit so she could make her own earrings but can't seem to find one for a tween.

What did kids get before electronics were so popular?

 

[MinnieForMe]

No flames here We got our son a 22 inch flat screen last year for Christmas. He absolutely LOVES it!

That's exactly what we are getting our 13 year old!