Every year I take the kids on what we call a “scouting mission”.
This is when we go to the toy store and look at all the toys and take pictures of or point out anything that they may possibly want for Christmas.
It doesn’t matter what it is, they can take a picture of it.
As it gets closer to Christmas, they need to narrow their choices down to the top three items they want to put on their list for Santa, within reason.
Right now, Stella has about twenty two things on her list.
There’s a reason they only pick their top three items. In their top three items, they know that Santa doesn’t bring them electronics or elaborate gifts.
One, Teddy and Maizie both have birthdays fairly close to Christmas (November and December).
Two, because of what I do, they get a lot of toys sent to them anyway.
And three, they know that Santa needs to make sure that he gets gifts to the less fortunate kids before them.
Because of reason number three, my kids know that Santa won’t bring them electronics or anything expensive. If they get something like that (tablet, game system) it will be from us.
We have done this for several years and they love it.
When we go see Santa and he asks what they want for Christmas, they can tell him without hesitation.
This way everyone can have a Merry Christmas.
How do you handle super long Christmas lists?
I always have my grandkids make a Christmas list for me beginning in October. Then it changes a couple of times and they know they probably won’t be getting everything on that long, long list and I always look for those items that make it to their new shorter lists. I love how you do it with the photos. I might need to try your way next year.
I don’t have any kids so no long lists for me. It sounds to me like you are handling it perfectly!
My kids have always used the Big Book, but I love the idea of going there in person to make their lists. Great idea!
Going to Toys R Us to make a Christmas list is the best idea ever. Talk about exciting for the kids.
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We have a long list too! When it comes to my son I take him to Toys R us and I get an idea of what he wants and write it down as we go. Then at christmas we have all sorts of fun opening gifts.
That is such a great idea! Seeing all the great items in person is a much more fun way to make a Christmas list.
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What a great idea with the picture taking. More importantly you are teaching your children it is not about them but making sure other children receive something
My kids would be in heaven if we did a scouting mission at Toys R Us!!! They love to make their list off of the toy book every year.
What a lovely ideas, I always got a stocking from Santa with thinks like socks and knickers, a tape to listen to while I waited for my parents to get up, a game to play – normally a metal puzzle and a book and I loved it.
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I love your approach to picking the top three. Right now, it is hard to get my girls to identify anything they want! Which is a great quality but can make the Christmas shopping difficult
Scouting…hmmm, I like that idea. My children usually create their lists with the flyers and stuff that come in the mail. So far it’s worked pretty well for us.
This is a great idea! It’s wonderful to teach children that Santa takes care of the less fortunate first. I don’t have kids, but if I did I would follow your example!
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This is a great idea. It can be hard shopping for kids when they already have so much. I love the idea of teaching them the importance of giving back to those less fortunate.
I actually really love your Christmas scouting idea! No way should Santa get all the credit…LOL! I especially love your 3rd reason.
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What a great idea. I wish I had done this with my kids when they were younger. Maybe I’ll have to take the grandkids on a scouting mission instead.
This is actually pretty amazing that you do this. I feel like a lot of kids tend to act on their impulsivity and this teaches them how to slow down, weigh the pros/cons, and choose the thing they value the most! Way to go, Mom! I don’t have kids yet, but when I do, I may take a page out of your parenting book!
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That’s such a great idea. I used to love getting the TRU catalogue and letting them circle what they wanted.
I did something similar with my four year old. We walked around the toy section and whatever he got excited about I took a picture with my cameta and said mmaybe he will get it for Christmas. It will be nice when he gets older he can take his own pictures and do something similar to what you do with your kids.
I love the no electronic idea. I Think I’m stealing that on for next year.
I get several of the Christmas Catalogs from Target and Toys R Us and I allow the kids to essentially do the same thing. They circle up everything they want.
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This is such a great way to balance all of those wants! I mean a kid in Toys R Us is just like a mom in Target, my list would be out of control too!
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we are having our first baby in February so this will probably be something I deal with in a few years. hopefully just lists 🙂
What a fun tradition you have created with your family. I know my three kids would also enjoy something of this nature.
I get my girls to pick out their favourite items. Then I can pick and choose from the rest.I do like the idea of going on a scouting mission though. That would be a great help.
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If only I had the long list problem. Getting my son to make a list is hard. Going to the store and taking pictures would probably be a good idea.
I love your system. My kids always made massive Christmas lists and I had a hard time getting them to narrow them down.
My kids usually give us a list and from that list they’ll get a couple items from it.
Growing up, my mom always had my sister and I write a list with our top three dream Christmas items (usually ones that were pricey) for Santa. Then, she would usually pick one from the list to be our Santa gift!.
What a great idea and a nice family tradition. It makes Christmas shopping much easier!
I think a scouting mission is a fantastic idea. My kids like to be able to look at a toy in person before they decide if they want it.
I used to do this with my kids when they were little. It is a great way to get a good idea of what the kids want for Christmas.
I need to do this on the weekend. I have been trying to decide what to buy the girls for Christmas.
Oh man, my son’s list keeps getting longer and longer! I’m thinking I need to have him start narrowing it down! Haha
I remember when my oldest son made a list. They were long and I loved them and miss them.
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What a great idea to take the kids out to scout for the things on their wish list. Bet they change their minds and will actually be happier with what they do get from Santa this year.
I love this idea! Kids don’t need to be overwhelmed at Christmas time!!
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This is a great idea! Love that your kids know the reason for why they will not receive electronic gifts.
This is a great idea! As our son is getting older he is asking for bigger and more expensive presents. I will have to come up with something soon.
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Thank you so much for sharing what you do to find out what the kids would like for Christmas. This is such a great idea. I am going to take my little one to Toys R Us this week and do the same. I think he would enjoy just going and looking at all the toys.
I love the idea of a Christmas scouting mission wit the kids. The idea of the bigger items from you instead of Santa is a great idea also. Thanks for sharing the tips and I will have to share this info with my niece.
I love your focus on the less fortunate. Giving perspective and adjusting expectations is really great for kids.
Giving to others in need is always at the top of our list! And I am loving your ideas about the bigger presents. Something we totally do the opposite in our home but now I think I need to rethink it!
I have a friend that has over half of her family with birthdays in Christmas. It’s a tough month! ha!