When Santa's list gets more expensive

[KAMKIM]

My oldest DD (8) made her list for Santa. She didn't ask for a lot of things (maybe 10 items) those items added up to over $1000

Well she still believes in Santa, or atleast wants to believe and is too afraid to say she doesnt. Anyways, my youngest is 5 and has asked for the usual toys, dolls, doll house, dress up clothes ect.

I told my DH if I got DD8 most of what is on her list she is going to have a very expensive yet very small pile of presents.

What do you guys do once your kids get past the toy stage? Should I sit her down and explain to her that DD5 asked for toys and not electronics so it may look like she got more christmas morning?

I dont want to upset DD8 if she wakes up and only sees a small handful of presents for her.

Normally I get them an even amount of gifts, both in size and quantity. This year DD8 asked for a digital camera and a PSP so there is no way I can come up with other "big" presents for her if she gets those.


Eh, this is a tough age to buy for...but she really didn't ask for any toys.

 

[DVCLiz]

My oldest DD (8) made her list for Santa. She didn't ask for a lot of things (maybe 10 items) those items added up to over $1000

Well she still believes in Santa, or atleast wants to believe and is too afraid to say she doesnt. Anyways, my youngest is 5 and has asked for the usual toys, dolls, doll house, dress up clothes ect.

I told my DH if I got DD8 most of what is on her list she is going to have a very expensive yet very small pile of presents.

What do you guys do once your kids get past the toy stage? Should I sit her down and explain to her that DD5 asked for toys and not electronics so it may look like she got more christmas morning?

I dont want to upset DD8 if she wakes up and only sees a small handful of presents for her.

Normally I get them an even amount of gifts, both in size and quantity. This year DD8 asked for a digital camera and a PSP so there is no way I can come up with other "big" presents for her if she gets those.


Eh, this is a tough age to buy for...but she really didn't ask for any toys.

My daughters are 5 years apart, so there were a few years we had two believers but only one old enough to ask for some of those items. And like you, I like to have the same number of packages under the tree for each child!!

I just found things I could wrap up and did that until my younger daughter "caught up" to the older one. For example, I might have gotten a scarf and glove set so I would wrap those separately - scarf in one box and pair of gloves in another. Also, I started adding some smaller things that the older daughter would think were cool - so I put a boxed set of lip gloss under the tree - pretty cheap from Target but a huge impact because it was the first time she had been allowed to wear it, etc.

You can be creative and you can also say when Santa sees that things other than toys are on a child's list he sometimes has to make choices and leave out some other things.

 

[Minnie824]

My DD8 has her main christmas list of american girl stuff...over $700, which is not happening. I have told her to prioritize her list, because there is no way that she can get all that, plus other things on her list. I would have her do that, then also, get some little things..my DD is really into necklaces and keychains and games. I also have explained to DD in the past (she wanted a $225 bean bag chair for her bday)...that she could get one thing like that, or 10 other things she wanted. She told me to forget the chair.

 

[KAMKIM]

My daughters are 5 years apart, so there were a few years we had two believers but only one old enough to ask for some of those items. And like you, I like to have the same number of packages under the tree for each child!!

I just found things I could wrap up and did that until my younger daughter "caught up" to the older one. For example, I might have gotten a scarf and glove set so I would wrap those separately - scarf in one box and pair of gloves in another. Also, I started adding some smaller things that the older daughter would think were cool - so I put a boxed set of lip gloss under the tree - pretty cheap from Target but a huge impact because it was the first time she had been allowed to wear it, etc.

You can be creative and you can also say when Santa sees that things other than toys are on a child's list he sometimes has to make choices and leave out some other things.

DD8 did ask for some cheaper things like a new fleece blanket she saw at Kohls she really liked, it's a decent size rolled up and only $12....so that might work. Of course the PSP is TINY and costs the most but there isn't much I can do about that.

Thanks for suggestion I'll have to think of some "filler" presents for her.

 

[ICF]

What all did an 8 year old ask for that came up to an avg of $100 / each?

Was there a XBOX / PS3 or Wii in there or an IPod touch, in addition to the PSP and camera?

My 9 year old might want to ask for 1 or 2 overly expensive items he won't be getting, but I can't imagine he'd ever come up with $1000 for 10 items.

 

[TriMom]

Well, as you know, Elves only know how to make toys. Santa has to outsource for digital cameras, an PSP's.

I like the idea of "filler" gifts.

Hmmm, maybe Santa can bring ME some socks? I seem to be running low

 

[KAMKIM]

My DD8 has her main christmas list of american girl stuff...over $700, which is not happening. I have told her to prioritize her list, because there is no way that she can get all that, plus other things on her list. I would have her do that, then also, get some little things..my DD is really into necklaces and keychains and games. I also have explained to DD in the past (she wanted a $225 bean bag chair for her bday)...that she could get one thing like that, or 10 other things she wanted. She told me to forget the chair.

I did explain to her that if she asked for electronics that meant she would not get alot of toys. She said okay, but I am thinking Christmas morning she would be disappointed. But I wouldn't even know what kind of toys to buy her anyways, she isn't into the barbies, or dolls any more....she grew up too fast.

 

[EthansMom]

At our house, Santa fills the stockings and brings one or two moderately priced presents because he has to give presents to all the little boys and girls and that could be pretty dang expensive. Mom and Dad supply the rest of the presents, including any big ticket items. This makes it easier for me to say, "Well, that item is too expensive for Santa and I'm not spending that much money on it either!"

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

How about wrapping the Ipod or PSP in a much bigger, lavish box with lots of bows so that it "looks" as expensive as it actually is?

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I have always told my children that Mommy and Daddy have to pay for all of the toys that Santa brings. That's why some children get more than others and why we buy toys for the Angel Tree every year. I even leave a check written to Santa with the cookies and milk...and carrots for the reindeer!! This year dd9...will be 10 by Christmas...has a list of expensive items...netbook, cell phone, etc. She fully understands that Santa can only bring what we will pay for, so if she wants something expensive she'll have fewer presents.

 

[mom2grace]

Well, as you know, Elves only know how to make toys. Santa has to outsource for digital cameras, an PSP's.

I like the idea of "filler" gifts.

Hmmm, maybe Santa can bring ME some socks? I seem to be running low

You are so smart.....I'm wrapping my head around this strategy, although Santa is bringing Beatles Rockband....simply cause the lyrics are rated "g" ish. Grandpa bought the wii last year.

My 8 yr old DD only asks for 1 thing, so I kill myself trying to get it for her. Plus, this is probably her last year as a believer. I can't until she knows and she chastises her younger brother about his list!

Oh yeah, the one gift is pretty much her idea, plus surprises. Love that girl! It's a smart strategy, when you have a child who doesn't ask for much, she usually gets what she asks for.....this could come back to bite me later!!

 

[KAMKIM]

What all did an 8 year old ask for that came up to an avg of $100 / each?

Was there a XBOX / PS3 or Wii in there or an IPod touch, in addition to the PSP and camera?

My 9 year old might want to ask for 1 or 2 overly expensive items he won't be getting, but I can't imagine he'd ever come up with $1000 for 10 items.

She alread has an Ipod and a Wii so she asked for somethings to go with those...

Netbook 350

PSP 250

2 games for PSP 80

Camera 100

gymnastic mats 300

Some stuffed animal wow ee or something like that 60

CD/Ipod dock 100

Toy Story Mania for Wii 60.00

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Also, make sure all accessories for the Ipod/PSP are wrapped separately (i.e., each game, a cover or skin, maybe some extra headphones in a cool colour).

 

[KAMKIM]

How about wrapping the Ipod or PSP in a much bigger, lavish box with lots of bows so that it "looks" as expensive as it actually is?

Now that is a good idea!

 

[princess momma]

Gosh, I'm glad it's not just me thinking wish lists have gotten way more expensive this year. Everything my kids want is so expensive, and if I get them the expensive stuff they want (like DSi's & Wii games) that's about all they'll be getting.

 

[KAMKIM]

I have always told my children that Mommy and Daddy have to pay for all of the toys that Santa brings. That's why some children get more than others and why we buy toys for the Angel Tree every year. I even leave a check written to Santa with the cookies and milk...and carrots for the reindeer!! This year dd9...will be 10 by Christmas...has a list of expensive items...netbook, cell phone, etc. She fully understands that Santa can only bring what we will pay for, so if she wants something expensive she'll have fewer presents.

My DD wants the netbook too but I've pretty much written that off in my mind that I'm not getting it this year. Maybe next year...

 

[KAMKIM]

Gosh, I'm glad it's not just me thinking wish lists have gotten way more expensive this year. Everything my kids want is so expensive, and if I get them the expensive stuff they want (like DSi's & Wii games) that's about all they'll be getting.

Just a fair warning, we bought the DSi last year and it already isn't recognizing the games.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We have always told our kids (when they were old enough to "get" making lists for Christmas) that Santa can only work within the limits of each family's budget. That's how they were able to understand the existence of giving trees. (why do "we" need to buy stuff if Santa gets it all.) So everyear, just before they are ready to mark up that Toys R Us toy book (or whatever catalogue suits their fancy), they ask us what the budget is. I have them so well versed that they don't really ask for more than what the budget is. If they happened to ask for the high demand toy of the season, I Will have them pick another item just in case.

This will work for us this year as Christmas had to be severely cut in our house from what our children are used to. So my kids know the budgetary limits (when asked) and know not to go hog wild on gift requests--even when the budget is bigger.

They know this christmas will have no electronics, no AG dolls and really no gift over the $30-$50 price range.

They took it upon themselves to find several gifts that add up to that range instead of one big gift.

Thus--we make room for the magic of Santa but within the realities of our individual family.

FWIW--my 9yo knows the secret (figured it out).

And my dd is homeschooled, so I don't know if that makes a difference in that her requests may be what a younger child might ask for...

But she requested the Littlest Pet shop adoption center and a pack of a bunch of LPS pets (adds up to about $50) and my 7yo requested Some my little pony gumball house and a strawberry shortcake doll and a barbie movie (also adds up to $50).

The 7yo got a DS for her birthday (prior to DH's job loss). She gave up her birthday party so she could have that. (She came up to me one day several months ago asking what her birthday present budget was, how much a birthday party costs and a cost of a DS. She figured out if she gave up the party, we'd have enough money for a DS and she was pleased with her choice.) I was AMAZED at her maturity. She didn't bat an eye or shed a tear over her lost party. She was truly happy with getting her DS.


9yo already has a DS. At the time, she still wanted a BD party that year, so the deal was she had to come up with half the money. Well, she had First communion about 2 months before her B-day and totally lucked out and was able to quickly come up with her half of the money. (In her case, she was quite happy to do this. I'm pretty sure that she would have sulked over missing a b-day party in lieu of a toy, but she was quite content with spending money for a portion of the cost of the toy.)


ETA: Oh--laptops, computers, etc + cell phones and ipods are off limits for several years. I am not wealthy enough to give 4 kids these items when they are 10-12 yo.

 

[KAMKIM]

We have always told our kids (when they were old enough to "get" making lists for Christmas) that Santa can only work within the limits of each family's budget. That's how they were able to understand the existence of giving trees. (why do "we" need to buy stuff if Santa gets it all.) So everyear, just before they are ready to mark up that Toys R Us toy book (or whatever catalogue suits their fancy), they ask us what the budget is. I have them so well versed that they don't really ask for more than what the budget is. If they happened to ask for the high demand toy of the season, I Will have them pick another item just in case.

This will work for us this year as Christmas had to be severely cut in our house from what our children are used to. So my kids know the budgetary limits (when asked) and know not to go hog wild on gift requests--even when the budget is bigger.

They know this christmas will have no electronics, no AG dolls and really no gift over the $30-$50 price range.

They took it upon themselves to find several gifts that add up to that range instead of one big gift.

Thus--we make room for the magic of Santa but within the realities of our individual family.

FWIW--my 9yo knows the secret (figured it out).

And my dd is homeschooled, so I don't know if that makes a difference in that her requests may be what a younger child might ask for...

But she requested the Littlest Pet shop adoption center and a pack of a bunch of LPS pets (adds up to about $50) and my 7yo requested Some my little pony gumball house and a strawberry shortcake doll and a barbie movie (also adds up to $50).

The 7yo got a DS for her birthday (prior to DH's job loss). She gave up her birthday party so she could have that. (She came up to me one day several months ago asking what her birthday present budget was, how much a birthday party costs and a cost of a DS. She figured out if she gave up the party, we'd have enough money for a DS and she was pleased with her choice.) I was AMAZED at her maturity. She didn't bat an eye or shed a tear over her lost party. She was truly happy with getting her DS.


9yo already has a DS. At the time, she still wanted a BD party that year, so the deal was she had to come up with half the money. Well, she had First communion about 2 months before her B-day and totally lucked out and was able to quickly come up with her half of the money. (In her case, she was quite happy to do this. I'm pretty sure that she would have sulked over missing a b-day party in lieu of a toy, but she was quite content with spending money for a portion of the cost of the toy.)


ETA: Oh--laptops, computers, etc + cell phones and ipods are off limits for several years. I am not wealthy enough to give 4 kids these items when they are 10-12 yo.

I am thinking I'm going to have to let DD know she has a budget too. Last year they asked for the Wii and some games so alot of the christmas budget went into that but I got them sleds which was a really "big" present under the tree, as well as bean bag chairs so those really made up for the lack of big gifts.

 

[merekc]

Obviously each family does the gift thing differently. Looking at your DD's list (if she were my kid), I would take some of the ideas and keep them in mind for her birthday. I personally wouldn't buy that many expensive items for one holiday (again everyone is different, I'm not flaming). I would buy an expensive item or whatever in my budget and use fillers.

I wanted to make a suggestion. On the PSP, price wise it looks like she might be asking for the new PSPgo. If you think you can get away with the older versions of PSPs (like the 3000) you will save a lot of money. They run about $70-$100 less. In addition, you can pick up the UMD movies and games for fairly cheap. I regularly pick up games and movies for $5 (both new and used). This week at Best Buy (I think) there were UMD movies for $7.