What does your 8-10 year old son want for Christmas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

Just because you can afford it, it doesn't mean you should buy it. It's short-sighted in terms of your parenting, and also very typical of newly moneyed folk.

This list is well above average in terms of quantity and price. Unless you intend to not have your child or his children work for his living, please realize that he will have a rude awakening when he finds that his odd jobs and starting salary will not be able to keep up with his desires. He may turn down opportunities and close doors simply because nothing will be good enough. I know people like this - I may even know you in real life (do you send your son to St John's Episcopal?).

A word to the wise... tone it down gradually.

PP, a word to the wise, if you send your kid to St. John's IRL, don't you think you are wasting your money, b/d you obviously such a judgmental bitch that really your kid is beyond help? Lay off the PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

Just because you can afford it, it doesn't mean you should buy it. It's short-sighted in terms of your parenting, and also very typical of newly moneyed folk.

This list is well above average in terms of quantity and price. Unless you intend to not have your child or his children work for his living, please realize that he will have a rude awakening when he finds that his odd jobs and starting salary will not be able to keep up with his desires. He may turn down opportunities and close doors simply because nothing will be good enough. I know people like this - I may even know you in real life (do you send your son to St John's Episcopal?).

A word to the wise... tone it down gradually.

PP, a word to the wise, if you send your kid to St. John's IRL, don't you think you are wasting your money, b/d you obviously such a judgmental bitch that really your kid is beyond help? Lay off the PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

This is a huge number of gifts.

I posted it and there are a lot of gifts, plus he'll receive some other gifts and gift cards from grandparents. We always buy many items for Christmas and birthdays - we probably spend the same (or less) on Christmas as those with large immediate and extended families, but we buy for fewer people.

It's not about the spending for me. It's about other things. To each his own, though.

Huge list. You must be a 1%er. Seriously, that list is insane and sending the wrong message. Your child will be accustomed to receiving so much for birthdays and christmas. What happens when that child grows up and can't keep the pace with buying him/herself all the things they want? Will you continue to provide or will your child sink themselves into bankruptcy? Not a sermon, just a thought

We're not 1%ers, but we only have one child and were a little older when he was born so were already settled professionally. What message, exactly, is it sending? That his parents are educated with good jobs and didn't rush into having a family and then have more children then they could afford? Your attitude really aggravates me because my parents gave me a lot growing up and paid for my education (as I will do for my child), yet I didn't grow up entitled or in bankruptcy. I am a generous person with a solid work ethic and while you don't think you gave me a sermon, you sure as hell judged me and you know it.

I'm judging you too. That is far too many gifts. I question the values you are passing onto your son by barraging him with gifts at Christmas. I prefer a much more simple, less commercially focused holiday.

Why are you judging me for my choices?. I don't judge your wish to celebrate a less commercial focused holiday - to each his/her own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

This is a huge number of gifts.

I really thought this list was snark or a joke, but I guess not. To each her own, I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

Just because you can afford it, it doesn't mean you should buy it. It's short-sighted in terms of your parenting, and also very typical of newly moneyed folk.

This list is well above average in terms of quantity and price. Unless you intend to not have your child or his children work for his living, please realize that he will have a rude awakening when he finds that his odd jobs and starting salary will not be able to keep up with his desires. He may turn down opportunities and close doors simply because nothing will be good enough. I know people like this - I may even know you in real life (do you send your son to St John's Episcopal?).

A word to the wise... tone it down gradually.

My child goes to publuc school and it's not well above average within our social group, nor are we newly moneyed. My son understands that the gifts are not an every day occurrence and saves items for his Christmas list. I don't know why people are so invested in this list - the OP asked for ideas, so I posted a varied list to give her ideas she, and others, may not have considered. I grew up UMC and it didn't ruin me, I still work hard and appreciate everything my parents have done for me. Teaching a child values, morals, and ethics is separate from buying them presents at Christmas/birthday.

I bet I spend less than many of you on other things, yet you feel depriving your child of some extra happiness/fun is going to make him/her a better person than my child. That's ridiculous.

I have no intention of toning anything down, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

Just because you can afford it, it doesn't mean you should buy it. It's short-sighted in terms of your parenting, and also very typical of newly moneyed folk.

This list is well above average in terms of quantity and price. Unless you intend to not have your child or his children work for his living, please realize that he will have a rude awakening when he finds that his odd jobs and starting salary will not be able to keep up with his desires. He may turn down opportunities and close doors simply because nothing will be good enough. I know people like this - I may even know you in real life (do you send your son to St John's Episcopal?).

A word to the wise... tone it down gradually.

PP, a word to the wise, if you send your kid to St. John's IRL, don't you think you are wasting your money, b/d you obviously such a judgmental bitch that really your kid is beyond help? Lay off the PP.

Thanks for the support!!! I really believe it's up to each family to do what works for them - I had no idea this list would stir such emotion.

[Anonymous]

To the person who said a go kart- My son has asked for one but I thought he was being silly. Are go karts a think now? I am hopelessly out of it...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10yo refuses to make a list because he says "I'll get obsessed with it. Just get me whatever you want."

I'll probably get him one of those Elenco electrical engineering kits, some new clothes, and a book or two.

(He already has a phone and computer but he's restricted from both for the quarter because of last quarter's report card. Access to both is tied to his grades -- he must maintain straight As to use the phone, and the computer he can only use for schoolwork until he brings his grades up.)

My 7yo, on the other hand, presented me with an official list two weeks ago and reminds me regularly that it exists.

You say this like you're so proud of your strategy.
He might make the grades, but so much for developing intrinsic motivation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

This is a huge number of gifts.

I posted it and there are a lot of gifts, plus he'll receive some other gifts and gift cards from grandparents. We always buy many items for Christmas and birthdays - we probably spend the same (or less) on Christmas as those with large immediate and extended families, but we buy for fewer people.

Hey pp, I have a small family too. It's one of the benefits of it, right? I think your list sounds awesome, my ds would be thrilled! We haven't asked what he wants yet, but I'm sure his list would look a lot like yours. My ds is 9.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:10yo refuses to make a list because he says "I'll get obsessed with it. Just get me whatever you want."

I'll probably get him one of those Elenco electrical engineering kits, some new clothes, and a book or two.

(He already has a phone and computer but he's restricted from both for the quarter because of last quarter's report card. Access to both is tied to his grades -- he must maintain straight As to use the phone, and the computer he can only use for schoolwork until he brings his grades up.)

My 7yo, on the other hand, presented me with an official list two weeks ago and reminds me regularly that it exists.

You say this like you're so proud of your strategy.
He might make the grades, but so much for developing intrinsic motivation.

He sounds motivated to me. He wants something (use of phone), he knows what's necessary to receive it (grades), so presumably he will make an effort to work to that level.

Sounds a bit like me. I want something (a salary so I can afford to raise my family), I know what's necessary to receive it (a job, at which I perform successfully and receive promotions at a reasonable rate), so I am quite motivated at work. Or, for an example at home: I want something (free time to spend with the kids and DH), I know what's necessary to receive it (accomplishing the basic house chores that need to get done), so therefore I am motivated to do things I dislike such as clean the bathrooms and take out the garbage.

I know of few people who would remain equally motivated to hold a career or take on the obligations of managing a household just because -- there's usually something they find rewarding about the tedium because it allows them to get to have or do something they value. How many people would honestly work full time for no salary or be happy managing a household if it did not come with the rewarding moments of family relaxation and happiness? Sounds like life to me, and therefore a decent lesson for PP's DS to learn -- you do what you have to do in order to get to do what you want to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You do realize the Minecraft Lego sets are not real Lego sets, right? They're super tiny pieces and the entire "scene" is a 3" X 3" cube when complete. That's not a typo. The entire set, once assembled, is the size of a Rubik's Cube. NOT WORTH IT.

They just came out with new Minecraft Lego sets - not the ones in the cube box

Whaaaa? What is this sorcery?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:10yo refuses to make a list because he says "I'll get obsessed with it. Just get me whatever you want."

I'll probably get him one of those Elenco electrical engineering kits, some new clothes, and a book or two.

(He already has a phone and computer but he's restricted from both for the quarter because of last quarter's report card. Access to both is tied to his grades -- he must maintain straight As to use the phone, and the computer he can only use for schoolwork until he brings his grades up.)

My 7yo, on the other hand, presented me with an official list two weeks ago and reminds me regularly that it exists.

You say this like you're so proud of your strategy.
He might make the grades, but so much for developing intrinsic motivation.

Nope, not proud, just pragmatic. He doesn't have intrinsic motivation. None. Zero. Zip. Only external things motivate him. After eight years of banging my head against the concrete wall that is his will, I realized it's better to do what works. Hell, I wouldn't show up to work tomorrow morning if I didn't need the paycheck. Why should he be different? I still try to foster intrinsic motivation, but in the meantime, bribery and threats are the only things that work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:10yo refuses to make a list because he says "I'll get obsessed with it. Just get me whatever you want."

I'll probably get him one of those Elenco electrical engineering kits, some new clothes, and a book or two.

(He already has a phone and computer but he's restricted from both for the quarter because of last quarter's report card. Access to both is tied to his grades -- he must maintain straight As to use the phone, and the computer he can only use for schoolwork until he brings his grades up.)

My 7yo, on the other hand, presented me with an official list two weeks ago and reminds me regularly that it exists.

You say this like you're so proud of your strategy.
He might make the grades, but so much for developing intrinsic motivation.

He sounds motivated to me. He wants something (use of phone), he knows what's necessary to receive it (grades), so presumably he will make an effort to work to that level.

Sounds a bit like me. I want something (a salary so I can afford to raise my family), I know what's necessary to receive it (a job, at which I perform successfully and receive promotions at a reasonable rate), so I am quite motivated at work. Or, for an example at home: I want something (free time to spend with the kids and DH), I know what's necessary to receive it (accomplishing the basic house chores that need to get done), so therefore I am motivated to do things I dislike such as clean the bathrooms and take out the garbage.

I know of few people who would remain equally motivated to hold a career or take on the obligations of managing a household just because -- there's usually something they find rewarding about the tedium because it allows them to get to have or do something they value. How many people would honestly work full time for no salary or be happy managing a household if it did not come with the rewarding moments of family relaxation and happiness? Sounds like life to me, and therefore a decent lesson for PP's DS to learn -- you do what you have to do in order to get to do what you want to do.

Thank you.

-PP whose kid's phone access is grade-dependent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You do realize the Minecraft Lego sets are not real Lego sets, right? They're super tiny pieces and the entire "scene" is a 3" X 3" cube when complete. That's not a typo. The entire set, once assembled, is the size of a Rubik's Cube. NOT WORTH IT.

They just came out with new Minecraft Lego sets - not the ones in the cube box

Whaaaa? What is this sorcery?

LOL - I know! My son went crazy when he saw them in a catalog. They only have a few right now, but they look cool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, my 8 1/2 yo son is asking for (and receiving):

Minecraft Lego sets
Star Wars Lego sets
Pokemon items - card sets, figures, plush
3DS XL
7 3DS games
Skylanders Trap Team for XBox One
6 - 8 Skylanders TT characters
Infinity 2.0 for XBox One
3 - 4 Infinity characters
Anki Drive (race car track/cars to be used with apple devices)
Microscope
Science experiment kits (3 or 4)
Books (2 or 3)

This is a huge number of gifts.

I posted it and there are a lot of gifts, plus he'll receive some other gifts and gift cards from grandparents. We always buy many items for Christmas and birthdays - we probably spend the same (or less) on Christmas as those with large immediate and extended families, but we buy for fewer people.

Hey pp, I have a small family too. It's one of the benefits of it, right? I think your list sounds awesome, my ds would be thrilled! We haven't asked what he wants yet, but I'm sure his list would look a lot like yours. My ds is 9.

It is one of the benefits and one of the many reasons we chose to be "one and done." Thanks to those who understand it's a Christmas list and not something that happens on a random Saturday at Target.