We loved this short post by The Potty Diaries about toy shopping in the run up to Christmas. So which are you – a planner or a procrastinator?!
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Image: Netmums
An acquaintance of mine was talking recently about how, having written his Christmas list at the end of September, her son announced last week that it was now out of date and he had changed everything on it. Everything. Which, if you are as poorly organised as I am, not doing your present shopping until a week before the big day, would be no biggie, but this lady is slightly better sorted than me.
So much better sorted, in fact, that the September list presents have already been purchased and are awaiting collection at various relatives houses.
You will be pleased to know, Reader, that I did not revel in this proof that my slightly haphazard approach to the Big C is a good thing. No sirree. Not in the slightest. But that was mainly because I was too busy trying to keep my face expression-free as she continued with the story to tell me how she was now frantically trying to buy everything on the new list.
I mean, surely a quiet word with her son about how Santa already put the order in with the elves for the previous list – or at least some of it – wouldn’t have gone amiss? Just because they ask for it, should kids automatically get it?
I’ve already written – here – about my approach to presents for the Boys. (Basically, whatever they want as long it comes in lots of pieces that can be wrapped separately for maximum gift-wrap-rippage opportunities, and as long the total budget comes in at less than £70- £100). But how far would you go to accommodate your children’s Christmas wishes?
That story gave me malicious satisfaction (and a twinge of envy because it was so skilfully recounted!). I give my children one present each (obviously Father Christmas fills their stockings) and it never costs more than £50, partly because I’m stingy, partly because everyone else gives them piles of booty and partly because they value a single gift far more than a stressful regiment of them.