Parenting Big Kids (5-8) Support Group
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My oldest daughter's birthday is coming up quite soon and I found myself browsing the toy section for ideas.
Firstly, there is no way in hell a "Bratz" doll will ever end up in this house. They look entirely too much like some folks that I've seen on certain unmentionable street corners. Why on earth do parents buy these?
I've not really a problem too much with Barbie because at least she can puts on subtle make-up and doesn't resemble a hooker (too much).
Except in looking at the Barbies, I came across this Fashion Boutique Barbie set that comes with a credit card. On the box it says, "And you never have to worry about running out of money!"
...Um... There's a great lesson to teach young girls. Buy! Spend! Purchase! Don't worry about money! With a credit card, you don't need money!
So *#$@ Barbie.
Polly Pocket, My Little Pony, My Littlest Pet Shop...
I'm certainly not against dolls and using one's imagination, as I think the want for dolls comes naturally. But at least let there be something that doesn't ultimately dumb down our future generation of girls. Geez. Most of the sets I saw of these said items were about doing nails, makeup, hair, and fashion. Now my daughter is interested in these things, and even has things that present these activities, but not to the extent that these toys are pushing.
So far I have bought her a soccer ball, a jacket, pajamas, Scrabble Junior, A small fish tank (to teach responsibility), and a whole mess of books. Socks, too. I feel that she should get some sort of toy, doll, play set. But so far, I've been pretty discouraged at what I've seen.
Any ideas? (And please don't say American Girl. I HATE those dolls...because they are kind of pretentious AND for the fact that they replaced FAO Schwartz in a local shopping center here. I liked FAO Schwartz much better.)
Firstly, there is no way in hell a "Bratz" doll will ever end up in this house. They look entirely too much like some folks that I've seen on certain unmentionable street corners. Why on earth do parents buy these?
I've not really a problem too much with Barbie because at least she can puts on subtle make-up and doesn't resemble a hooker (too much).
Except in looking at the Barbies, I came across this Fashion Boutique Barbie set that comes with a credit card. On the box it says, "And you never have to worry about running out of money!"
...Um... There's a great lesson to teach young girls. Buy! Spend! Purchase! Don't worry about money! With a credit card, you don't need money!
So *#$@ Barbie.
Polly Pocket, My Little Pony, My Littlest Pet Shop...
I'm certainly not against dolls and using one's imagination, as I think the want for dolls comes naturally. But at least let there be something that doesn't ultimately dumb down our future generation of girls. Geez. Most of the sets I saw of these said items were about doing nails, makeup, hair, and fashion. Now my daughter is interested in these things, and even has things that present these activities, but not to the extent that these toys are pushing.
So far I have bought her a soccer ball, a jacket, pajamas, Scrabble Junior, A small fish tank (to teach responsibility), and a whole mess of books. Socks, too. I feel that she should get some sort of toy, doll, play set. But so far, I've been pretty discouraged at what I've seen.
Any ideas? (And please don't say American Girl. I HATE those dolls...because they are kind of pretentious AND for the fact that they replaced FAO Schwartz in a local shopping center here. I liked FAO Schwartz much better.)
Jemmy 05
K xx
It sounds like you have gotten her a lot of stuff already. I've gotten her nice sets of bead sets, special art sets and the like, that encourage creativity. Also, a good thing to grow with is the LEAPSTER. All games are educational. The system is kind of $$, about $50-60. and the games are about $24, but the games are good and the kids have a 'cool' personal game system.
Good Luck!
Jemmy, that computer pet sounds kind of right up our alley. I might look into it.
Isn't the Leapster for younger children? (Mine's about to be 7) I'll have to look into that as well. I suddenly feel so out of touch. I can't even remember what i wanted when i was seven. I think i wanted a trampoline. Hell, I still want one now.
Hmmm....
Methinks I can have a solution. One that will probably end us all up in the emergency room...but all in good fun, so it's alright, then.
Melissa
I like to get stuff for my kids that involves creativity too...arts and crafts stuff.
And games the family can all play together, like Candy Land, Uno, etc.
I see what you are saying about the Bratz dolls...not a good image to portray.
Though my 3 y/o is into some of the make-up and dress up...I think it's normal...she is using her imagination and playing Princess or ballerina...but she also sees me putting on chapstick a lot, and she is imitating me. She likes to wear nail polish as well...I find it a fun thing to do with her and share with her...it's being girly...and I waited SO long for a little girl....but I do not want to rush it either...She's still little, and want her to stay that way.
I agree....NO Bratz here either....EVER!! Or American Girl dolls. Why do some of us teach our girls to be snobs??!!
You know, one idea I had is not really a gift FOR the kids, but it does teach gratitude and generosity. As new toys come in, give some old ones away to a local charity, kids' hospital or shelter.
Also, I don't know if it's a "boy thing" but d/s absolutely loves Legos...I like them because they'll probably never be on a recall list, given that they are manufactured in Denmark. Magnetix is another one that is fun...both of these are tough with little ones in the house, though...small parts & lots of them.
Junie B. Jones books or Magic Treehouse books are good ones. In the arena of games, all of the Cranium games are fun & there are a ton of board games out there....High School Musical Life and Hannah Montana game, if she likes that sort of thing. Our personal favorite is Mancala & they sell it at Target...it's a marble game & we can play with that one for hours.
My last suggestion: At Target, they usually have a crafty section..not near the toys, but I believe it'll be near the school supplies and party favors. They have these little kits for learning to croche, sew, make stained glass, etc. They're inexpensive and kids I know love them...not a toy, but could certainly pass for one & it's unique. One year, my d/s was so into learning to sew, so I went to the fabric store and bought the makings of his own sewing kit, complete with a rainbow of felt squares, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, buttons, etc. He made tons of the cutest little stuffed animals with the felt...he still has them two years later and they'll be something I hang onto forever. Good luck :)