It seems that crap just cost way to much for what you get. As the kids have aged the gifts cost a lot more.

So how do the parents shop for you kids? We try to get what they ask for but we don't want them to only have 2 or 3 gifts to open.

Just currious if anyone else deals with this and what is the solution.

I already know the easy answers...save more money to spend more, get a higher paying job, stop spoiling the kids.

Here is a great example....My 13 yr old step son wants an Iphone. Well there went his allotment. I can't just give him one item.

My oldest is in college ... this year he asked for a new smaller laptop bcs the brand new one we got him last year is too big. For Christmas, I bought him dumbells so that he can work out and the nice laptop he currently has doesn't seem so heavy to him. You see, creative gift giving like that always works. 🙂

We've decided that next year were gonna start a new tradition

Something you want

Something you need

Something to read

A 3 gift per person

Not sure how it's gonna go but if that's what everyone else gets, not much to complain about

We have blown that strategy this year, but there is always 2012. We may have to go with the want, need, read....I like that.

Now for my buddy's I have a 3 gift policy too!

Something to smoke

Something to drink

Something...... Eh just for the HELL of it!

Money in an account may go towards other stuff through out the year....

We supplement with gift cards from reward points...that may change next year as one of our point systems are changing

As to an iPhone well if he is willing to pay for the plan...

Never know could be a valuable lesson...

You can never go back in time and do it and you'll wished you would have.

PS , Raymond needs a new larger sized thong i hear..

Something pink with some stink.

Naw, that's his wife's job!

Hambone always says, 2 in the pink and 1 in the stink!

Guess we have it easier. We just set expectations up front. First two things on the list where an aquarium and a drum set. Wife and I told him of the nightmares of cleaning fish tanks. As a meet in the middle step, we advised if he wanted to try a simple goldfish or two, clean it himself, and keep up with it, we'd consider the next step (bigger fishbowl).

As for the drum set, simply no.

My Son doesn't ask for expensive stuff because he knows the drill. Anytime he asked for something that was pricey, we simply explained we couldn't afford it. That both his mom and dad made poor educational decisions, that led to lower paying jobs and limited savings. He can break the mold by studying, getting good grades, scholarships and better paying jobs.

We've also been proactive with higher dollar amount purchases he would like to take part in. Anything costing over $100, it will be a 50/50 cost split. That would solve your kid's Iphone Christmas purchase. Who is going to pay the monthly charge on the present? How much? 50/50 him on that too.

All of these fancy gadgets are leading to kids growing up too fast and increased diagnoses of ADHD and ADD. The door is now open to free porn, sexting and a myriad of nasty things coming out of Pandora's box.

All my friends have I phones! Good, you can borrow them and call me if needed.

Meet in the middle. Get him a Kindle for $80. It will encourage him to read, nourishing his mind.

And now... for the answers you would normally expect from me.

-Iphone? Didn't know people in the Sip had lek-triss-ity.

-Want, Need & Read?... Shoes, shoes, and who are you kidding; people knowing how to read in Mississippi (snort) that's funny chit, Mattie!

See, something she wants and something she needs! Now, just get her a copy of play girl and your set!

This is what I do. I have him write up a list every year. (The Toys R Us Christmas catalog helps, greatly.) My son still has little concept of the "This is over the top at $100.00. There were a few things he marked off that were over that and Wes made a comment about Santa having to work lots of over time this year. I said, um no... He won't be getting those things. And I simply told the young man to tone it down a bit. I then split the list. I have the in laws look and pick what they want to buy, and so on. I usually get him PJ's and a new robe. I get him a few books. (This year he received them early.) And then some wants. Legos are the happening thing.

The problem I have is this. My son in all honesty doesn't ask for much. And there are MANY Christmas's were he got about that because we couldn't afford to spend the cash. Wes is usually out of work during the winter season, so we have to plan in advance and bunker down during that time of year. When he is working, I will spend a bit more on the little dude. I usually put a cap of $200.00. This year I spent $253.00 with Wes's ok. A few bigger things were bought and I felt bad if he only got to open like 3 or 4 things.

I did sit him down and warn him that with his little brother being here next Christmas, expect less. And he was totally fine with that. He said having his brother and watching him open gifts will be great. LOL I know this will change as the time arrives.

Wes doesn't either. Unless it's for me. I shop for those we shop for. Always been that way. Every year when people thank him, he points to me and says it was all her.

You mean the 25th of December happens EVERY year?

:-k

One can plan and purchase "gifts" year round and have them for the Christmas tree?

:-k

Then there's the whole...just wait it out a week crowd that scoops everything up at the 50% sales AFTER Christmas