Ask:
I have always bought ahead toys for my kids, but now that ds is 4, it is getting hard for me to predict what he might be interested in for his birthday in November. I'm getting the feeling that this will continue as he gets older. He doesn't watch kid's TV and so isn't swayed by ads, but he is developing his own interests.
That is good- it takes the pressure off me to buy ahead, but also hard- hard to get good deals on sometimes short notice.
Those with older kids- what are your thoughts on this? I'm looking for some answers to keep things simple and easy, not overbuy, and still not spend a fortune last minute....
Answer:
I'm in the same boat as you! It's going to be hard for us! We won't be able to deep bargain shop and store anymore!
Answer:
My kids are 6 & 8 and it's really hard to predict what they will be interested in. We also avoid ads so our kids aren't influenced by those.
We do what's called a 'wish list' so when they say, "I'd really like a ..." We say, "Put it on your wish list". Then we go over the list with them about a month before Christmas or their birthday and see what they are still interested in. It makes it very difficult to buy ahead but with a list it is still pretty easy to pick something off that list that is still reasonably priced.
About 6 weeks before Christmas my ds (age 8) asked for an Encyclopedia of World History! Who would have guessed? We had put off buying his gift so we got the book and he was THRILLED with it. He keeps carrying it around with him and reading out facts to us. It was his favorite Christmas gift and not very expensive. And dd (age 6) wanted a snowsuit for her doll. We never would have know that even a few months in advance.
So, all of that is to say, you may not be able to buy too many things in advance until their interests get more specific. Now that my ds has been into history for a while and my dd has been into dolls, we can probably start buying ahead a bit as long as we keep with these themes.
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I buy ahead for everyone BUT DSs. For that exact reason.
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My DS is 9 and I do not buy ahead as much as I used to. His birthday is in Nov. too and he makes out his bday/Christmas list in September so there is time to watch for sales. Throughout the year I buy little things that I find on clearance or for good buys and save them for holidays. He would never ASK for a book but if I find one I think he will like at a great price then I buy it. Mostly I buy ahead things that I want him to have like more classic toys and games.
Answer:
I'm in the same boat, I am finding it very hard to buy ahead, I would love to get the great deals, but storing it and then hoping it will fit the right child at the right time can end up being very challenging!