When you grab a angel off the Angel Tree?

[Anonymous]

How much do you spend?

The little 9 year old I got asked for headphones. If it were my 9 year old, and it was his main gift, I'd probably buy Beats, or whatever is the "hot" headphone du jour, for $150-$200. A niece or nephew would probably get a $40-ish pair of headphones, though, so I was thinking that's what the Angel Tree gift would be too. I don't want to break this kid's heart if he's expecting a pair of Beats by Dre - but I also can't spend $150 on him.

How much would you spend, and what would you get him?

[Anonymous]

Don't spend anything insane. $20-$40 is usually what they ask you to spend because other kids in the family are also on the Angel Tree and they don't want a huge disparity in what the gifts are. One kid can't get Beats from their donor and the other one gets some $10 earbuds, see what I mean?

[Anonymous]

Holy crap, no kid needs $150 headphones. If you spend $40 or so for a nice pair with good reviews, I think that's more than adequate. Not that goes for your kid, as well.

[Anonymous]

I buy a coat, always. I buy some warm clothes and two toys. And always a book. I'd get a midrange pair of headphones.

I can usually keep it under $100.

[Anonymous]

Not = and

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't spend anything insane. $20-$40 is usually what they ask you to spend because other kids in the family are also on the Angel Tree and they don't want a huge disparity in what the gifts are. One kid can't get Beats from their donor and the other one gets some $10 earbuds, see what I mean?

Thanks, OP here. I was thinking about that as well, thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't spend anything insane. $20-$40 is usually what they ask you to spend because other kids in the family are also on the Angel Tree and they don't want a huge disparity in what the gifts are. One kid can't get Beats from their donor and the other one gets some $10 earbuds, see what I mean?

Thanks, OP here. I was thinking about that as well, thank you!

Why you would spend $200 on ear buds for your 9 year old is for another post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't spend anything insane. $20-$40 is usually what they ask you to spend because other kids in the family are also on the Angel Tree and they don't want a huge disparity in what the gifts are. One kid can't get Beats from their donor and the other one gets some $10 earbuds, see what I mean?

Thanks, OP here. I was thinking about that as well, thank you!

Why you would spend $200 on ear buds for your 9 year old is for another post.

Op again. I don't have a 9 year old so I'm not sure what I would do; I was just making an example. But when I have do have a 9 year old, and need help, I'll make sure to come back and ask for your sage advice. Care to provide your info so I can tag you because you appear to be a brilliant parent. In the meantime, thank you for your help on THIS post.

[Anonymous]

I feel bad because when I looked at the tree at our local mall, all the kids were asking for stuff that cost more than what I bought for my own kid. I have a hard time rationalizing spending more on a stranger than my own kid, especially in a lean year for us financially. So I haven't grabbed an Angel yet this year.

Honestly, though, if a kid participating in this program is expecting a $400 game system or a $150 pair of designer headphones, he is setting himself up for a world of disappointment. I get that they're kids, but if your parents are poor enough to be participating in this program, they may have to set their expectations lower than top-of-the-line stuff. (Plus what happens if the parent sells the stuff to pay rent?)

[Anonymous]

I have a 9y old who asked for headphones. He is getting a $35 pair of Skullcandy ones. He asked for Beats. I laughed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 9y old who asked for headphones. He is getting a $35 pair of Skullcandy ones. He asked for Beats. I laughed.

Op again, thank you so much! I'll look on Amazon for skull candy brand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad because when I looked at the tree at our local mall, all the kids were asking for stuff that cost more than what I bought for my own kid. I have a hard time rationalizing spending more on a stranger than my own kid, especially in a lean year for us financially. So I haven't grabbed an Angel yet this year.

Honestly, though, if a kid participating in this program is expecting a $400 game system or a $150 pair of designer headphones, he is setting himself up for a world of disappointment. I get that they're kids, but if your parents are poor enough to be participating in this program, they may have to set their expectations lower than top-of-the-line stuff. (Plus what happens if the parent sells the stuff to pay rent?)

That's exactly why a lot of charities that have giving trees, discourage donors from giving high priced items (though it's not always "to pay rent.")

[Anonymous]

Akways give items that are not easily sold like plain clothing (nothing North Face especially) or simple toys and books that will engage a child but have little street value. Toys for Tots discourages anything that will be taken from a child and sold

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Akways give items that are not easily sold like plain clothing (nothing North Face especially) or simple toys and books that will engage a child but have little street value. Toys for Tots discourages anything that will be taken from a child and sold

The implication of this is so depressing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't spend anything insane. $20-$40 is usually what they ask you to spend because other kids in the family are also on the Angel Tree and they don't want a huge disparity in what the gifts are. One kid can't get Beats from their donor and the other one gets some $10 earbuds, see what I mean?

Thanks, OP here. I was thinking about that as well, thank you!

Why you would spend $200 on ear buds for your 9 year old is for another post.

Op again. I don't have a 9 year old so I'm not sure what I would do; I was just making an example. But when I have do have a 9 year old, and need help, I'll make sure to come back and ask for your sage advice. Care to provide your info so I can tag you because you appear to be a brilliant parent. In the meantime, thank you for your help on THIS post.

LOL- I love you for this OP!