What if you got her a class or theater tickets instead of a physical present? She could do mad science or an after school sport for somewhere around $120.

Anonymous wrote:A huge hit last Christmas for my kids (6 and 8) was a Chatimal monkey--it repeats back what they say in a silly voice. (There's also a hamster.) It doesn't long-lasting play value, at least for my kids, but it could serve as a fun, gee-whiz toy to open and enjoy on Christmas. The instant gratification could offset the sting of not getting her own computer. (And only $25.)

They also got and are enjoying a Bloggie video camera if you want something bigger. Its also electronic, of course, but geared toward creation and creativity. They do use the video but also take lots of still photos.

This looks great. Where can I but a Chatimal in Montgomery County?

I agree you may need a "high impact" gift on Christmas for your DD, but wouldn't feel that it has to have the same monetary value. I'm thinking your DS will use the computer for school, but doesn't really "Need" it -- if it is a requirement for school, I wouldn't give it as a gift, however, if it will be used for both school and fun, I see it as a perfect xmas gift.

As a child my siblings and I always had the same number of packages to open, but the monetary value was different. One year my "big" gift was a gold fish -- I REALLY wanted a pet. My sister got a stereo. Looking back it seems unequal, but at the time it wasn't -- they were both things we REALLY wanted. Another year I got a new bike and she got mostly clothes. Again, not equal in value, but both high on our lists and equal to us at the time because they were items we had been hoping for.

Anonymous wrote:Would she be too old for Baby Butterscotch?
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Butterscotch-Magical-Show-Figure/dp/B008DK94VU
Or Furby?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ZOQVE6/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B008DK94VU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1JPM5WPXF53A337MWDJZ

These both are on my 8-year old's list!

Look at the big Playmobil sets: amazing pretend play for kids well beyond 7. You can get her the school, the hospital, the castle, the top agent stuff etc.

So, best to buy a computer before or after Xmas (for the best deals)?

Anonymous wrote:This is just me, but if the purchase is large and needed (like the computer), I would buy that outside of Christmas.

I would get them each a normal amount of presents (whatever I could afford), and then a week later or earlier, buy him a computer "because he needs one for school."

That way, no one is expecting a $400 present next year at Christmas, and you aren't buying something for DD just because it's expensive and fills a role for Christmas morning.

Yes, x1000

I have an 8yr old daughter and I buy needs throughout the year and some wants. This eliminates a huge spending glut right at the holidays.

I agree that is a good point above! I was going to suggest a camera or a karaoke machine.

Anonymous wrote:This is just me, but if the purchase is large and needed (like the computer), I would buy that outside of Christmas.

I would get them each a normal amount of presents (whatever I could afford), and then a week later or earlier, buy him a computer "because he needs one for school."

That way, no one is expecting a $400 present next year at Christmas, and you aren't buying something for DD just because it's expensive and fills a role for Christmas morning.

Oh boy, this is a good point.