Would you buy expensive electronics for an 8y.o.?

I

InMyOpinion

New member
X-mas shopping time. My 8y.o. twin boys always ask for the same things every year: Transformers, Spider-Man, Batman, hot-wheels ect, but they never really play with them past New Year's Day, then they just sit in their playroom not being used. So this year I encouraged them to put some "grown-up" electronics on their wish list, like Ipod, digital camera, small laptop, small LCD HDTV for their room. I know these items will get used far more than a bunch of transformer toys and I feel like they'd be learning to use technology, but do you think those things are too extravagant for 8 year olds??
the point I'm trying to make is I usually spend $150-200 on toys that they play with for a week only, I can buy them a good digital camera for $100 and they will use it alot more, Ipod $175, tv you can get on sale $200, mini-laptop $250 and tv/laptop would be shared gifts, so the money would be about the same
My kids rarely break toys so it's not a concern, obviously I will not let them take these items out to play or to school. They got a Wii last x-mas - they still love it and so do I. I got them each a used DS this summer before we went on vacation - very long car trip, was awesome, kept them quiet the whole time!
 
I think those things are a great idea not all in one christmas but you get get them 1 or 2 of those things. they might also like a wii (get them mario cart if you get them wii) these expensive items will teach them responsibility and respect for their things
 
Some of them are a bit too much.

I frown on children having their own computer in their room, better to have a family computer where you can see them. A digital camera might be okay, if you get a cheap easy to figure out kind, and if they like to take pictures. Otherwise, I can see that collecting dust too. Again, I'm not a big fan of TVs in kid's rooms.

What about books? My daughter is 7 and her favourite gift last year was books.

Also, every kid I know has their face in a DS or DSi. And you can get some educational and fun games for them. They are fun, and they can be handy if you have to take them on a long trip, or for when you are trapped in a waiting room.

And while you are helping them write their Santa wish lists, why not dust off some of those Transformers and Hot Wheels that they don't use, and give them to a local shelter.
 
Back
Top