Still no desire to shop… although it has only been 11 days. The nice thing about this is that I have a little bit more money in my account than I usually do. Not a lot, but a noticeable amount.
The boys were invited to a birthday party and we had to buy a gift. Well that’s a challenge since most 8 year olds really don’t want food or toiletries as a gift. ;) The one place I said from the beginning, where we could shop that has no groceries or toiletries, is Half Price Books. After much discussion with my kids, we decided it was a good idea to make a trip to the book store.
We brainstormed some good ideas for gifts that did not include shopping, but my kids weren’t very fond of most of the ideas. My goal with the challenge is to force myself to be creative in finding ways to cover my needs, to want less and to set an example for my kids that we just don’t need a lot of stuff as modeled but our society. My kids, although somewhat reluctant at first, participated in brainstorming many ideas. (Cole even recorded some while we were in the car)
We ended up getting John a Spiderman comic book, a gift card for Half Price Books and put it all in a kids style green bag. I believe this was a win-win. My kids came up with ways to do things a little differently. Instead of just buying a gift with no thought behind it, they came up with some meaningful gift ideas and did some problem solving as well. I got to brainstorm with my kids, still stay within my challenge guidelines and we found a gift that was socially acceptable. (my goal was not to embarrass my kids, although sometimes that is a nice bonus) John got three gifts: the comic book was chosen by the boys specifically for John. They had decided on this gift before we ever got to the store. Although I’m not a huge fan of gift cards, this seemed like a good opportunity for one. John can choose what he likes, at a place that encourages reading, discount pricing and pre-owned books. And don’t forget the green bag! A kid friendly one that could have many uses.
Even though we stayed within the guidelines, I still feel like we went shopping. :( Your thoughts?
Here are the videos from Cole’s Flip. :)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb7-3fpDoZ8
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLMNRMiqUTk
LOL! I love the videos! I was JUST wondering what you would do about gifts. I have a baby shower to attend on Saturday — they needs diapers and wipes and such (2nd baby). I’m thinking that’s on the “ok to buy” list. I know in my family – we have become so accustomed to gift giving, and I bet NONE of the adults would have issues if we stopped giving gifts to each other and started donating that money instead.
I think you did an excellent job of getting a gift they’d be proud to bring to a party and still staying within your guidelines. You are teaching your kids and talking through things very well so that they are *getting it.* You have to use a tiny bit of leeway with them, I would think. You could probably do the same thing if you needed a gift, but you could probably rise to the challenge of picking out an actual used book yourself, instead of the gift card even. Again, you are such an inspiration!!
Half price books does not break your rules as most anything there is not technically new…so, your good.
~Ozz~