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| What will be under the tree this year? |
It's time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. No, I don't mean before the turkey is digested. What do the kids want this year? Well in my house instead of making a list for Santa we make one for Grandma since we have our celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's house before the big day in December.
We asked the kids to make a Christmas wish list by circling items from an ad. I have never been impressed with the overpriced, plastic items that come out this time of year. I know kids want the "top toy" of the year, but do they actually play with it when the new year comes?
I know I really shouldn't get started on how the massive consumerism of the holiday drives me up the wall. I never realized until I had kids that I would feel torn buying gifts for those who have plenty when the money could go to those who don't have enough. I look at all the toys, games, and books we already have and wonder why we need to add to it! I don't need to be a Scrooge to my kids though and I know they will enjoy the presents and be thankful.
Now my oldest is easy to shop for. He wants Legos and plenty of them. He also likes Star Wars. There are a number of items in these two categories that are age appropriate and I am sure he will put to good use and continue to play with throughout the year.
My daughter is the one that has me stumped. In the words of my son, "When I walk down the pink aisle in the toy department, it makes me want to throw up." Now don't get me wrong we have a dollhouse and babies, but I never covered her toys in pink. She joined in with her brother at the tool bench and trains. I had no problem with her brother playing with her toys either. I just didn't think that every item marketed to girls must be dipped in pink. She could play with a red car or blue stove.
Also her age is giving me trouble this year. I am very used to buying her preschool age toys and now that she has started school I would like something that will grow with her. She is very energetic so an active toy would be great. She loves to draw making art supplies a welcome addition. What do you buy for a five year old girl for Christmas?
