The Song Fight Bulletin Board

Okay, I know this is lame, but I'm going nuts here...
My kid is 8 years old, she loves normal 'girly' things like clothes and jewelry I guess, as well as books, video games, gadgets, etc.

I'm doing pretty okay financially these days, so I can afford some of the higher-end things (as in higher-than-I'd-normally-spend-end) and think I have it narrowed down to a few things for the 'big' xmas present:

An mp3/video player of some sort. I got her a cheapo mp3 player for her birthday, and she loved it, but it was a piece of junk and doesn't work anymore. iPod? Is she old enough to have an iPod? They are frikkin' expensive, and I'd hate to get her something she might break or lose. On the other hand, there's a few new brands of players that play music and videos, and cost way less.

A Sony PSP. I was trolling through some of the game titles they have for this, and saw a lot of kid's games she'd like. (This makes future giftgiving easier, too) As an added bonus, it plays mp3s and videos. I think she would literally pee her pants with glee if she got one of these. Same as above re: break or lose it though.

A bunch of really sweet-ass clothes and kiddie bling. Come on, what kid doesn't like to show off their cool duds at school? But, man. I fuckin' *hated* getting clothes for christmas when I was a kid. Unless it was really cool clothes, which I'm capable of picking out.

Anyone else have some ideas? I tried asking her what she asked santa for, and she was all evasive and shit. Kids.

iPods are lame.
Video games are boring. (personal preference. No one quote me and start shit about this.)
Parents don't know how to buy clothes for children. *Edit* I just read that she's 8. And really, who cares how an 8 year old dresses? But still, no 8 year old wants clothes for Christmas.

I voted the money/boxing day option.

Videogames are awesome, but only really violent ones that say "fuck" a lot (and Guitar Hero II). iPods are great as much as I tried to deny it, and have made subway rides, long walks, and working out much more passable. Plus I think they're pretty durable with a case around them.

Sony PSP, More durable, play games, listen to music, watch movies or saved/downloaded tv programmes...

...I'm sorry but, what kid wouldn't want one, I'm 45 and I want one!!

I have a 7 1/2 year old and I can't imagine getting her an ipod or a PSP. She does play some computer games but would much rather run around and play with "real" toys. She is still into toys like Littlest Pet Shop and My Little Pony. For christmas she wants a Razor scooter.

Clothes for christmas would be a real dissapointment.

I didn't think that it was too hard at 8 years old to figure out what my kids wanted. I'm kind of surprised she would be evasive. My kids have never had a problem telling me what they want.

Steve

No to IPod. No to PSP. I mean, c'mon, how you gonna top that next year?

fodroy wrote: I just read that she's 8. And really, who cares how an 8 year old dresses?

8 year olds like to dress like prostitutes. Just ask any major children's clothing manufacturer or marketing company

Corporate paedophilia: Sexualising children by advertising and marketing

Buy her a pony.

Get her a nice digital camera with a mini photo printer and one of those really cool scrap book kits so she can take pictures and put together some photo albums with all those girlie do-dads. Girls love that stuff.

give her my number and tell her to call me in 10 years.

If you're going to get her a handheld game system, don't get the PSP. It has practically no redeeming qualities. Looking at the 20 highest rated games for it, I see two, maybe three games that a young girl would enjoy. (Lumines, Loco Roco, maybe Mega Man or Daxter). Not to mention the really long load times, failed movie capability, it's HUGE, etc.

Look now, to the Nintendo DS. No less than 12 of those games would be awesome for a young kid. Mario Kart, Animal Crossing... NINTENDOGS, for cryin' out loud. Not to mention the awesome control scheme, great battery life, and the ability to play GameBoy Advance games as well. And if it makes a difference to you, it's $100 less.

So, no to the PSP, but yes to the DS Lite. That is, if you decide to go with a game system. I kind of agree with Mr Durand in that eight is a bit young for Serious Electronics, and there's got to be some kind of actual toy that she wants just as much.

Spud wrote:No to IPod. No to PSP. I mean, c'mon, how you gonna top that next year?

Keep in mind, I'm trying to top the drumset I got her last year.

Tonamel wrote:Look now, to the Nintendo DS. No less than 12 of those games would be awesome for a young kid. Mario Kart, Animal Crossing... NINTENDOGS, for cryin' out loud. Not to mention the awesome control scheme, great battery life, and the ability to play GameBoy Advance games as well. And if it makes a difference to you, it's $100 less.

Yeah, but all it does is play games. The PSP does MP3s, videos, wireless web surfing... (I realise this is just my personal preference talking here)

Get her a screaming axe so she can wail on it.

Billy's Little Trip wrote:Get her a nice digital camera with a mini photo printer and one of those really cool scrap book kits so she can take pictures and put together some photo albums with all those girlie do-dads. Girls love that stuff.

That's the best idea I've heard so far. Giving her cash is about the lamest thing I can think of. She's eight and you're her dad. Give her something that makes it seem like you at least tried. (Which you are, obviosuly, but cash doesn't imply that.)

frankie big face wrote:

Billy's Little Trip wrote:Get her a nice digital camera with a mini photo printer and one of those really cool scrap book kits so she can take pictures and put together some photo albums with all those girlie do-dads. Girls love that stuff.

That's the best idea I've heard so far. Giving her cash is about the lamest thing I can think of. She's eight and you're her dad. Give her something that makes it seem like you at least tried. (Which you are, obviosuly, but cash doesn't imply that.)

My five year old loves the cameras. We got him the Playschool digital camera and he's mastered taking the photos, uploading to his PC and creating slideshows (well, with a little help).

Your kid could do with a better model, but yeah, great idea!

Sven wrote:Yeah, but all it does is play games. The PSP does MP3s, videos, wireless web surfing... (I realise this is just my personal preference talking here)

She's 8, so a DS would be a great present-- although maybe too much to spend, imo.

There is apparently some kind of really cool looking doll-- small, plastic dolls that kids collect a bunch of. Girl kids, that is, but they are so cool (so my friend with a daughter says) that brothers want to play with them too. If I recall the name I'll post it. Maybe you can find them.

The camera idea is pretty sweet. You can get some really nice packages as well.

As for the iPod/PSP/DS: However cool it would be, when would she play it? I listened to my iPod on the schoolbus, but that's because my bus was full of kids I didn't want to talk to. And I'd feel woozy if I played a DS in a car/bus. So I mean, she could listen to an iPod at home, but really, that's what CD players/computers are for. DS/PSP is sort of a "Oh, that's cool" and then she may never play it again, not realizing that it's all expensive and shit. But if she likes that kinda thing, then go for it. Just remember that you have to buy all the shit that goes with it(cases, games, chargers, etc).

I got a really nice necklace for my birthday in February, and it's probably the one thing I still use from that birthday's presents. Mine is my birthstone and some pink diamonds in a little heart dealie. It cost around $200, so y'know, it was a 'main' present. Maybe buy her a little necklace with some thought put into it(birthstone or something). Maybe just a $50-100(USD) jewelery piece? As a girl, I like jewelery. But maybe it's a better present for an older girl, I guess it depends on what your kid wears/does.

Also, does she do any sports/activities? Does she need anything for them? Buying things just to have is kinda boring, but buying things with a purpose means they'll actually get used.

Well, I got her a Nintendo DS Lite. It's pink. I'm going to take her shopping on boxing day to pick out a game for it.

Sweet. My mom wants a pink DS Lite. Hope your kid likes the gift!

Glad you chose DS Lite over PSP. Do not buy a PSP. Ever.

DS is fantastic. Pink is fairly rare, too. Good choice.

Video games are awesome, but the PSP is not good for kids. I would also like to cast a vote for the DS, or maybe a Wii if she needs to get exercise (she's probably not strong enough to break the TV by throwing the Wiimote at it when she neglects to use the wrist strap) but that requires a lot more dedication to get than the DS.

(EDIT: Oh, I see that you already bought that. Good on ya! I shouldn't just skim a thread.)

Sven wrote:I'm going to take her shopping on boxing day to pick out a game for it.

Not Sprung. She will hate you forever. Because no other game she gets will EVER top it.