Should Santa bring the Battery Powered Car to Drive?

[Anonymous]

Against (what should be) our better judgment, my DH and I are strongly considering giving Santa the OK to bring a miniature Jeep for 2 & 3 yo DS's. You know, the kind they can ride in and the kind I'm sure takes up WAAAYYY too much room in the garage and costs a lot in replacement batteries and that they will likely fall out of? Yeah, that one. Still, DH is convinced that their joy at seeing it under the tree as well as the actual (and constant) use of the toy (as opposed to more blocks, etc...) is worth it.

Has anyone gone this route before? Are we really insane? Anyone have a used one they are trying to get rid of???

[Anonymous]

Do they even want one? Or is just something your DH really wanted as a child.

[Anonymous]

No. Bring them a trike or something they can play with. They won't use it.

[Anonymous]

They'll probably like and use it if you have room for them
to do so. I wouldn't expect many here to approve though.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Yes, 3 year old has told us he wants it (there's no way anyone's getting one for themselves though -- Santa would put both names on that sticker), so it's not just DH. However, DH was away for last Christmas (military) and so, so wants this one to be, I don't know, magical, I suppose. We have the space for it and we already have trikes/bikes, so this would be one more thing in the "getting smaller by the day" garage.

I totally want DH and the kids to have that moment. I just don't know about the cost and whether or not it is something they will actually play with. That's why I'm hoping someone who actually owns this thing might weigh in!

[Anonymous]

My kids LOVED theirs and played with them until they were halfway through elementary school. Best money we ever spent if you look at how much they got played with. In fact, this year Santa is bringing one for our youngest (much younger than the other kids in the family). Also, the batteries don't have to be replaced - they are rechargeable.

[Anonymous]

DH grew up with not a ton of money, probably always wanted one and now has the means to give it to DS. Clearly, I become the not so proud owner of every item like this that hits the market. I would say that the best time to get it is in the spring. As soon as it snows the car is out of commission for the season...

[Anonymous]

Grandma santa sent this to us a few years ago.... I promptly hauled it back to JCP where it came from. I did not feel that my 3 year old had the necessary judgment and foresight to steer herself and slow down before hitting something. I felt it was a safety risk that was not age-appropriate.

Take it for what it's worth... I also am the parent who buys my 5 and 8 yr olds Tinker Toys and puzzles and a magic kit b/c I don't like all the screamy-electronic toys. I also find that my kids like the kinds of toys that require them to put something together or engage more.

[Anonymous]

My neighbors gone 2 for their 2 girls a few years ago. I live in a townhome. Where they stored those things, I have no idea, but the girls were riding them NON STOP.

FWIW - Santa has one for our 3yo DS also. I would have preferred to wait until March for his bday but I think Daddy is trying to make up for the fact that he really wanted one when he was a kid and his parents couldn't afford it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, get it! Little kids LOVE these "mini" cars!! Your kids will have a blast.

Also, I always see people those at craigslist, so you can check it there for used (cheaper) ones. They usually ask $50.00 for used ones.

Enjoy your magical x-mas.

[Anonymous]

They will have a blast. Go for it OP

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Go For It. The kids will love it. Your DH will be happy.

Be sure to record the moment they see it. I'm sure it will be priceless.

[Anonymous]

We have the john deere tractor one and that thing gets driven every day unless it is raining or snowing. We have a large property so the kids just have a blast in the yard...never take it on the pavement. Go for it!!!

[Anonymous]

FYI, I got a race version of this for my son's 4th birthday a few years ago when he was obsessed with NASCAR. We are long since past that obsession but the car was a huge hit and remains very useful - he can still squeeze into as a tall 7.5yo and his younger brother is desperate to use it solo now as well. I rationalized this because we live on a busy street, and so many of the typical outdoor toys (scooter, bike, etc) don't get as much use as they might if we were on an isolated cul-de-sac. On the other hand, the car can operate on the grassy backyard where he can play safely without quite so much hands-on supervision. I wouldn't spend crazy money, but ours was well worth the $150 or so I paid.