There was no way around it- today was the day I had set aside to Christmas shop for my Child. I had to produce, so I set out early for Toys R Us.
The Child wants things which are way beyond what's appropriate for his age. He wants a laptop, an iPod, a digital camera and camcorder, violent computer games.
He's right in line with Society. Society wants the Child to hurry up and grow up. Why? Money. The high tech non-toys he's requesting this Christmas have no place in childhood, but they sure cost a lot of MONEY.
Betty stuck to her GUNS, though. I proudly marched out of that toy store with Corkscrew Canyon, on sale for $49.99. It's a colorful building set which, if used properly, creates something that looks like an elaborate Six Flags type attraction. Just so I can create a real splash on Christmas, I threw in a yo-yo, a Boggle game, and a set of lollipops with Care Bears hugging them.
What makes me think that my 8-year-old Tough Guy will go for this? Well, I really shouldn't tell you this, but last Friday the Child took his stuffed dog, Terry, to school. Terry is no ordinary stuffed dog. He is dressed in denim jeans with a tail hole, a T-shirt with a dragon on the front, and a black leather biker's jacket.
When I picked up the Child at latchkey that day, he wasn't his usual sullen self who hates school. Brazenly hugging Terry in front of Peers, he announced that he had managed to pull off an entire day of school with Terry on his lap the whole time. Later he disclosed that Teacher had tried to put the kibosh on Terry early in the day, but somehow my Child (and Terry) had prevailed.
Besides, Corkscrew Canyon is recommended for ages 9 and up. He's 8, therefore too young. He'll love it.
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17 comments:
Excellent post, WB!
Sounds like the Child is great whirling material. The "Terry" story made me smile.
If he doesn't take to the Corkscrew Canyon, I'll come over and build it! I think I'd love it.
I also love Boggle. Let me know. Give me enough eggnog and I'll play anything.
Thank you, Garnet. I was thinking the same thing- Corkscrew Canyon may not appeal to the Child, but it sure as hell appeals to me!
What do you take in your egg nog?
The only type of stuff I even know how to buy involves electronic-type gixmos. So far I've purchased as gifts 2 digital cameras, a fax/printer/scanner/photo printer all in one, a DVD recorder, and an iPod.
nice blog, by the way. :-)
Thank you, ariadnek, ph.d. It's believable that you've purchased nothing but electronics, considering the society in which you dwell. I think my next purchase is going to be stock in Best Buy.
Gotta watch out for those "terri's," as they tend to be rebels...dare I say with a "Claus."
Great post...I always bought the "building" toys too. When he's ready (and more importantly, you), Hi-tech makes a "learning" laptop that has all types of modules to teach math, geography, etc., and also tests the child. I highly recommend it. Just bought for friend's son...on sale of course.
Ciao chica...
My friend Maggie says that all these army toys and video games are designed to turn our little boys into soldiers.
Its hard to keep him away from them, but I do the best I can.
My purchase was a toy similar to yours called Gears Gears Gears. ( Its like leggos that whirl.)
When they get bored with them, we should trade.
Hi Teri- I like that learning laptop idea- I'll check it out.
Kelley,
Great- let's trade! He'll probably be bored around 9:30 am on Christmas....
i'm so glad you stood by your decision and got him fun, educational stuff. you're a good mama!
Building toys are best for children I think. You did good!
ms bees,
Thank you. At least I was a good mama in this case, but there's a lot I haven't told you about....
Doctor Fong,
I agree, and he seems perfectly happy with the building toys until some high-tech gizmo shows up to distract him!
Ah! what a delightful post! And my dd wants an ipod so! And the kid! He wants beyblade cds as if any of this would hold their interest for more than a day! The microscope I bought for dd on her b'day has been lying unused since that day! Just venting...
Shankari,
Your comment gave me an idea: wouldn't it be great if we could re-gift all those unused items? It just seeems like such a senseless waste!
What a lovely idea Betty! Of course, my kids gifts do get circulated to their younger cousins, but the worse for the wear n tear.
Shankari,
Yep, I give our toys to the Salvation Army. I have often wondered how much money went into those toys...it's probably good that I didn't keep track, or maybe I should start!
Merry Xmas, Bettty. May your whirling spirit realize its own beauty, its vital goodness, its gentle spirit.
May you receive that gift which is yours, that pink star, inside your heart, already waiting.
That sounded a little like an incatation. Merry Happiness.
glittering,
Garnet
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