fraidycat Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 11 year old DS is talking to DH. “I don’t really care if I get anything for Christmas, I already have everything in the world pretty much. Except that hoodie I told you about. I want that.†Thank goodness I thought of a couple other things in the world he doesn’t have and will hopefully enjoy. It wasn’t easy, though!! :lol: Shopping for little kids is so much more fun! 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 Shopping for little kids is so much more fun! yes it is, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi K Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My 16 year old said, "I'm pretty content. And, I'm working so if there is anything I want I can just by it myself.... Oh wait, I'm almost out of gum. You could get me some more." Yep. I bought some gum. After that, I got nuthin'. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My 16 year old said, "I'm pretty content. And, I'm working so if there is anything I want I can just by it myself.... Oh wait, I'm almost out of gum. You could get me some more." Yep. I bought some gum. After that, I got nuthin'. I would have been sorely tempted to respond to that “I can buy anything I want myself†comment with a joking suggestion that they pay rent, contribute to the food budget and utilities, pay car insurance or buy themselves a car and maintain it, and oh yeah, there’re those school expenses, too. Just as a reminder that the only reason they can do that is because I’m covering most of their real expenses. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 11 year old DS is talking to DH. “I don’t really care if I get anything for Christmas, I already have everything in the world pretty much. Except that hoodie I told you about. I want that.†Thank goodness I thought of a couple other things in the world he doesn’t have and will hopefully enjoy. It wasn’t easy, though!! :lol: Shopping for little kids is so much more fun! My 11 yo is the opposite. Her list started off with 74 items on it. We whittled it down considerably! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 Might be good age to start giving less. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 I would have been sorely tempted to respond to that “I can buy anything I want myself†comment with a joking suggestion that they pay rent, contribute to the food budget and utilities, pay car insurance or buy themselves a car and maintain it, and oh yeah, there’re those school expenses, too. Just as a reminder that the only reason they can do that is because I’m covering most of their real expenses. You would say that to a 16yo who just requested a pack of gum for Christmas? My gosh, it doesn't sound like he needs a lecture to me. I would guess he is well aware of the financial burdens his family has and doesn't want to add to them with lavish requests. I don't hear entitltement in his statement. He sounds non-materialistic and thoughtful. I would give him a hug and say I'd still like to find him something special for Christmas, but I'd think of something myself. 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 You would say that to a 16yo who just requested a pack of gum for Christmas? My gosh, it doesn't sound like he needs a lecture to me. I would guess he is well aware of the financial burdens his family has and doesn't want to add to them with lavish requests. I don't hear entitltement in his statement. He sounds non-materialistic and thoughtful. I would give him a hug and say I'd still like to find him something special for Christmas, but I'd think of something myself. I said I would be tempted and I did say it would be in a joking manner, if I did do it. Teens can sometimes be a little clueless. It wouldn’t have been a lecture, it would have been a joking conversation. We have those all the time. They joke with me about my foibles all the time, it’s part of our family culture. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 I missed the "joking" part. That makes a big difference in how I read your post. Sorry for misunderstanding! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted December 11, 2017 Author Share Posted December 11, 2017 Might be good age to start giving less. Yep, it is. Although “less†is relative. Some years they get more, others not so much. It depends on the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My dd is 15 and hates gifts and doesn't want anything. She is very careful with her diet (skin issues), doesn't wear make-up, doesn't care about fashion, electronics, etc. She's so hard to buy for and, when I do buy for her, I worry that she will be upset that we bought her anything. In the past, we've come up with gifts that she's really loved so I'm hoping for the same this Christmas. Last year, she asked for hair ties, tea, and gum - all things I would have bought her anyway. This year she says she doesn't want anything. Oh, she hates experiences, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My dd is 15 and hates gifts and doesn't want anything. She is very careful with her diet (skin issues), doesn't wear make-up, doesn't care about fashion, electronics, etc. She's so hard to buy for and, when I do buy for her, I worry that she will be upset that we bought her anything. In the past, we've come up with gifts that she's really loved so I'm hoping for the same this Christmas. Last year, she asked for hair ties, tea, and gum - all things I would have bought her anyway. This year she says she doesn't want anything. Oh, she hates experiences, too. Oh that sounds hard! Maybe nicer versions of things we all need? Cute undies and socks (or just really nice versions of what she likes), GC for a bra store... something like that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My ds17 still loves everything about Christmas and gets excited about going downstairs on Christmas morning and seeing all of the packages under the tree. He's also very good (maybe too good ;) ) at coming up with a gift list for me. I know some families don't do lists, but I really appreciate knowing what my son wants and doesn't want. :) 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 Oh that sounds hard! Maybe nicer versions of things we all need? Cute undies and socks (or just really nice versions of what she likes), GC for a bra store... something like that. She's impossible! She won't wear a bra (wears camis) or socks. She insists that she doesn't want new underwear (I think she needs to replace the ones she has, but don't want to give her underwear for Christmas if she absolutely doesn't want them!). We get her a lot of personalized stuff - ornaments, mugs, this year a pillow...she's liked those things in the past so maybe it will work again this year! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 She's impossible! She won't wear a bra (wears camis) or socks. She insists that she doesn't want new underwear (I think she needs to replace the ones she has, but don't want to give her underwear for Christmas if she absolutely doesn't want them!). We get her a lot of personalized stuff - ornaments, mugs, this year a pillow...she's liked those things in the past so maybe it will work again this year! Wow, that really is hard! (but I totally get not wanting to wear bras! LOL! I've found a good compromise are bralettes from Pink). Moleskine notebook? Who doesn't need a beautiful blank notebook??? Good luck, merry Christmas! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted December 11, 2017 Author Share Posted December 11, 2017 Wow, that really is hard! (but I totally get not wanting to wear bras! LOL! I've found a good compromise are bralettes from Pink). Moleskine notebook? Who doesn't need a beautiful blank notebook??? Good luck, merry Christmas! This is always a good fall-back option for my 15 year old DD. Notebooks, sketch books, fancy journals. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 Wow, that really is hard! (but I totally get not wanting to wear bras! LOL! I've found a good compromise are bralettes from Pink). Moleskine notebook? Who doesn't need a beautiful blank notebook??? Good luck, merry Christmas! This is always a good fall-back option for my 15 year old DD. Notebooks, sketch books, fancy journals. She does have some nice notebooks and journals, and I got her a small gratitude journal (well, I got it for free and she's getting it in her stocking :p ), but she does all of her writing on her laptop. I don't think she would use any of them. She's super tough to buy for! My ds had a good idea for her - he is getting her a foam roller. She does a lot of tumbling, hand balance, aerial silks, etc. and is often sore. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevergiveup Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 My 24 year old wants a pony motor for his bulldozer. He's getting socks and underwear. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 She does have some nice notebooks and journals, and I got her a small gratitude journal (well, I got it for free and she's getting it in her stocking :p ), but she does all of her writing on her laptop. I don't think she would use any of them. She's super tough to buy for! My ds had a good idea for her - he is getting her a foam roller. She does a lot of tumbling, hand balance, aerial silks, etc. and is often sore. You might look at things like Yoga Tuneup balls, or even plain old Pinky balls. Pinky balls get squishy faster, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Jill Miller (of Yoga Tuneup) has a lot of free little youtube videos with ideas of ways to use the balls to roll out shoulders, arms, hands, neck, etc. plus a blog with a wealth of information. She also has a book, The Roll Model, if that's the sort of thing that goes over well. I was amazed at how many ideas were in the book and videos that I wouldn't have thought of myself regarding rolling out areas. Would a professional massage be a nice treat? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi K Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 I would have been sorely tempted to respond to that “I can buy anything I want myself†comment with a joking suggestion that they pay rent, contribute to the food budget and utilities, pay car insurance or buy themselves a car and maintain it, and oh yeah, there’re those school expenses, too. Just as a reminder that the only reason they can do that is because I’m covering most of their real expenses. He's 16. He works two jobs, he carries 8 credits at the local University, completes the remainder of his school work at home and with his father stationed overseas, he does just about everything around the house that I can't do myself. Last week he took the car down to Quik-lube and had the oil changed- on his dime, and when it was time to put on the snow tires he asked his brother to lend a hand and they did it in the driveway. A few days ago, he stopped at McDonalds and picked up an unsweetened ice tea without being asked just because he knew I would like it. On Saturday he volunteered for 16 hours at the ice rink for a skating competition and when he got home at 12:30am, he climbed on top of the frig to drill some holes in the cabinetry so I could run a cord for Christmas lights. As far as I'm concerned, he can live here rent free for the rest of his life. I could never afford to hire someone who does all he does! ( Yes, I suspected you were teasing. But, I really couldn't have asked for a better kid!) 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 He's 16. He works two jobs, he carries 8 credits at the local University, completes the remainder of his school work at home and with his father stationed overseas, he does just about everything around the house that I can't do myself. Last week he took the car down to Quik-lube and had the oil changed- on his dime, and when it was time to put on the snow tires he asked his brother to lend a hand and they did it in the driveway. A few days ago, he stopped at McDonalds and picked up an unsweetened ice tea without being asked just because he knew I would like it. On Saturday he volunteered for 16 hours at the ice rink for a skating competition and when he got home at 12:30am, he climbed on top of the frig to drill some holes in the cabinetry so I could run a cord for Christmas lights. IMG_2713.JPG As far as I'm concerned, he can live here rent free for the rest of his life. I could never afford to hire someone who does all he does! ( Yes, I suspected you were teasing. But, I really couldn't have asked for a better kid!) He sounds like an awesome kid that you have done a fabulous job raising. Way to go Mom! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingaway Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 He's 16. He works two jobs, he carries 8 credits at the local University, completes the remainder of his school work at home and with his father stationed overseas, he does just about everything around the house that I can't do myself. Last week he took the car down to Quik-lube and had the oil changed- on his dime, and when it was time to put on the snow tires he asked his brother to lend a hand and they did it in the driveway. A few days ago, he stopped at McDonalds and picked up an unsweetened ice tea without being asked just because he knew I would like it. On Saturday he volunteered for 16 hours at the ice rink for a skating competition and when he got home at 12:30am, he climbed on top of the frig to drill some holes in the cabinetry so I could run a cord for Christmas lights. IMG_2713.JPG As far as I'm concerned, he can live here rent free for the rest of his life. I could never afford to hire someone who does all he does! ( Yes, I suspected you were teasing. But, I really couldn't have asked for a better kid!) You're making me want to trade you my 16 year old. What a great guy! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 For those that are hard to shop far, make memories with them! My daughter, who's 19yo and still at home, said, "Mom, I don't really want anything for Christmas. I'd rather make memories." So, I'm trying to figure out what we can together as a family to do that! So much better than STUFF, anyway. (Although that hoodie your dc mentioned, OP, is a good one!) 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted December 11, 2017 Author Share Posted December 11, 2017 For those that are hard to shop far, make memories with them! My daughter, who's 19yo and still at home, said, "Mom, I don't really want anything for Christmas. I'd rather make memories." So, I'm trying to figure out what we can together as a family to do that! So much better than STUFF, anyway. (Although that hoodie your dc mentioned, OP, is a good one!) This was the original plan, actually. My kids and my niece and nephew were all on board to taking a family vacation, instead of doing gifts. But circumstances and finances this year did not line up accordingly. So this year, we’re doing a couple smaller gifts and are going to try for vacation again next year after DH is retired from the military and able to join us. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 You might look at things like Yoga Tuneup balls, or even plain old Pinky balls. Pinky balls get squishy faster, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Jill Miller (of Yoga Tuneup) has a lot of free little youtube videos with ideas of ways to use the balls to roll out shoulders, arms, hands, neck, etc. plus a blog with a wealth of information. She also has a book, The Roll Model, if that's the sort of thing that goes over well. I was amazed at how many ideas were in the book and videos that I wouldn't have thought of myself regarding rolling out areas. Would a professional massage be a nice treat? Thank you! I will definitely look into the yoga balls! He's 16. He works two jobs, he carries 8 credits at the local University, completes the remainder of his school work at home and with his father stationed overseas, he does just about everything around the house that I can't do myself. Last week he took the car down to Quik-lube and had the oil changed- on his dime, and when it was time to put on the snow tires he asked his brother to lend a hand and they did it in the driveway. A few days ago, he stopped at McDonalds and picked up an unsweetened ice tea without being asked just because he knew I would like it. On Saturday he volunteered for 16 hours at the ice rink for a skating competition and when he got home at 12:30am, he climbed on top of the frig to drill some holes in the cabinetry so I could run a cord for Christmas lights. IMG_2713.JPG As far as I'm concerned, he can live here rent free for the rest of his life. I could never afford to hire someone who does all he does! ( Yes, I suspected you were teasing. But, I really couldn't have asked for a better kid!) What a wonderful son! And I want to apologize if I've derailed your thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted December 11, 2017 Author Share Posted December 11, 2017 Thank you! I will definitely look into the yoga balls! What a wonderful son! And I want to apologize if I've derailed your thread. There was no “rail†for this thread. :D It had no direction to begin with, so it’s a free for all! Use it as needed. ;) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Ds 12 is easy in the sense that he knows exactly what he wants. He's not easy in the sense that all he wants this year is a Nintendo Switch, and every game made for it. :glare: Dd 10 is easier this year because she finally has a couple of strong interests - playing with clay so we're getting her Sculpey, tools and a book, and Five Nights at Freddys so she's getting FNAF socks, underwear, pants, t-shirt, book, and plushies. Plus a new iPod (Touch instead of Shuffle) because hers broke and a case for it. Dd 23 is impossible. She's getting gift cards for food places at the mall she works at (she spends WAY too much money on food and is going back to grad school in January), and cash. She wants combat boots, cowboy boots, and a good backpack for school but those are things I think she needs to pick out herself so cash it is. I will get her some make-up, warm socks, and similar items for her stocking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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