Christmas Gift Conundrum

[Anonymous]

It’s started. “What does Larla want for Christmas?”

DD9 and I have already had this discussion, and this year isn’t going to be easy. There aren’t toys that she wants (and she doesn’t need any). What she wants are books, drawing supplies, office supplies, and clothes. But she wants stuff like highlighters, a stapler, a tape dispenser, etc. I made a list and sent it off to my mom and she wasn’t receptive. I think she’s used to BIG gifts, but we are sort of over that. Clothes are even more difficult. If I tell them she fits in a M or 8 at XYandZ stores, it’s still confusing. They don’t believe me.

I guess I have to have her make an Amazon list for the smaller stuff. But how do you handle grandparents wanting to do BIG gifts? Like DD would flip for a $100 gift card to Justice or B&N, but that’s meh for the grandparents, who are used to buying big ticket items.

[Anonymous]

Ugh. I guess if they insist on a BIG gift, maybe have your DD pick one of these out:

https://www.colour-block.com/collections/mixed-media-art-sets

[Anonymous]

Maybe you can find a nice art set your Mom can get your daughter with some paints or really nice colored pencils or something along those lines. Why not get her some nicer art things that are not on her list? Its ounds like she would enjoy them and it would be a bit of a surprise. As for clothes, find specific clothes she wants online and send the link. Tell your Mom the size for ech item

url 1 Please buy in green size M

URL 2 Please buy in orange size L

Or suggest that the gift is a card with a shopping spree at BN with Grandma and Grandpa. They can take her, let her spend whatever amount of money, and go out for ice cream. Gift and time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s started. “What does Larla want for Christmas?”

DD9 and I have already had this discussion, and this year isn’t going to be easy. There aren’t toys that she wants (and she doesn’t need any). What she wants are books, drawing supplies, office supplies, and clothes. But she wants stuff like highlighters, a stapler, a tape dispenser, etc. I made a list and sent it off to my mom and she wasn’t receptive. I think she’s used to BIG gifts, but we are sort of over that. Clothes are even more difficult. If I tell them she fits in a M or 8 at XYandZ stores, it’s still confusing. They don’t believe me.

I guess I have to have her make an Amazon list for the smaller stuff. But how do you handle grandparents wanting to do BIG gifts? Like DD would flip for a $100 gift card to Justice or B&N, but that’s meh for the grandparents, who are used to buying big ticket items.

Would she use a lightbox or one of the drawing tablets for use with a computer ? If she would, direct the grandparents toward that stuff. Also, maybe they would like to buy her a set of the expensive Copic markers or similar ? Perhaps a drafting table ?

[Anonymous]

DD sounds like such a talented and reasonable child.

Would GMO want to spring for a big "experience" gift like art classes to go along with some wrapped art supplies? Or, a few supplies followed by a shopping trip (to Staples! or Michaels)and lunch w GMO - that kind of thing?

My mom is similar although doesn't like to shop or wrap anymore - prefers to give cash, write checks and appreciates paying for something special for (teen) grandchildren; sports camp, coaching session,etc.

[Anonymous]

Does big, in the grandparents eyes, equal physically large, or expensive? Because there are lots of art supplies that are expensive--a good and large set of colored pencils or grown up markers, for example.

[Anonymous]

What about a gift certificate to an art class or pottery day or something?

[Anonymous]

I don't spend much time worrying about it. This is what she wants, I provided some ideas, done.

I'd float the idea of taking the amount they would spend buying her gifts and instead taking her to Justice and letting her spend that amount. But only if they wouldn't balk at whatever insane stuff she picks out. Then they can take home all the stuff and wrap it up and deliver it on Xmas. She'll love it, even if she's seen it before .

[Anonymous]

https://www.personalcreations.com/product/-30266373?REF=PCRFeedGooglePLA_PID_30266373&ssid=4&cobrand=PCR&cvosrc=pla.google.30266373&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp30011932&sc_intid=30011932&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfvsBRD7ARIsAKuDvMM25PJuVoj_SdbhIvVvzgbGuFFm2qFd4gddWjzDO0ux8PBykBNeBkkaAqsXEALw_wcB

https://store.metmuseum.org/mixed-media-easel-box-art-set-80044937?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfvsBRD7ARIsAKuDvMMB9k1aOoK8qTHpozTOQQlOsTluzgcUXCJphayODIrDwt3KBK6ryJoaAnMvEALw_wcB

[Anonymous]

Is there something your Dd wants/needs, but doesn't realize it yet? For example, my Dd would love a (wall) mirror for her room with a small shelf/drawer/table type combo. There are always arguments about the bathroom in the morning and night with her siblings so I know her own mirror (and accessory area) would be functional and a big hit with her.
Something like that.

[Anonymous]

What about an easel or a special drawing table?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is the same. To maker the gift bigger for my mom to give, I suggested hitting the thrift store and getting lots of books, plus attaching a smaller gift card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is the same. To maker the gift bigger for my mom to give, I suggested hitting the thrift store and getting lots of books, plus attaching a smaller gift card.

The thrift store for Christmas? No way.

[Anonymous]

A lot of kids at that age stop wanting toys. How about a new tablet or computer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is the same. To maker the gift bigger for my mom to give, I suggested hitting the thrift store and getting lots of books, plus attaching a smaller gift card.

Thrift stores are often far more than regular stores for that stuff.