What gifts did your child(ren) get?

[sv2007]

I am wondering why you feel the need to be as reserved as you are?

Due to my work connecions I also was able to put together a budget gaming system for both of my kids to play some PC games with me, and get them off my computer lol. I have a total of about 30$ tied into each system (bought some used video cards for a steal on ebay)

I think kids these days have too much stuff/toys (mine included) which contributes to their lack of focused development. I'd rather see him love and excel at a few things than have too many things competing for his attention.

For me, it is not about money but wanting to give the right experience. For example, he's on his 4th bike (he learned how to ride at 4 while most of his friends are still on training wheels, having the right sized bike helps); money spent on music lessons is more than enough to buy PS4/Xbox systems each month.

Well anyway, the above is just how I feel about raising my kid. He seems to be pretty happy. Although he does have some short comings that I'm trying to fix -- the main thing is poor sportsmanship right now. We shall see.

[sv2007]

This has to be a trolling thread. Who doesnt buy their 6 year old child some presents for the holiday?

I thought you decided to never come back to this board? : )
Welcome back.

I don't post fake stuff like you (e.g. your indication of extreme wealth in my poll). you had me for a while until I realized that your posts don't match up with what you claimed.

I don't like to buy things for the sake of buying things. In fact, as I get older, I just seem to run out of things I want to buy.

[sv2007]

due to my decreased income, Christmas is pretty limited this year. DD (17) is getting a Nasty Women Keep Fighting t shirt she really wanted and $25 worth of stuff that was on sale at Bath and Body works, $25 in cash and fill her stocking. DS has been away at luthier school and has returned none of my texts since he left, he is clearly mad at me, we've had issues in the past. So he is getting a guitar t shirt, $25 and a filled stocking. Both have said they are atheists and wouldn't mind no presents since they don't believe in Christmas. But I think they would be disappointed with nothing. Their dad will shower them with gifts, too so it's ok they're not getting much from me.

I would never skip presents for a 6 yr old. You're not saving anything because you'll just be paying their therapy bills down the road

Just thinking openly here -- if you don't have the money, then why waste on frivolous gifts? e.g. why extra T-shirt? Is t on sale and dirty cheap? Even so, it is a waste if you already have enough.

A little bit of spending is fine of course, but it must be responsible spending. Since most of your posts mention some kind of extreme financial hardship or something, I'd exchange free gifts. instead.

The importance of a gift isn't based on its monetary value ; nor is it based on actual things that your must buy. I set up jam sessions for my son, which he loves -- that in itself , to him, is better than most things he'd want. And it is more or less free.

Get some musical /guitar friends together and host your husband a surprise get-together when he returns home. Who knows, he might like that more than a t-shirt. Plus tell those friends to bring thier guitars needing work, he'll get his first customers too : )

[StormRichards]

I think kids these days have too much stuff/toys (mine included) which contributes to their lack of focused development. I'd rather see him love and excel at a few things than have too many things competing for his attention.

For me, it is not about money but wanting to give the right experience. For example, he's on his 4th bike (he learned how to ride at 4 while most of his friends are still on training wheels, having the right sized bike helps); money spent on music lessons is more than enough to buy PS4/Xbox systems each month.

Well anyway, the above is just how I feel about raising my kid. He seems to be pretty happy. Although he does have some short comings that I'm trying to fix -- the main thing is poor sportsmanship right now. We shall see.

Playing is a part of a child's development. Plenty of research to support that.

[creditcardfree]

Our oldest daughter, a 19 year old college student is receiving $100 cash, a t shirt (DFTBA, if you are aware of that), tea, an ornament, and chocolate.

Our younger daughter, age 16, is receiving a hoodie (also DFTBA), the Hamilton soundtrack and a related book about the show, another book by her favorite YouTubers, two bracelets (Hamilton themed) bought on Etsy, and a latch hook rug.

Both girls will get a stocking with socks (a tradition), gum/mints, favorite candy, and a caramel. One is getting kleenex, hand sanitizer and a nail file. The other is getting barrettes, face wash, and colored pens.

Budget was $150 each. I'm pretty sure I came in under budget after getting a few deals on some of the items.

[StormRichards]

Our oldest daughter, a 19 year old college student is receiving $100 cash, a t shirt (DFTBA, if you are aware of that), tea, an ornament, and chocolate.

Our younger daughter, age 16, is receiving a hoodie (also DFTBA), the Hamilton soundtrack and a related book about the show, another book by her favorite YouTubers, two bracelets (Hamilton themed) bought on Etsy, and a latch hook rug.

Both girls will get a stocking with socks (a tradition), gum/mints, favorite candy, and a caramel. One is getting kleenex, hand sanitizer and a nail file. The other is getting barrettes, face wash, and colored pens.

Budget was $150 each. I'm pretty sure I came in under budget after getting a few deals on some of the items.

If your daughter breaks out in song constantly throughout the day, I know that agony!

I just start rocking back and forth mumbling "make it stop!" Just kidding (kinda)

[rennigade]

I thought you decided to never come back to this board? : )
Welcome back.

I don't post fake stuff like you (e.g. your indication of extreme wealth in my poll). you had me for a while until I realized that your posts don't match up with what you claimed.

I wasnt going to but the spamming is under control...with the exception of a few that seem to keep popping up. ^

I dont remember your poll but my guess is it was so poorly set up that I purposely selected the highest one. Im very open about what our net worth is.

[scfr]

Actually, I asked my parents to buy him the weichi set (and I asked for a high quality one too). So I'm partially guilty of giving him a gift.

I needed to get weichi because I'm a bit tired of playing chess with him and he doesn't like the chess clubs.

There is a little set called "Brain Fitness Solitaire Chess" that he might help him develop his strategy while giving you a break from playing with him all the time.

Have you looked in to all the chess clubs in the area, not just the ones at the schools? For example, does your library have one? He may find one he likes. And being in a club will definitely help him develop sportsmanship.

I think it's great you are encouraging his chess playing.

[sv2007]

Playing is a part of a child's development. Plenty of research to support that.

There are many different ways of playing. Most of my son's play doesn't involve electricity: play outside with friends, at the parks.

Not buying new toys doesn't mean no play. In fact, thinking that playing must involve new toys isn't healthy.

[sv2007]

There is a little set called "Brain Fitness Solitaire Chess" that he might help him develop his strategy while giving you a break from playing with him all the time.

Have you looked in to all the chess clubs in the area, not just the ones at the schools? For example, does your library have one? He may find one he likes. And being in a club will definitely help him develop sportsmanship.

I think it's great you are encouraging his chess playing.

Thanks, I'll take a look. I use an old Majestic chess game that he's been playing and re-playing the adventures; playing that game is a high-value reward for him. (We limit his screen time, so anything with screen is a reward.)

When I play with him, I try to set up holes in my attack and defence that might be typical for beginners. Every now and then I'd throw a juicy skewer for him. Just a few days ago, he beat my dad for the first time; he was so proud! He's started a chess "training school" for the neighborhood kids : )

[StormRichards]

There are many different ways of playing. Most of my son's play doesn't involve electricity: play outside with friends, at the parks.

Not buying new toys doesn't mean no play. In fact, thinking that playing must involve new toys isn't healthy.

Not all toys involve electricity and I never suggested playing must involve new toys. You posted that your sons toys contributes to their lack of focused development. I stated that playing is part of a child's development. It is you that seems to be a bit off as to what is healthy and unhealthy for a child's development.

If you are too rigid regarding a child's "focus" then you are going to do more damage than good.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

We didn't buy gifts for our kids until last year. Long story we always traveled and didn't bother. We got enough from everyone else.

Anyway last year we did and this year since we stayed at home and got a tree and it seems sad to have no gifts under the tree. We never had a tree either until last year.

Lego Advent Calendars $29.99 each kid
Build a Bear - holiday reindeer, fun activity I did with kids last weekend $50 each, I had obviously been sleep walking during last year building when only 1 kid wanted a reindeer and the other a lego set instead. I did however use the costco deal of $80 for $100.

I just scored today hatchimals for them $59.99 each. This is a big ticket item. I'm returning one of each of their other gifts.

Until about 10 minutes ago this is what they were getting
DK1 vtech smartwatch - $30 BF Deal
My little pony set - $17 BF Deal
Equestria Doll - $5 BF deal
Shopkins Gemma - $20 BF deal from us the previous 3 were gifts from Santa

DK2 - Troll Twins set - $12 TRU deal, she sings the entire soundtrack non-stop, turns out I can sing justin timberlake too just took a kids movie for me to listen to him
Poppy doll set - $12 TRU deal
Lego set - $27 BF Deal
Shopkins - $8 from us

That and a bunch of $1 stocking stuffers probably about 10 each like candy bracelets, putty, etc.

So until the hatchimals we were at about $130/kid but hatchimals blew that out of the water. Our big ticket gifts were the build a bear and lego advent which they opened before Christmas and we spent the day at the mall having lunch and building the reindeer and dressing them. It was really fun and the daily lego is cute.

I have to admit I've never been so tired of wrapping presents and I'm wrapping 4 per kid but the stocking stuffers!!!! OMG. Too much. I hate wrapping.

[creditcardfree]

If your daughter breaks out in song constantly throughout the day, I know that agony!

I just start rocking back and forth mumbling "make it stop!" Just kidding (kinda)

Yes. I catch her singing to herself. I think about about to start learning it all myself soon, as she will probably have it on in the house or car.

[Petunia 100]

My kids get cash for Christmas and have for some time now. They are 26 and 21.

[TexasHusker]

My daughter is getting a golf cart from santy claws.

Son getting a bed cover.

Both getting 5 pieces of silver.

And other various and asundry items.