Just what do I get the Kids for Christmas this year??!!

[Ond]

OK so it's mid November, many are starting to think about what to get the kids for Christmas.  I'm sure there are some smug types who've already got it all sorted - read no further.  

For the rest of us Dads (and Moms?) it's yet another year of trying to figure out what the hell to get the rug rats this year.
  
Last year I kind of project managed it a bit.  I took all the "letters to Santa" and did my research.  Lunch breaks spent down at Kmart (=Walmart?) wandering the isles trying to sort out the rubbish from better value items.  I made up a spreadsheet and would tick off items located as I went.  I have 3 kids, eldest is a teenager (15 y/o daughter) my youngest is my 8 y/o son and then there's my 10 y/o daughter as well.  It seems to get harder and harder to buy for the girls.  Arrrrrgggg teen girls, just what do you get them?   When they were little it was easy because the stores are full of endless stuff for that age group.  

For my son it's sooo easy, I could spend all day gathering ideas for him i.e. is he old enough for a remote controlled helicopter? Hell yeah! (I know I am).   So looking past IPods, Cell phones, IPads, Gaming Consoles and cute little Netbooks,  what else is there?  I say let's get a brain dump going, then when we go out  and show “amazing imagination" in this year’s clever purchases, our wives will never know it was a cunning collective effort, hatched right here (I won't tell if you don't") Mooo hooo ha ha ha ha ha  .
 
Here’s my initial contribution – The seemingly quite cool for bookworm type daughters ‘KINDLE' from Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y27P3M/?tag=gocous-20&hvadid=5731324277&ref=pd_sl_1bgw2npllh_e

These look pretty cool and are different from other electronic viewing devices in that they are specifically designed for reading text with a paper like quality to the screen which can be read in bright light conditions. Holds thousands of titles, take it on holidays.  I’m thinking of just the basic model as a gift.  What else? C’mon share your suggestions! Give over!

[drventure]

My 6yo is getting a big girl bike, with +multiple speeds+!

I'm probably going to show her how to build up a PC as well, though that won't technically be "for christmas". I've been collecting parts for it ever since the lightning strike.

Beyond that, lots of princess stuff , which wouldn't help you much, I'm afraid!

Yeah, gifts for teen girls.... Not sure I'm looking forward to that stage

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Two girls here, 3 y/o in March and 1 y/o right after Christmas.
It's tricky finding things that oldest will enjoy that we don't have to be as worried about the younger one getting into. No small parts and the like.

You can always find novelty 'stocking stuffer' type stuff at Deal Extreme:
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.899
Order sooner rather than later because the shipping takes a while.

Download the Wootalyzer and monitor the 'one item a day' stores like Woot, and KidsWoot:
http://www.wootalyzer.com/download
We just snagged a read a long book/pen system with three included books for $20 shipped from KidsWoot a week or so ago.

[HaRuMaN]

Get him this heli:

http://www.amazon.com/Syma-S107-Gyroscope-Controlled-Helicopter/dp/8499000606/

$27 shipped, Gyro stabalized, can't go wrong.   

I have a 5 month old girl, so not so hard shopping this year.   

[Howard_Casto]

"Boys get a football!  Girls get a pink football!"

(Bonus points to anyone that knows what that's from.)

[BurgerKingDiamond]

FINISH that cab! That's the best gift you could give him! hahah JK

Is he into music? Get him a guitar... I got one for my 10th birthday out of the blue, and I've been playing ever since (about to turn 25 in December). It could keep him from getting into rap..... That's a plus.

For the girl just please stay away from anything related to Justin Bieber for the love of GOD.

[shmokes]

Teen girls aren't difficult at all.  They want clothes.  Gift cards for Abercrombie or Xpress go a long way.  Yeah . . . it's a gift-card . . . not that personal.  But it's what they want.  They also want the new iPod nano or an iPod touch (or better yet an iPhone, if you can afford the monthly cost).  They want an iPad.  The Kindle is cool, too, but the iPad can do a lot more and it's pretty good for reading Kindle books too.  They want a salon-quality flat iron.  They want two tickets to an upcoming show (Lady Gaga's touring).  They want bags (Coach is always a safe bet).  They want shoes, but again this is gift-card territory . . . you can't choose them.

What about hobbies . . . does your daughter have any?  Would she like a nice camera . . . like an SLR or micro 4/3?  Does she ski/snowboard and need/want some new equipment?  A season pass maybe?  How about a nice tennis racquet?  Does she paint?  Would she like one of those cool french-style fold up easels with the built-in drawer to hold brushes and paints?

What about furniture?  A new bed for her bedroom?  A desk?  A chest of drawers?

[javeryh]

This could be a great thread.  We have also started shopping for Christmas for the kids (6 year old daughter and 3 year old son).  It is kind of tough because they are so young.  The kids also tend to want stuff they see on TV but then play with it for like 5 minutes and never pick it up again.  The only things they seem to go back to are books. 

My son's "big" present is going to be a little kid drum kit (bass, tom tom, snare and cymbal) - he is obsessed with the drums (thank you Rock Band).  His favorite "toy" is to just bang drumsticks against the couch.  We went to the Hard Rock a few weeks ago in NYC and all he wanted to do was look at the drum sets behind the glass cases.  I don't want to push him into it and have him get bored but I would love it if he really ended up playing - but he's only 3.5 so who knows.

I have no ideas for my daughter - probably books and clothes which are her two favorite things.

[chopps]

Get him this heli:

http://www.amazon.com/Syma-S107-Gyroscope-Controlled-Helicopter/dp/8499000606/

$27 shipped, Gyro stabalized, can't go wrong.   

MY 6 year old son has that same heli.  Takes a bit to get the hang of flying it, but we have lots of fun with it.  Fairly durable too, we have had many crash landings and it keeps going. 

[shmokes]

3 is old enough for a bike if he doesn't already have one.  Also kids that age LOVE those little mini kitchens with the fake sink and stove and stuff.  Not sure if the six year old girl will still play with that.  Mine is 4, though, and she hasn't shown any signs of growing tired of it since she got it for Christmas last year.  The one we got was at Target.

[Vigo]

Just be one of those Dads that teaches a "valuable life lesson" about how the world is not fair:

Give one kid a new iPad.

The second can have a mop and bucket.

The third can have a ketchup packet.


In the end, I'm sure your children will admire you for what you have taught them! That lesson is much more valuable than any material present you could buy. 

[Hoopz]

Donation to the Human Fund?   

[Hoopz]

To the OP:  Maybe your son is too old for these but I ordered one for my 6 year old nephew last night.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/3-7-years/e560/

My step son is turning 12 next week so I think I've convinced my wife to get him a 360.  My 6 year old daughter is getting her own DS.  My 8 year old daughter is into baking cupcakes so we have a few books for her and a couple of outfits.  The standbys of books, outfits etc always go far.  We usually get them a game (the girls usually share it). 

I can't imagine what to get them when they're teenagers. 

My twin 2 year olds are getting the normal stuff that toddlers get. 

[knave]

This is a great idea for a thread. My daughters are 6 and 11, jewelery making was a big hit, earings and bracelets etc...they come in a kit. Both girls like this but it is more to my eldests skill level.

I get them a wii game each usually something top rated that's at least good enough for a few hours of fun.

My 6yo is just getting into playing her sisters DS. So I might pick her up her own DS Lite.

11yo really wants a cell phone...while part of me rejects this core concept I can't deny that it might have some merit. I told her 12 was the magic age a few years ago...so I think I might surprise her. She understands that it will be a prepaid account and that apart for the first month or two she will have to refill it with her money.

Both of my kids like books, plus it adds variety and something that doesn't plug in or take batteries.

My 6yo still has a play kitchen and it has always been a favorite...she is playing with it less now that she is older but from 3-5 1/2 it was well used.

Doll house and other polly pocket size toys have been popular as well.

Keep the ideas coming...

[Mikezilla]

Birth Control for the 15 year old? 


All I gotta say is that when I start having kids, I better have boys. Or else. 

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Our daughters love their play kitchen as well. Got it last Christmas and it gets played with every day. Even at 11mo/o, our youngest is starting to 'play' with it, though in more of a physical exploratory sense than imagination.

Toys that encourage imagination and abstract concepts I think will always have a longer staying power than something with a more strict interpretation of how you play with it.

[JMB]

The musical instrument ideas are great. I have a drum set, a couple guitars, and keyboards setup for the kids to use whenever they want. They don't get constant use but they do keep going back to them.

I also highly recommend board games you can play with your kids, Life, Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, etc.

[Vigo]

I also highly recommend board games you can play with your kids, Life, Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, etc.

I agree that board games age a great gift, but I really recommended that you don't get those games. There are so many games out there that are much, much better, and will keep you from that 5 hour game of monopoly riddled with arguments and grief.

I personally recommend a game like "Pandemic" or "Forbidden Island" for kids 10 and up. Intense enough that adults love it, but kids can really get involved in it and enjoy it just as much. Plus they are co-op games, so its not really about who wins. Its just a good time.

[atomikbohm]

With the younger kids it has to be cool / interesting not necessarily expensive. 

Best gift I got my brother's 2 boys was an Airzooka http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/60b6/ Under $20 and they played with them till they fell apart. Which was quite a while according to my sister-in-law 

BTW NEVER give your own children a drum set!!! Give things like that to your siblings children.  That way they get to enjoy listening to the learning curve 

[eds1275]

My recommendation also goes to a musical instrument. And not just any instrument - obviously I am biased because I am a professional guitarist, but I think you should get her one of the following instruments:

Guitar
Keyboard
Drums [electric drum prices are down lower than ever and quality is pretty good, even on the starter sets like the Roland TD-3]
Bass guitar
A small PA system with a nice mic if she likes singing

The better choices are the PA, guitar, and keyboard - those are instruments you can play alone. If you are going for a guitar, go electric. I know many will tell you to start with an acoustic, because acoustic guitars are the root of the instrument, but in my experience they are harder to play thus easier to give up on. An electric is easier on the fingers, can be played unplugged or with headphones for silent practice, and can if she keeps up with it a neverending source of ideas for gifts.

A PA system would allow her to jam with other musicians, plus it would also benefit you if you ever throw outdoor parties!

The reason I suggest these five instruments is because chances are better that she will keep up with these throughout her lifetime, as opposed to the regular high school "band" instruments. Not many people still play the flute out of high school. Plus... it's really hard to rock a flute.
Here's me rocking out at my housewarming partay!

[HanoiBoi]

I've got two boys, 6 & 8.  Here's some of our results;

RECOMMENDED:

Perplexus  3D spherical maze puzzle.  The kids really concentrate when they pick this up.  I love this thing!

Yam Slam  A yahtzee like game with poker chips for points.  Very well built and fun for all ages.

Stomp Rocket Jump or stomp on the launch pad and send the nerf like rocket high into the air.

Remote Controlled Thunder Tumbler  I've recently seen them in CVS.  We've had 2 of them for about 3 years and they still work and they're still played with

Zoom-O Also a 9.99 toy, found at WalMart, Target, etc.. Shoots a propeller disc into the air.  Simple, but very addictive.  Non-competitive and just fun.

Nintendo DS My 6 year old would bring it into the shower if he could!  If I had a nickel for every time I've heard "Can I play my DS?"  It's the Pokemon games that he loves.

'Dangerous Book For Boys' (or the 'Daring Book For Girls')  

Building Stuff Lego Sets (Atlantis, vehicles, etc) K'Nex, Bionicles, Magnetix

MP3 players  Doesn't have to be fancy.  Fill it with stuff that'll get them interested in tunes; Classic Rock, 80's, 1 Hit Wonders, Beatles, Bob Marley, etc.

Apples To Apples If you've got at least 4 people and most can read (you can help to an extent), it's always a fun game.

Five Below My boys love this store.

Other notables:

20 Questions Fun for the younger kids who can read

Mr Root Beer Make your own root beer.

Rubik's Twist Easy to get the hang of, travels well.

Duds

Air Hogs They are fun and they work well, but the kids lose interest when they have to charge so much.

Fushigi = Fushi++y

[eds1275]

Ooooooh MP3 players! Kids LOVE Stevie Wonder's poppier stuff!

[Hoopz]

We do games every year too.  Board, card, book games etc.  At least two for each.  My stepson and I play Spy Alley a lot, Stratego (star wars version but with the regular rules), Drakon board game etc.

We have a boutique style game store that I go in and browse stuff.  It's overpriced but I try and support small businesses that are local...

Perudo, Farkle and a few others like that are good for older kids (8+?) and teach good math skills to boot.  For the boys group I work with, we had 80+ play Perudo in one sitting.  It was fun to watch (at least the end of it was...).

The Cranium games are always good. 

[Ond]

The great Christmas Gift Thinktank!  There's already plenty more suggestions here than I could have hoped to dream up by myself. Now to find the one stop shop that stocks it all  (other than online ordering).  No more wondering around shelves full of potential landfill (there's too much plastic in the world) at the last minute for this dad.  I really like the family games, painting and art materials, constructive toys, musical and hobbyist gift ideas. I'll go with the clothes vouchers for the girls too, good one.

Not that I'd want to derail this thread with nostalgic Christmas memories, but  thinking back to the best value gifts I got as a kid is sometimes useful when I'm trying to get inspiration for my own kids.  Some of my favs were the Chemistry set I got one year, can you still even get these?? I mean the full on giant ones with all the cool tubes of various different coloured chemicals in them and glasswear, the microscope another year,  The 'Electronic Project Kit' that was awesome ,till I lost all the wires that came with it. Various different construction sets.  Thanks Dad!  errr I mean Santa.  Yes, I get to relive my childhood each Christmas and have no problem admitting that.

Well, time to spreadsheet some of these great ideas.  I can't wait to be the smug savvy shopper thanks to you guys! 

[HanoiBoi]

Ond, if you find a brick and mortar Amazon store, let me know.  Otherwise, they're a nice one stop shop for many items.

I'm sure there are other stores like it, but my Dad used to get us gifts from Edmund's Scientific.  They've got your Chemistry stuff.  We'd also receive cool items like prisms, magnets, holograms, etc.  It was kinda local to us and I actually visited the store a few times as a kid.  

Check it out - it'll be good for ideas at the least!

Edmund's Scientific Official Site:
http://www.scientificsonline.com

Chemistry Section:
http://www.scientificsonline.com/chemistry.html?limit=48

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Scientific_Corporation

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Used to love electronics project kits too.. I had a couple that were second hand sets, so they didn't come with wires, and the books were a little worn.

My dad found around 20 feet of about 50 pair twisted copper that had been discarded. I think we used that as a source for wire for several years for many projects.

[garwil]

Can one of you lot please adopt me. My parents never spent that much on me!

[Vigo]

We do games every year too.  Board, card, book games etc.  At least two for each.  My stepson and I play Spy Alley a lot, Stratego (star wars version but with the regular rules), Drakon board game etc.

We have a boutique style game store that I go in and browse stuff.  It's overpriced but I try and support small businesses that are local...

Perudo, Farkle and a few others like that are good for older kids (8+?) and teach good math skills to boot.  For the boys group I work with, we had 80+ play Perudo in one sitting.  It was fun to watch (at least the end of it was...).

The Cranium games are always good. 

Haha, I'm also one to play Star Wars stratego with regular stratego rules.

Also, I would recommend getting "The A-Maze-ing Labyrinth" if you see it for a good price. Simple game for kids 6+, but there is a lot of critical thinking skills that the game develops, and it is equally enjoyable by adults. It's overall just a really fun game to play!

http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-26448-Labyrinth/dp/B00000J0JF

[Hoopz]

Haha, I'm also one to play Star Wars stratego with regular stratego rules.

Also, I would recommend getting "The A-Maze-ing Labyrinth" if you see it for a good price. Simple game for kids 6+, but there is a lot of critical thinking skills that the game develops, and it is equally enjoyable by adults. It's overall just a really fun game to play!

http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-26448-Labyrinth/dp/B00000J0JF

I'm adding that to my list to give to my mom for my stepson.  Thanks!

[shmokes]

Probably the best board game I've ever played is Settlers of Catan.  It's more a less a board game version of a turn-based strategy game.  It's all about resource management and building cities and settlements, controlling important parts of the map, etc.  It's an excellent game.  If you're going to get a board game, get that board game.  It's not for kids under 10, though.  It's also not inexpensive.  It's like $30+

[eds1275]

Probably the best board game I've ever played is Settlers of Catan.  It's more a less a board game version of a turn-based strategy game.  It's all about resource management and building cities and settlements, controlling important parts of the map, etc.  It's an excellent game.  If you're going to get a board game, get that board game.  It's not for kids under 10, though.  It's also not inexpensive.  It's like $30+

Anything published by that company Rio Grande Games is EXCELLENT!

My favourites are Settlers of Catan and the million variations of Carcassonne! Also another good game is Zombies!!! and for all-around family enjoyment, Crokinole. I have a wicked Crokinole board from Lee Valley.

[Vigo]

Probably the best board game I've ever played is Settlers of Catan.  It's more a less a board game version of a turn-based strategy game.  It's all about resource management and building cities and settlements, controlling important parts of the map, etc.  It's an excellent game.  If you're going to get a board game, get that board game.  It's not for kids under 10, though.  It's also not inexpensive.  It's like $30+

Anything published by that company Rio Grande Games is EXCELLENT!

My favourites are Settlers of Catan and the million variations of Carcassonne! Also another good game is Zombies!!! and for all-around family enjoyment, Crokinole. I have a wicked Crokinole board from Lee Valley.

Yeah, Rio Grande makes killer games! I would also recommend Catan as a gift for teens and adults. I have made many people Catan addicts by gifting that game! It really has perfected the trading element that monopoly tried to do, but fell flat. Carcassonne is a good alternative for people on more of a budget, its like around $20 instead of $30ish. Its still a good game though. I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I always wanted to get a Crokinole board, but the classy ones are spendy. Maybe that can be a DIY project of mine someday.

[RayB]

I also highly recommend board games you can play with your kids, Life, Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, etc.

I agree that board games age a great gift, but I really recommended that you don't get those games. There are so many games out there that are much, much better, and will keep you from that 5 hour game of monopoly riddled with arguments and grief.

Seconded. Get ones that at least encourage a little bit of strategic thought. Anything that relies on a random number generator (dice) isn't strategic, it's just "luck". There are a number of good games coming out of Germany. Get Bohnanza, Pompei, Carcasonne, Settlers, etc....

Regarding buying for teen girls, you're really screwed. Their peer groups and media are all pushing clothes, music, celebrities and other inane shallow interests. You're gonna have to carefully balance that crap with encouraging interests that have a little more value. (How? I have no idea! )

[eds1275]

Regarding buying for teen girls, you're really screwed. Their peer groups and media are all pushing clothes, music, celebrities and other inane shallow interests. You're gonna have to carefully balance that crap with encouraging interests that have a little more value. (How? I have no idea! )

Yeah I haven't seen any of those retarded board games where you try to finish your shopping list first in a while. Those were the days...

[shmokes]

Settlers relies heavily on dice and it's very strategic.  Part of the fun is making the best of what fortune gives you.

[AtomSmasher]

The randomness of the dice rolling in Catan is mainly why I get really annoyed at that game at times.  A fun game that has virtually no randomness is Power Grid.  You actually have a supply and demand in the game for the various resources, the more people want a resource, the higher the cost goes.  It's a lot of fun, but definitely not for little kids.

Robo Rally is another fun one, which does have some randomness in that you draw a stack of cards, but the core of the game is quickly deciding what you need to do with the cards you've received.  You can pretty much always have a successful turn if you're fast enough to realize the correct moves to make.

[Flip_Willie]

...I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I have Puerto Rico, and it is a great game. I used to play Settlers of Catan a lot, but I honestly find Puerto Rico even more fun.

[popsicle]

Slightly off-topic, but a great fast playing game for adults is Wits and Wagers.  7 questions total, but all are numeric values (i.e. what year, how many, etc.)  Players write their answers on dry erase cards, then put them from high to low on an odds table.  Next, all players place 2 betting markers on whose answer(s) is closest without going over (kind of like that game in Price is Right).  The payoffs increase as you stray from the middle.  On the last question, you may put any previous winnings under either or both of your 2 betting markers and go 'all in'.

I bring this game weekly to the teacher's lounge, and it manages to suck just about everyone in during a very limited lunch break.  My parents and uncle (all 65+) like to play too.  Easy game for teams in large numbers as well.

 

[danny_galaga]

Don't get 'em anything. just teach them it's a bogus way to separate people from their cash 

[Mikezilla]

...I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I have Puerto Rico, and it is a great game. I used to play Settlers of Catan a lot, but I honestly find Puerto Rico even more fun.

You guys keep raving about these games but I have never seen them anywhere. Whats are they like? Rules gameplay, etc?

[HanoiBoi]

...I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I have Puerto Rico, and it is a great game. I used to play Settlers of Catan a lot, but I honestly find Puerto Rico even more fun.

You guys keep raving about these games but I have never seen them anywhere. Whats are they like? Rules gameplay, etc?

Mikezilla, I've never heard of these games either.  You can wikipedia them.  Still, this seems a bit off topic to me.

Anyone have ideas for currently released toys/games that you or your kids have had experience with?  At least that's how I thought Ond was looking for this thread to continue.

[shmokes]

 At least that's how I thought Ond was looking for this thread to continue.

Oh, to remain master of your own thread.  Tis too much to ask for, I think.   

[Vigo]

...I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I have Puerto Rico, and it is a great game. I used to play Settlers of Catan a lot, but I honestly find Puerto Rico even more fun.

You guys keep raving about these games but I have never seen them anywhere. Whats are they like? Rules gameplay, etc?

Hey Mike, the board game industry has really exploded in the US in the last few years, and European style board games have really been becoming popular in the US. You won't find many of these games yet in placed like Walmart, you you can find tons in specialty shops and books stores (and online as well). The games are usually not roll and move, but are very open-ended. I would compare Catan to something like Civilization for the PC. You build cities and roads, trade resources, and win by having the most prosperous civilization. Unlike Civilization though, it's not very conflict orientated, but still very strategy driven.

Here is pretty much the biggest repository site for everything board game - BGG: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/

I hope the board game talk isn't too much of a threadjack, but these kind of board games really make an A+ gift for kids, if you find a good board game that you all can enjoy, it can really be quality time spent with your kids. Here is the BGG list of top rated family games: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/familygames/browse/boardgame  

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

One of my favorites was always the Dune board game by Avalon Hill.
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/121/dune

It's risk meets monopoly, in hell, on steroids. (:

[shmokes]

Monopoly is awful.  The winner is generally determined within the first 20-30 minutes.  Everyone else just spends the next 2 hours slowly losing with absolutely no chance of making a comeback.  Tedium.  Risk is actually the same to a slightly lesser degree.  Combining the two sounds like torture.

[Mikezilla]

...I also hear Puerto Rico is a sweet game, but haven't played it yet.

I have Puerto Rico, and it is a great game. I used to play Settlers of Catan a lot, but I honestly find Puerto Rico even more fun.

You guys keep raving about these games but I have never seen them anywhere. Whats are they like? Rules gameplay, etc?

Hey Mike, the board game industry has really exploded in the US in the last few years, and European style board games have really been becoming popular in the US. You won't find many of these games yet in placed like Walmart, you you can find tons in specialty shops and books stores (and online as well). The games are usually not roll and move, but are very open-ended. I would compare Catan to something like Civilization for the PC. You build cities and roads, trade resources, and win by having the most prosperous civilization. Unlike Civilization though, it's not very conflict orientated, but still very strategy driven.

Here is pretty much the biggest repository site for everything board game - BGG: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/

I hope the board game talk isn't too much of a threadjack, but these kind of board games really make an A+ gift for kids, if you find a good board game that you all can enjoy, it can really be quality time spent with your kids. Here is the BGG list of top rated family games: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/familygames/browse/boardgame  

Thank you Vigo! See, thats the type of response I was looking for HB. Cool, Ill have to check those out. Only problem with that, once I get them, I might not be able to play them cause I dont think I have any friends that would be willing to try them. I know for DAMN sure my GF wouldnt try it. 

Dont mean to thread jack or anything, I dont have kids, let alone girls, so I dont really have anything to contribute. My last attempt to be funny failed, all I would say is dont get em gift cards cause that sucks on Christmas.

[Ond]

 At least that's how I thought Ond was looking for this thread to continue.

Oh, to remain master of your own thread.  Tis too much to ask for, I think.  

Ahh no problem, the board game discussion is good!  We have a few of those already mentioned, the kids like playing Monoply but generally, I steer clear of it these days for the reasons already mentioned. One that is very popular in our house and gets used a fair bit is 'Guesstures'  - basically a question cards / charades type game - guess the charade before the card drops away into the slot. The timer ticks faster and faster as time runs out making the charade guess ever more frantic.  I remember a similar game at a friends house over quite a few wines, after a failed guess my buddy blurted out "---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- for brains!" at his then girlfriends (now wife??)who wrongly guessed the charade -    still laughing at that.  Board games are highly social, can be great value  and a good excuse to get people together.

I think I can a put a good shopping list together already and then start to pare it down and do the whole fair balancing thing between my 3 kids - no easy task!  The oldest one does appreciate that its not always size or number of presents that = value and that Ipods, Nintendo DSs, camera's etc are all expensive.  Truth is, other than requests for things like "a puppy"  my kids are pretty moderate in their wish lists.  It's their dad who is the real culprit here -the wide eyed kid in the candy store type.  

In terms of other threads on the 'Everything Else' board this thread is still well on the track  .  If if it goes careening off the road and charges into the fields, so be it.  Also, I am totally allowed to mix my metaphors at any time without warning or critical comeback.  Good.

 

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Monopoly is awful.  The winner is generally determined within the first 20-30 minutes.  Everyone else just spends the next 2 hours slowly losing with absolutely no chance of making a comeback.  Tedium.  Risk is actually the same to a slightly lesser degree.  Combining the two sounds like torture.

Very true. I shall rephrase:

The money exchanging and banking of monopoly meets the strategy and warfare of risk, in hell, on steroids.

Each player represents a different political faction, each with there own variations of rules and criteria for winning the game. (:

[Flip_Willie]

Monopoly is awful.  The winner is generally determined within the first 20-30 minutes.  Everyone else just spends the next 2 hours slowly losing with absolutely no chance of making a comeback...

No, you are looking at it from the wrong perspective. Yes, if you lose, it sucks; but if you win, you get 2 hours to suck the other players dry! It is a great feeling! 

[shmokes]

Ugh . . . see, for me it even sucks the fun out of winning.  It like . . . introduces guilt after a while.  Like . . . it makes you a poor winner.  Just rubbing their faces in it for two hours, lol.  I just feel like a dick . . . for no reason . . . just cos I happened to land on Boardwalk and Park Place first.

[HanoiBoi]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules.

+1

[Vigo]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules.

+1

While I'm sure most kids would prefer an iPad or Xbox, I think there are plenty of parents who don't have that kind of money to shell out. I know as a kid, I wanted a Nintendo badly, but we didn't have any money. I loved every board game I got though, and I really wished I had some of these modern games as a kid. It's actually rather appropriate to talk about since board games are the only sector of the toy market to actually be on the rise in this economy.

There are other parents who might actually want to spend time doing something with their kids, this is just a constructive option, and a lot of non-mainstream boardgames are much more simple than monopoly, yet very, very fun.  If you would rather jump into a rousing game of "Life" with your kids, thats your prerogative. Me? I'll stick with games that do not make me want to jab a golf pencil into my skull.

[crashwg]

You guys keep raving about these games but I have never seen them anywhere. Whats are they like? Rules gameplay, etc?

Target has Settlers.  It's $45 though...

[shmokes]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules... and I've suffered through Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan.

If you "suffered" through Settlers you were just being your usual deliberately bitchy self.  It ain't hard.  The box says 10 and up, and that's true.  The average 10 year old is perfectly capable of grokking Settlers and, more importantly, will have fun playing it.  Most 10 year olds aren't ---uvulas---.  I think we both probably agree that the same cannot be said about you since you do it on purpose.

[HanoiBoi]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules... and I've suffered through Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan.

If you "suffered" through Settlers you were just being your usual deliberately bitchy self.  It ain't hard.  The box says 10 and up, and that's true.  The average 10 year old is perfectly capable of grokking Settlers and, more importantly, will have fun playing it.  Most 10 year olds aren't ---uvulas---.  I think we both probably agree that the same cannot be said about you since you do it on purpose.

'Uvulas'?  If that's placed there by software, might need an update, 'cause I'm pretty sure that's not the right word.

[Hoopz]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules... and I've suffered through Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan.

If you "suffered" through Settlers you were just being your usual deliberately bitchy self.  It ain't hard.  The box says 10 and up, and that's true.  The average 10 year old is perfectly capable of grokking Settlers and, more importantly, will have fun playing it.  Most 10 year olds aren't ---uvulas---.  I think we both probably agree that the same cannot be said about you since you do it on purpose.

'Uvulas'?  If that's placed there by software, might need an update, 'cause I'm pretty sure that's not the right word.

It's just Saint's humor showing through the auto-censor.

[Vigo]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules... and I've suffered through Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan.

If you "suffered" through Settlers you were just being your usual deliberately bitchy self.  It ain't hard.  The box says 10 and up, and that's true.  The average 10 year old is perfectly capable of grokking Settlers and, more importantly, will have fun playing it.  Most 10 year olds aren't ---uvulas---.  I think we both probably agree that the same cannot be said about you since you do it on purpose.

'Uvulas'?  If that's placed there by software, might need an update, 'cause I'm pretty sure that's not the right word.

It's just Saint's humor showing through the auto-censor.

Not to say that the statement isn't true. Most 10 year olds are not Uvulas. I'm pretty sure thats medically proven.

[HanoiBoi]

I don't think there's many kids out there that want obscure board games from Europe that have too many rules... and I've suffered through Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan.

If you "suffered" through Settlers you were just being your usual deliberately bitchy self.  It ain't hard.  The box says 10 and up, and that's true.  The average 10 year old is perfectly capable of grokking Settlers and, more importantly, will have fun playing it.  Most 10 year olds aren't ---uvulas---.  I think we both probably agree that the same cannot be said about you since you do it on purpose.

'Uvulas'?  If that's placed there by software, might need an update, 'cause I'm pretty sure that's not the right word.

It's just Saint's humor showing through the auto-censor.

I understand that it's the auto-censor, but the auto-censor is usually a little closer in it's descriptions.

The 'uvula' is the little guy near your throat....not the little guy in the boat.   

[Vigo]

Hey, for some people it might be accurate.... 

[Benevolance]

Ond, what your kids really want is an arcade cabinet. I recommend you check out this thread for some inspiration. It's genius.

Also, of the Rio Grande Games, I like the Dominion games best. It's a card-based game, where you use the coin cards in your initial hand to purchase additional cards and you build a deck on the fly. The ultimate purpose is to buy the 'land' cards that count for scoring. But the land cards also get shuffled into your deck, and they do nothing aside from count for points, so it dillutes what you can do each turn. You have to balance action-type cards with scoring cards. The strategy is building your deck as you go and your actions on a turn, and the randomness is the shuffle of the cards you've bought. It's a nice blend.

[RayB]

If all you do is get your kids what they think they want, you're gonna raise just another sheep who's bad at math and graduates high school with a huge sense of entitlement.  It's your job as parents to steer your kids and sometimes that means balancing their "pop culture" interests with things that are a little more cerebral. This is especially true for girls who are bombarded with absolutely nonsense. A 9 year old should be perfectly capable of learning to play chess, but most parents underestimate what kids are capable of.

There won't be too many factory jobs left in 10-20 years. Might as well stack the odds in your kids' favor by developing their intellectual side early.

[Gray_Area]

Go real old school. Give 'em coal and switches. Except make them dig for the coal and select their own switches. They'll keep - or get - fit, earn their keep bringing fuel to burn for the winter, and stay honest.

[shmokes]

Agreed.  You have all year to encourage your kids to be smart and disciplined and talented.  If what they want happens to coincide with what's good for them, great.  But Christmas is a party.  Don't spoil the party.  You don't need an excuse like Christmas to get you kid something practical.  You can do that anytime. 

[Ond]

Ond, what your kids really want is an arcade cabinet. I recommend you check out this thread for some inspiration. It's genius.

Yeah it’s a nice cab and all, but that guy is producing some self indulgent show off piece which he seems to take forever to get done.  

…You have all year to encourage your kids to be smart and disciplined and talented.  If what they want happens to coincide with what's good for them, great.  But Christmas is a party.  Don't spoil the party.  You don't need an excuse like Christmas to get you kid something practical.  You can do that anytime.

 
Christmas IS a party, well said.  I usually try for gifts which represent 'good value' which does not necessarily always equate to either practical or educational.  I figure Christmas is the one time when you can ask for something that during the rest of the year might be seen as not very practical.  

I never did very well in school and couldn’t wait to leave, I was too rebellious, lazy, hung out with the wrong types (in Game Arcades *smirk*) and went to schools which still believed that sarcasm, heavy physical punishment and humiliation in front of one’s peers was the way to get the job of teaching done.  I’m so profoundly grateful to have kids that are happy, thriving and doing well at school,  granting a few of their wishes is a way to celebrate and reward their whole year.  Without the heart and the celebration (Christian or otherwise) behind the gifts, pbjim is right, it is just a kind of pointless consumerist holiday.
  
That said, I still want to avoid acquiring a whole lot of stuff that looks great on the shelf in its glossy packaging but gets left untouched after one or two uses at home.  ‘Landfill’ my wife calls it.  Thus my topic post and where you all came in.
  
BTW I found a local games shop (name escapes me for the moment) which stocks just about ALL the board games mentioned.  I ran around excitedly in there pointing them out to my wife “this one is very good, this one won all these awards in Europe”…you get the idea.  My wife was impressed, ehhh but I couldn’t take the credit – she knows where I got “the knowledge”.  

[RayB]

You all make great points Jim, Shmokes and Ond.

[Vigo]

BTW I found a local games shop (name escapes me for the moment) which stocks just about ALL the board games mentioned.  I ran around excitedly in there pointing them out to my wife “this one is very good, this one won all these awards in Europe”…you get the idea.  My wife was impressed, ehhh but I couldn’t take the credit – she knows where I got “the knowledge”.  

Ha, I'm glad that wasn't too much of a threadjack then! 

…You have all year to encourage your kids to be smart and disciplined and talented.  If what they want happens to coincide with what's good for them, great.  But Christmas is a party.  Don't spoil the party.  You don't need an excuse like Christmas to get you kid something practical.  You can do that anytime.

 
Christmas IS a party, well said.  I usually try for gifts which represent 'good value' which does not necessarily always equate to either practical or educational.  I figure Christmas is the one time when you can ask for something that during the rest of the year might be seen as not very practical. 

I would say the argument goes both ways on this one. Many gifts are really both just plain enjoyable and intellectually stimulating at the same time. My parents always wanted me to read more as a kid, so they bought me a ton of comics each Christmas. No complaints here! (I got a couple valuable issues from the parents as well.) I would say that practically meets both ends. Just like a number of gift items mentioned before, though. I think that this is part of the argument that Ray was making. If your kid can enjoy a strong strategic game, why get them Monopoly, that is a 5 hour brain drain? Kids can have intellectual fun too. When I was 7, one of my favorite things to do was program little games for myself in BASIC. Yeah, they were dumb, sucky text games that made no sense, but thats still a quite a feat for a little kid.

I guess that leads to my other point is that I think it is probably a good idea to get some gifts that fuel passion in a kid. The Helicopter, guitar or electrical work station kit are all great examples of this. Most kids have some sort of passion that could carry on throughout their life, you might as well fuel that instead of loading them up with things that have no value. Not saying all gifts have to meet this criteria, but I'm sure if the passion is already there, the toy will get used. Here are a couple Ideas I can think of:

Kids set of woodworking tools/power tools (if they are old enough, get real working ones, then step them up to the real thing when they are old enough to help you remodel the basement  )



Karaoke \ music toys - this is one my niece just got. You can record music on an mp3 player at take it with you listen to. Amazing stuff for even little kids these days.



lego robotics stuff  (If you can shell out the money)

[Mikezilla]

Agreed.  You have all year to encourage your kids to be smart and disciplined and talented.  If what they want happens to coincide with what's good for them, great.  But Christmas is a party.  Don't spoil the party.  You don't need an excuse like Christmas to get you kid something practical.  You can do that anytime. 

Couldnt have said it better myself. Besides, Christmas is for kids anyway. You know damn well when you grow up, you see something, you buy it. You dont have to wait(usually) you just go and get it. Its fun for them in hoping they get what they want, and how elated they are when they actually do. I love Christmas. I cant wait to have kids just so I can share that with them. Kids now a days grow up too damn fast. Let em be kids while they can.

[mpm32]

Santa's getting my boy a Carrera 143 digital slot car track.  I can't wait until x-mas just to play it with him.

[massive88]

http://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Coast-5511160-Betrayal-House/dp/B003HC9734/ref=pd_sbs_t_1

Says its for 12 and up, I think that may be a low ball.  But its a great board game.  Different every time you play it.

Not hardcore strategy or anything, but my group of friends love getting together and playing (30ish).  If the kids can pick it up, Im sure it would be great fun with them.

[Vigo]

So you're saying its a good game to buy for the kids, and you can turn around and play it with your friends?  Thats exactly the kind of present to buy! 

What? I don't see a problem with doing that. 

[Mikezilla]

http://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Coast-5511160-Betrayal-House/dp/B003HC9734/ref=pd_sbs_t_1

Says its for 12 and up, I think that may be a low ball.  But its a great board game.  Different every time you play it.

Not hardcore strategy or anything, but my group of friends love getting together and playing (30ish).  If the kids can pick it up, Im sure it would be great fun with them.

I checked out that link, that looks like an awesome game. I might have to pick that up for Xmas myself. Sounds like clue on steroids. With monsters.

[Vigo]

http://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Coast-5511160-Betrayal-House/dp/B003HC9734/ref=pd_sbs_t_1

Says its for 12 and up, I think that may be a low ball.  But its a great board game.  Different every time you play it.

Not hardcore strategy or anything, but my group of friends love getting together and playing (30ish).  If the kids can pick it up, Im sure it would be great fun with them.

I checked out that link, that looks like an awesome game. I might have to pick that up for Xmas myself. Sounds like clue on steroids. With monsters.

To think, there was a day when I thought Clue was the coolest game around. I also like how this game says it will be different each time you play.

I also have been eying over this game that was on the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought..." section. The box art looks cheesy, maybe intentionally, but I heard the game is amazingly fun. It's suppose to really create a zombie survival feeling. This one is also 12 and up, 2-6 players.

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Night-Earth-Zombie-Game/dp/0979658500/ref=pd_sim_t_1