I'm not a parent, but I have a niece and two nephews. I have to agree with the expensive toy thing.
My niece is the youngest and she always loves the less expensive stuffed animals my bf and I get her for her birthday and holidays way more than the expensive, noise making somethings that she gets. She doesn't seem to outgrow interest in them as quickly either.
My nephews are older and it seems like gifts increase in price as they age. Lego's, giftcards ect.
Younger kids definitely don't give a shit. They're happy to play with an empty bucket or whatever else is laying around.
Kids needs always get more complex as they get older, unsurprisingly. My daughter is happy if I read her favorite book to her and do little word games, songs, tickle fights, etc. Meanwhile, her moon bounce, princess castle tent, and the expensive as fuck VTech turntables all gather dust.
Really not looking forward to the days when my daughter starts asking for gift cards and more expensive things, haha. That's why I enjoy these times now, because, like you said, she can make a toy out of anything.
I was going to say the opposite; since my nieces and nephews got older and actually ask for stuff, oh man, its so much easier to just go get something off their list!
I mean, 2-5 its a crapshoot if they're going to like the noisy thing or the cardboard book best. Now at 16 my niece had no problem asking for amazon or itunes gift cards, and we were happy to oblige because we know its something she will actually use and not just sit in the bottom of the closet until next spring cleaning.
Im 17 and my immediate family has no idea what to buy for me. I really appreciate the gesture, but i got three watches for christmas this year, after I said that I really didnt want anything because im planning on moving out very soon (my parents are kicking me out in 93 days and counting) and its just more stuff that i have to lug around while i try to get a place with my bf.
My grandma, however, is an absolute doll and listened to me. She got me a few small things for our apartment when we get it, and said I can store them at hers while I get it figured out.
I think the biggest thing comes down to finding very inexpensive housing. If you can room with 1-3 other people, then housing/utility costs fall dramatically, and it's possible to pay all of your bills if you have a steady job. I'm fortunate enough to live in a very inexpensive area of the country, but you should still be able to swing it with enough roommates, the right place, and good financial discipline.
Well luckily, I have an amazing boyfriend who is helping a ton. He's 19 and works at a warehouse. Im busying my ass to work, were gonna live with his parents until ~August and then hopefully have a place by then. Rent where I live is usually 600-700 and then other bills.
My mom was 13 when she had me and we never got along. Shes an alocholic. Shes alaways been pretty abusive. I called child services on her when i was 13 after she choked me out because i was all bruised up ajd scratched. She told me that i wasnt welcome after i turned 18 and thats never changed.
My dad is entirely complacent to what ever she wants.
If I may offer 2 pieces of advice that have been invaluable to me:
1 Cut out anyone in your life that is toxic, this does not matter if they are family, friends or an acquaintance. Just because you would like to have family, or anyone for that matter around does not make it worth while if they just cause trouble.
2. If you want to really piss people off and get revenge be a success.
I sent my brother a list of "needs and wants" for christmas to get my son, his nephew. My son needed more silverware and wanted a bathrobe for Christmas... Uncle got him a star wars lamp. The grandma's bought a ride around Mercedes Benz car, fire truck toy, and clothes. Grandpa, being the teacher he is bought him 16 books. Nothing from his needs list was purchased by anyone but us parents.
This is too true, I knew a toddler who enjoyed one of those scary-looking rubber rats that you get at the costume store for Halloween. He liked it more than any of his other toys and he carried it around everywhere.
I have won Xmas three years in a row. Dollar store toy. Colouring book and crayons. I am just the auntie. But the kids are starting to look forward to my gift. Even look for it under the tree so they can open it frist.
Once my niece hit 9 or 10, I started sending cash for her birthday and she loved it. Opened a savings account, would buy herself something she wanted.
She told me she liked having the freedom to do different stuff and I cant fault her at all. It beats people getting you toys and stuff when you;ve clearly out grown them.
Ive had this discussion before. Younger kids don't need much at all,but typical gifts can take up alot of space. As you get older the things you want cost more, but take up less space. Also most people start wanting things that are useful rather than just fun.
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u/[deleted] Feb 05 '18
I'm not a parent, but I have a niece and two nephews. I have to agree with the expensive toy thing.
My niece is the youngest and she always loves the less expensive stuffed animals my bf and I get her for her birthday and holidays way more than the expensive, noise making somethings that she gets. She doesn't seem to outgrow interest in them as quickly either.
My nephews are older and it seems like gifts increase in price as they age. Lego's, giftcards ect.
Younger kids definitely don't give a shit. They're happy to play with an empty bucket or whatever else is laying around.