Clothes needs and Christmas gifts?

[Anonymous]

My DH and I are sort of arguing about what should be done with our DD14 who wants some new winter clothing. She’s already given a humble Christmas list and I’ve purchased most of the things already. With the weather getting colder, she’s asking for a few new tops. She still fits in things from last year, and is fine wearing them, so I do agree these are more “wants” than true “needs”, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with getting a few new wardrobe pieces each season.

So about these tops. DH thinks she should wait until after Christmas, in January, until she gets new clothes. I think, if we are just going to get her new clothes in January anyway, why not just get them now while they are on sale and give them as extra presents?

So what do you think?

(In case anyone asks, she’s the youngest and has an older sibling who is out of the house and is 23, so there won’t be an “unfair” amount of gifts issue.)

[Anonymous]

Buy them now, while on sale. Either give them for Christmas or not, but buy them now, because you might as well take advantage of the sales!

[Anonymous]

I would just buy them now and let her wear them now, so she gets maximum use of them during the cold months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Buy them now, while on sale. Either give them for Christmas or not, but buy them now, because you might as well take advantage of the sales!

+1. Prices will be going up in January.

[Anonymous]

Since everything from last year fits, I'd just get two new tops. No need to go overboard.

[Anonymous]

Most sales have started early. I'd just buy it now.

[Anonymous]

What is your DH’s reason for thinking it needs to wait until January, which literally starts one week after Christmas? That just seems bizarre, knowing these items will be on sale now and not in January.

[Anonymous]

Why is DH even consulted about something so mundane?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DH and I are sort of arguing about what should be done with our DD14 who wants some new winter clothing. She’s already given a humble Christmas list and I’ve purchased most of the things already. With the weather getting colder, she’s asking for a few new tops. She still fits in things from last year, and is fine wearing them, so I do agree these are more “wants” than true “needs”, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with getting a few new wardrobe pieces each season.

So about these tops. DH thinks she should wait until after Christmas, in January, until she gets new clothes. I think, if we are just going to get her new clothes in January anyway, why not just get them now while they are on sale and give them as extra presents?

So what do you think?

(In case anyone asks, she’s the youngest and has an older sibling who is out of the house and is 23, so there won’t be an “unfair” amount of gifts issue.)

Why are necessities a part of holiday gift giving? If kid needs or even wants a couple of tops, just buy them already parent

[Anonymous]

I think a good compromise is to buy them now and give them to her in January. Jan is a week after xmas anyway. Even if he wants to wait a few weeks into Jan I still wouldn't care. It's not worth arguing over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is DH even consulted about something so mundane?

Has it not occurred to you that just like people parent differently, people also conduct their relationships differently. Sometimes one person takes care of all the groceries and the kids' needs, while at other times, both parents are involved. Sometimes one person does all outside choruses, and sometimes both people do. I could go on. Do what works for you and stop judging people for doing differently.

[Anonymous]

I would just buy them and give them to her now so that she gets the most wear out of them this winter. I don't understand the point in waiting either until Christmas or January if these are winter clothing items. It's winter.

My family realized a few years back that the tradition of giving things like warm socks, sweaters, and coats at Christmas doesn't make sense because we need them a month earlier. We no longer buy clothes for Christmas and instead just assess clothing needs in early November and buy anything that is needed for the winter season. And the bonus is that then you have the newer items to wear in time for holiday meals and photos, so you really get the most out of them.

[Anonymous]

I like gifting some necessities because it adds to their gift pile and they have more to open. So we often throw in a hoodie or sweatpants or underwear into the Christmas gifts. They love it!

Also, as an aside, I tend to not even tell my DH what I am getting for the kids. That way there are no arguments! So much easier. I buy all the gifts and wrap them too.

[Anonymous]

DH and I don’t talk about gifts at all. I just buy them and wrap them. Don’t talk about it. If he buys anything it’s a bonus and they get even more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like gifting some necessities because it adds to their gift pile and they have more to open. So we often throw in a hoodie or sweatpants or underwear into the Christmas gifts. They love it!

Also, as an aside, I tend to not even tell my DH what I am getting for the kids. That way there are no arguments! So much easier. I buy all the gifts and wrap them too.

Agree with minimal discussion over what you are getting kids. We do some coordinating just to avoid over-buying or doubling up on gifts. But mostly we have our spheres of gift giving and stick to them. I handle clothes, creative items, decor. DH always gets legos and often some outdoor toys. We will both buy books for kids and will generally check in with each other on those. Once in a while one of us has an idea for a big gift and we will discuss that, but we mostly avoid big gifts for Christmas and stick with a selection of smaller but fun items. Usually with a big item (like a bike or a major electronic purchase) it's better to involve the kids in the purchase and not to tie it to a birthday or Christmas.