[Charlie & Lola]

What do you do when your DD asks Santa for a Bratz but you want to buy her a custom made hand felted Waldorf doll?

Or when you son would kill (excuse the pun) for a Semi Automatic Nerf Blaster Gun with 200 'bullets' and you imagine him being overjoyed and excited about a science kit with a 1000 micro-ism zoom lens...

Ok so I am being slightly facetious, but seriously what do you do when your kids are just not on the same page when it comes to their Santa wishlist?

I don't want to scar them for life if Santa doesn't bring what they asked for however I also don't want to conform to the masses and allow them to become victims of the media and advertising which insists that to be cool and part of the in crowd they must have a piece of this mass produced, over advertised, inappropriate cr*p.

[Cranky Kitten]

Not sure, but if you figure it out, could you let me know?

Otherwise my only suggestion is to let Santa bring a modest amount of the mass produced plastic stuff for Christmas and have the waldorf doll and science kit as birthday presents?

[Old Grey Mare]

I'm guessing a Waldorf doll is a collectable type doll rather than a playing one? If so, I think playing with a doll would be more fun than looking at one. As for the Nerf gun vs microscope, it really depends on the child. Are they one who would sit for any length of time looking through a microscope or are they more of an action man type? If they want the gun I would go for that rather than give them what you would like them to want.

[Charlie & Lola]

I'm guessing a Waldorf doll is a collectable type doll rather than a playing one?

Nooo Waldorf dolls are definitely for playing with. They are gorgeous and awesome and promote imaginative play so much more than Baby Bjorn or Barbie. I will try and find a pic or link.
This is the problem. Society is misinformed about the amazing resources and products out there because we are sucked in by the advertising of the multi nationals.

[Charlie & Lola]

Waldorf Doll Gallery

[monkeys mum]

Will your kids like the Waldorf doll and science set? Will they use them and get enjoyment out of them? If you know your kids you should know what they will enjoy at the end of the day.

The upside is your choices have many more positives then their wants.

Another thing to consider is how do you do Santa gifts? We do a santa sack that fits about three to four toys and a few books and a stocking from santa about $50 - $70 worth tops. Then their main present is from us, this year is 7" tablets and head phones, and a handmade case, then a few handmade gifts. If you did similar the doll and science set could be from you and one or two wants from Santa. Or just remind them that Santa selects presents for them that he knows they will love and get a lot of enjoyment out of, then suggest wants to anyone asking for ideas for them. Oh and 200bullets is a pain to reload lol

[the.supers]

When my now 11 year old was 3, she desperately wanted a Baby Born doll. (Thanks DH for letting her watch Saturday Morning Disney with all the adverts which is how she came to know about the doll). I was happy enough to buy her a baby doll but couldn't see what was so special about the Baby Born doll, I thought she would like a fabric style cuddly doll more - and the Baby Born was outrageously priced in my opinion at about $70 and I really didn't have the money for it.

When her birthday was coming up she asked and asked me for the BB and I didn't get it for her. Soon after it was Christmas and she said she was going to ask Santa for it. Santa said, Yes, I'll bring you a doll. So DD who was now only just 4 was sure she would be getting the BB.

So my dilemma - do I get it for her? Or do I not? Do I want to do the santa thing?

In the end I got it for her. She was over the moon, totally delighted and has really loved that doll. Now at 11, she sits in the back of the wardrobe wearing a dress that DD and her nanna made together, all of her other dolls have been given away.

I can remember when DD found out that Santa wasn't real. She couldn't quite believe it. She asked "Well who bought me Baby Born then?" When I told her that I did, she was amazed as all of the kids know that I am not one to splurge on name brand stuff like that. She said - "Mum you really must love me to get me that doll when you knew I really wanted it. Thank you so much I love her."

Of course I show my love in many ways, but this overpriced doll has turned into a real symbol of our love, how I went above and beyond for her when it mattered to her. (The fact that I have also donated blood to her when she needed it is somehow more symbolic to me than to her....)

So my vote is for get them the thing they will love....

[Jemstar]

I try to compromise. Give them a little of what they want, but throw in a bit of what I think is important too.

[trishalishous]

I liked the
'Something they want
something they need
something to wear
and something to read"
idea, so they still get a choice, but wont fill the house with plastic fantastic stuff.

[Suz01]

I liked the
'Something they want
something they need
something to wear
and something to read"
idea, so they still get a choice, but wont fill the house with plastic fantastic stuff.

I'm using this every year from now on!!