Kids and cash
Carmie raised a point yesterday that I thought was timely and worth further discussion. She asked:
sking as a future parent of middle-schoolers…..do you let your kids hang on to their gift cash? Do they give you a portion? Do they have to save it all? Spend it all?
Obviously, my answer to this isn’t going to be right for everyone, but I’m happy to share what we do. And as with all monetary dealings when it comes to our children, I think the long-term goal should be teaching fiscal responsibility in a way that sticks. Demanding that all gifted money be immediately deposited into a savings account is certainly wise in the conventional sense, but if it leaves kids feeling deprived and not in control of their own money, they’re unlikely to make good choices once they have more freedom.
I’ve discussed my allowance philosophy here before; I believe in mandating some savings and charitable giving for our kids with the money they earn.
Now, cash gifts are (to my mind) a little bit different. I do not make my kids donate a portion of gifts to charity, just as I wouldn’t make them take a couple of markers out of the pack and donate them. Heh. Depending on the amount of money, we usually figure out a division of money to spend and money to save. If it’s a small gift, I’ll let them spend it. If it’s larger, we put some in the bank.
I also try to steer them towards purchasing something the giver would approve of (this isn’t completely necessary, of course, but again, I think it helps them to be more mindful). If it’s money from a peer, I’m more likely to let them spend it on toys. If it’s from a grandparent or older relative we usually go towards clothes or books.
How about you? I’m curious to know how other folks handle it. Hit me!
Uhhhhh. . .
So you know how there’s been all of these Amazon markdowns? And I’ve been stalking the price changes, and looking for the best deals? I’ve found some really cool stuff this way.
I’ve also, unfortunately, discovered that someone thought this was a good idea. You know, because the world is experiencing a marked lack of large-breasted robot toys for children.
One of her actions is “blowing kisses.” Because that‘s not creepy.
It makes my GPS feel inadequate
Once upon a time we got a GPS unit, and the clouds parted and the angels sang, and I stopped getting lost all the time. Hooray!
Then after a while we got a new GPS unit, one that actually had text-to-speech, and the clouds parted and the angels sang, because this one spoke street names and I stopped taking wrong turns in areas where the streets are kind of close together. Hooray!
Now today I see that the Amazon Gold Box Deal is a Garmin Nuvi 855 for $160 that has—among other things—speech recognition. I cannot justify buying one, but if you’ve been waiting for just the right GPS deal, I will lend you my clouds and angels so that you can experience the same rush. Also, I will come over and look jealous. So there’s that.
Perfect last-minute way to keep ’em busy
Need just one more gift, or have a long trip over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house where you have to keep the kids happy? Check out this Big Count Box of Wikki Stix for $13 (Prime eligible). It’s got 468 Wikki Stix ready to be shaped and pressed into whatever they can imagine.
I’ll be honest; I find them a little bit freaky (they’re wax-covered yarn, and so a little bit gooey and sticky, though they don’t leave residue), but even my middle schooler can’t resist playing with them, given the chance.
And if all else fails, I’m pretty sure you could put a bunch of them together and make a serviceable gag. (Oh, did I say that last part out loud…?)
[Edited to add: Want more Wikki Stix? Also check out the Birthday Party Kit for $6 and the Bible Fun Kit for $5! Or, if you’re really an advance planner, check out the Trick or Treat Pack for $10.]
And if you need Swedish cotton
The timing isn’t spectacular (well, for many of us), but Hanna Andersson’s Twice-Yearly Sale is on now, which means there are markdowns of up to 60% off.
On the one hand, I can’t bear thinking about any more shopping at the moment. On the other hand, when the kids are given that timeless gift of cold hard cash, I know where I can buy them something a little extra-special. So.
Sale prices are in effect through January 3rd, 2010, but I know from (sad) experience that many items will sell out before then.
New markdowns, free shipping
Well, we’re getting down to the wire, and while Kohls isn’t particularly known for their speedy shipping (though you could still get expedited shipping for Christmas, today), they’ve just taken another round of markdowns.
Plus, they’re doing free shipping on $75+ orders automatically.
Plus, Kohls charge card holders can use coupon code NOCHARGE for free shipping on any order!
Plus, Kohls charge card holders can use coupon code SAVE15NOW for another 15% off (can be stacked with the shipping code), and everyone can use code NEW5053 for 10% off.
I’m seeing tons of clothes at 90% off in the clearance, and you’ve been very good this year.
More Maxus
If you missed the Maxus Dragonoid the last time it was marked ‘way down at Amazon, take heart: It’s currently available as a Lightning Deal for just $20 shipped. Go quick if you want one!
Just like Star Trek
Honestly, I have no idea what might make an “Internet Media Tablet” preferable to, say, a Netbook, but the current Amazon Gold Box Deal is a tablet for $200 shipped. [Update: Okay, my husband informs me this is more of an iTouch/eReader mashup than it is a Netbook competitor. He is very useful to have around.]
Very shiny, and I’m sure someone more geekish than I (I know, hard to believe, right?) might find it an incredible deal.
Hey, Last-Minute Luther
Scrambling for that last gift, perhaps for someone with rather refined taste? (Translation: Can’t buy ’em a game from Amazon with your handy-dandy Prime?) It turns out that Macy’s has you covered. Spend $99+ by midnight tonight (December 21st, 2009), and they’ll guarantee standard delivery by Christmas. If you’re a true slacker, fine; you have until midnight tomorrow to still get guaranteed express delivery.
Even better, today you can use coupon code THEBEST for 20% off and free shipping on most items! That’s kind of got me thinking I deserve something pretty for all the selfless holiday shopping I’ve been doing for my family, right?
Even more Amazon toy clearance
Hey, if you were around this weekend you’ve probably already stocked up on toys and such, but the markdowns are still happening, so I thought I’d point out a few more things. I’m also going to tell you one of my tricks—when there’s a massive amount of clearance, like the last few days, one of the best ways to find the deals is to take a look at the Movers and Shakers page to see what people are purchasing most. Very often you’ll find lots of marked down items, there.
Here’s a few discounts I didn’t pick up in either of the previous markdown posts:
Educational games:
Equate: The Equation Thinking Game for $10
Totally Tut Math Operations Game for $10
Money Bags A Coin Value Game for $8
Sum Swamp Addition and Subtraction Game for $10
Sunken Treasure Adventure Phonics for $8
Math Shark for $15
Other games:
Uno Attack for $10
Battleship Express for $4
Deluxe Cribbage Set for $3.60
Scattergories for $13
And a few random toys:
Battle Strikers Tournament for $10
Toy Story Bucket of Army Guys for $8
Most of the toys/games I highlighted this weekend are still available, too. Not to mention that the warehouses are clearly overloaded—I ordered something this weekend and got a confirmation email, then a “we’re sorry, this won’t be available until January” email, then a “your item is shipping soon” email, and finally, a “your item has shipped” email. Craziness!
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