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

[DCLbrideSept2009]

I was a single parent from the time my oldest was 10 and youngest was 5. My oldest didn't get an iPOD until well after all her friends did. I got her a refurbished one I believe it was probably Christmas 2007 (so she was 13) and it was the previous generation and all of her friends were getting the new one. I had to SCRAPE the $80 together to get that refurb. Now I am remarried, she is 16 and now has a laptop (about a year ago, so when she was 15, well after most of her friends), iPhone, newer iPod, *USE* of her "own" car (MY car, but it is a third car, so she has exclusive use of it, but it's still OURS, NOT HERS and she must help maintain it.) She is somewhat spoiled now, but not nearly as much as most of her friends. Her laptop was out of necessity (wanted her off of mine). Car is out of necessity. (We have 4 kids and having a third driver and car in the house really helps out.)

Our 3 younger ones are 11, 11 and 8. The 11-year-olds will be (hopefully, if we can find a decent deal) getting computers/laptops for Christmas. The computer they use now is my 11-year-old dd's from about 5 years ago. They share it and it is on its last legs. We do feel that the 8-yo (she'll be 9 in January) is too young/irresponsible for her own computer, especially a laptop. So she might continue to use the old computer or we might get her a desktop if we can get a deal on it. Otherwise, I'm not sure what we're getting her. Last year was an "iPod Christmas"... then 7-yo got a reburb older iPod, then 10-yo got a new iPod and the other (7 months older) then 10-yo got an iPod Touch (we got a REALLY good deal on it!)

 

[mickeynminnie08]

I am trying to Christmas on a budget (as I do every year). I have three children (never spent more than 700.00 on the three of them together), 10 neices and nephews, 2 sisters, a brother, two sets of parents, one set of grandparents, and my husband to buy for (oh and three young cousins). AAAAAAHHHH! It seems like SOOO much more when I write it all down.
I have everyone but the parents, one grandparent, husband, my kids, and 2 of the three cousins. Of course, these are the people that I spend the most money on.

My DD (11) wants AG stuff, she bought her doll 2 years ago with money she saved so it's just clothes she wants. Oldest DS (15) wants band shirts and skinny jeans; and Money as always! DS (14) wants a new compound bow and a metal detector. We always try to get several small things and then one big thing, but both DS(14) choices are SOOO expensive.

 

[angierae]

I set a dollar amount at Christmas, and DD15 knows that's all I'm going to spend. So if she wants a iPod or a digital camera or whatever, she gets it, but then she doesn't get much else.

Last year she got a new digital camera, $100 towards Disney (we went in May) and a few other things to get us to our $ amount (which is usually around $350)

Honestly, I'd rather buy an expensive piece of electronics than a ton of little crap that will get used for a few months and then forgotten. She uses her camera constantly, her iPod is two years old and she still uses it every single day, etc.

One thing I will pay for is a year of online for her xbox. She saved up for the wireless adapter herself and bought a couple months, but I'll gift her with a year.

(She doesn't lose things, either. She's pretty responsible with her stuff, because she knows I only buy things once - if you lose it or break it, you save up to replace it yourself.)

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

DD18 would like a new sewing machine, bamboo tablet, an anime dvd, and a PSP game.

DS10 would like an ipod touch. He will be 11 the first week in January, but I'm not keen on the idea. Still seems a bit young to me. I'm hoping I can find one that is comparable. He would also like some Nerf guns and legos.

I have their stockings stuffers pretty much figured out, but not purchased yet. The will be getting Ramune soda, Japanese candy, Pocky, a gift card, Iwako erasers, and some scratch off lottery tickets. I might add a few other things depending on what I find.

What anime dvd does she like? My DD loves the Studio Ghibli movies, I was wondering what other's she could watch and see if she likes.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

It does get harder when they are older. They are too old for toys and too young for some things and everything costs more.

My son will be 12 by Christmas and he wants an Ipod touch. Eek! Video games, he needs some clothes and new pjs.

Dvds? Books?

 

[mommyof2princesses]

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?

Can I say that I love you! We do not buy a ton for our girls. My 15 year old has a laptop that she paid 80% of. Grandparents paid the other 20% for her. We usually buy clothes, dvd's, itune cards, board games, etc. She does not have a cell phone either and if she wants one she will have to get a job to pay for it! dd7 usually gets some toys, books, board games. We also usually get 1 family wii game.

I have nothing against those who buy a lot for their children. They have the money and they can do what they want, but I grew up in a time where we didn't have much money and valued the small things we got at Christmas and I want my kids to grow up the same. We only spend about $500 total at Christmas and that includes family gifts, our tree (we get a real one) and any new decorations we buy including gift wrap and candy!

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

My children have their own laptops. I am glad they have them as they are needed to do school work. Their English class now has homework that has to be done online. As children get older a laptop is no longer considered a luxury, but as a school supply. I wonder if you can put the cost of a laptop on your taxes as a school supply.

 

[Mkaz]

What anime dvd does she like? My DD loves the Studio Ghibli movies, I was wondering what other's she could watch and see if she likes.

I want to say Hetalia Axis Powers (The complete second season), but I'm not 100 percent sure on that. I'll have her write it down for me because I cannot keep them straight.

 

[pklein09]

I have 4 kids, and they're the only grandkids/neices/nephews, so they get lots of gifts. One year, my mom brought more for them than Santa! This year dd14 is getting a $50 gc to Disney for her HS chorus trip, ds13 is getting a Wii game (new Disney one....can't remember name), dd12 is getting a new bike, and ds10 is also getting a Wii game (new Mario game). The Wii games are $50 a pop because they're new. I will fill in with underwear (traditional) and a new toothbrush (also traditional - we've started trying to guess the color because we know it's a toothbrush!). I'll do scratch-off lottery tickets, Pocky, face powder, blistex, etc for stocking stuffers. The 2 youngest have birthdays in November, so that gets interesting too. I told my mom to buy TS3 and Diary of a Wimpy Kid (latest book) for DS 10. I will probably tell someone to buy DD12 a basket for her bike (I found a beach-type bike at walmart for $100 - very cute). I typically spend $800 or less for all their Christmas presents. One other thing I've started doing is having them shop with me for a Secret Santa from church. They get a kick out of shopping for a kid that's about their age that they've never met.

 

[robinb]

I know this is for (1) 12 and up and (2) Christmas and my DD is 11 and celebrates Hanukkah ... but I'm posting anyway .

My DD wants another American Girl doll. I'm going to the AG Holiday Benefit sale for the Madison Children's Museum next month and I hope to pick her up a cheaper "Just Like You" doll. She also wants a pair of High Top Converse Chuckies.

 

[jjatwdw]

Best parenting advice I ever read was not to get your kids anything that alienated them from the family or allowed them to sequester themselves in their rooms all the time.
We have DS24, in graduate school, DD19, in college, and DS10. Not one of them has even had a tv in their room. They received lap tops when they graduated from high school. They didn't get cell phones until high school. We finally broke down three years ago and brought a family Wii for Christmas, and sometimes I wish I hadn't given in on that. For Christmas they get things like movies, books, games, clothes, toys. Big ticket items include sewing machines, bikes, cameras, video games or ipod nanos.
We have the money to spend on tvs and computers. We just choose not to. All three of ours are excellent students. We have never had any problems with them. None of them have ever felt left out because they didn't have the latest gadget.

 

[littlezar]

15 yr old is getting Xbox 360, 13 year old is getting a laptop.

 

[Crystal0608]

We are moving in a few weeks and each kid will get their own room plus a big yard, so I've told the kids the house is our big family gift. I'm hoping BF has some awesome sales this year. DD is getting a flat screen w/ built in dvd player, bike, chair for her new room, art supplies, her own flat iron & hairdryer, (we currently share a bathroom), B&BW stuff, pjs, shoes, and books. DS will get the same flat screen, bike, camping tent, Wii games, books, Axe spray, pjs, and shoes.

 

[mhsjax]

Best parenting advice I ever read was not to get your kids anything that alienated them from the family or allowed them to sequester themselves in their rooms all the time.
We have DS24, in graduate school, DD19, in college, and DS10. Not one of them has even had a tv in their room. They received lap tops when they graduated from high school. They didn't get cell phones until high school. We finally broke down three years ago and brought a family Wii for Christmas, and sometimes I wish I hadn't given in on that. For Christmas they get things like movies, books, games, clothes, toys. Big ticket items include sewing machines, bikes, cameras, video games or ipod nanos.
We have the money to spend on tvs and computers. We just choose not to. All three of ours are excellent students. We have never had any problems with them. None of them have ever felt left out because they didn't have the latest gadget.

Glad your kids turned out fine, but I think mine will too even though they do have electronics. Personally, I want my kids in their rooms after a certain time on the weekend, and these items give them something to do. I like my alone time.

As far as laptops, many kids these days need them for school. My DH is one his all the time for work, so sorry but he can't give his up and I have 3 that have to turn in work that is done on the laptop.


My point is, if you don't want to give kids these things then fine, no one has to, but some of us do. And my kids aren't any worse off because of it and they aren't any better because of it. It is all a choice.

My kids would disown me if I gave them books. I can't help it, they hate to read, yet they are all in AP or pre AP classes. It is Christmas and they will get what they ask for within reason. Because for the other 364 days, they don't ask and if they do, it is usually no, or buy it with your own money and they do.

 

[mhsjax]

We are moving in a few weeks and each kid will get their own room plus a big yard, so I've told the kids the house is our big family gift. I'm hoping BF has some awesome sales this year. DD is getting a flat screen w/ built in dvd player, bike, chair for her new room, art supplies, her own flat iron & hairdryer, (we currently share a bathroom), B&BW stuff, pjs, shoes, and books. DS will get the same flat screen, bike, camping tent, Wii games, books, Axe spray, pjs, and shoes.

Sounds like you kids are going to have a great Christmas.

 

[momto2inKC]

I think with everything, moderation is the key. Yes, my kids have game systems, cell phones, computers, etc... but they both are also avid readers, love to jump on the trampoline, spend weekends at the lake, ride bikes, etc...When I was their age, I no longer asked for toys either I wanted a Nintendo, books, radio, etc.. My daughter has never liked baby dolls and has been out of the Barbie stage for several years. My son has never been much of a Lego kid, but was really into Thomas the tank engine. But around 7, he wasn't into that anymore.
I agree with what another poster said, i'd rather spend more money on an electronic that I know will get great use, than spending that money on toys that they are just too old for or uninterested in. That happened last year with those Zhu Zhu pets. They got played with once and since then have been in the cats toy basket
Looking forward to seeing more ideas in this thread

 

[typeamom72]

Three years ago, I added up the receipts after Christmas and almost had a heart attack I love to spoil my 3 girls, but realized that I had to draw a line. I created the following guideline: everyone - including dh and me - receives

1 thing we want, 1 thing we need, 1 thing to play with, and 1 thing to read

The 'need' is usually clothes. And, since my girls are 12, 6, and 3, Santa still brings presents - usually one 'big ticket' item like a dollhouse, Nintendo, etc - and a few smaller stocking stuffers.

Surprisingly, I haven't had a single complaint from my kids. They love trying to guess what their gift for each category might be.

To stick with the original thread, my 12 year old is going to get new clothes from Aeropostale (need), the Toy Story Mania Wii game (play with), Step Up 3 on dvd (want), and I haven't picked a book yet(read). In years past, Santa has given her an inexpensive digital camera and her DS. She has an iPod touch that she paid for and is currently saving for a Netbook. Santa's 'big gift' this year will probably be $100 in gift cards to her favorite stores.

 

[timzagain]

DD12 - wants an iPod touch. Found a good deal on an old model, so she will get that. She has said repeatedly that the touch is all she wants - which is just as well, because my budget won't accomodate the touch and the usual bunch of smaller presents too!

DD18 - wants things like a spa day, gold jewelry. She has every gadget known to man, so no electronics for her!

DSD 18 - no clue, but money or jewelry always work for her!

I have not figured out what to get my 13 yr old nephew. I had bought him speakers for the MP3 a few weeks ago. My sister completely forgot that I told her my gift plans and gave him speakers recently! Now I have to think of something else for him.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

My kids have a ton of electronics-DH has a custom A/V bus so they love it too. They have it all-cells,netbooks,bluray,flatscreens(big ones)...They are the tech stuff all the time due to the bus so it is not that big a deal to them.
My ideas on what to get changes week by week.
This year they each want a new phone with the Droid platform. There is usually a video game they want. Maybe a new basketball net(other finally fell apart),maybe golf clubs for each. There will be some books,(Fablehaven,new Riordan)board games, bluray movies, and small items like candy,green laser pointer(big hit last year and constantly used by both),new wallt,sunglasses...
While I sit here thinking about it, my house is like a guy heaven-tools,go karts,pingpong,airhockey,golf cart,big screens,airsoft and real guns,skateboards,bmx,model trains,...wonder what would the house be like if I had girls? Bigger closets?

 

[aprilgail2]

My DD 12 out grew "toys" at a very early age. She never played with dolls. It has been difficult. My oldest DS 13 always wanted lego's but had now outgrown them. My only little guy is 9 and he has outgrown toys somewhat. they all want electronics. So this year they will all get TV's in their rooms. Let the flames begin. lol

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My 10 year old daughter was never really into dolls- she has a few american girl dolls that just sit there that she does not touch or play with...
She bought herself an itouch so that is off the list- got a laptop last birthday. She won 4 one day hopper tickets to disney at a chinese auction, sold them and bought herself a TV for her room with the money.
I think for Christmas she will get things for her "kid cave"- we redid the basement into a rec room and she wants things like a new ping pong table etc to go down there. She wants itunes gift cards, hollister gift cards, abercrombie gift cards for her birthday (November) and she wants a new make up case with new make up so I already got her that-she only had the little kiddie type one so I got her a real one since she is now in Jr High LOL. I picked up a few things already too like harry potter lego for Wii, 3 shirts from Aero. We do christmas in a big way, not just for her but my mom, brother and relatives all do it up big. When we go to the cousins for Christmas and everyone brings their gifts to exchange it takes hours for everyone to unwrap everything!