As the holiday shopping season kicks off I face a number of dilemmas. For one, as a divorcee, there is an unspoken (usually) competition between myself and my daughters’ dad as to quantity and “quality” of gifts.
Of course I know it’s the thought that counts, and in theory, so do my girls. But at ages 3 and 6, their thoughts tend to involve Barbies, baby dolls, and computers. Yes, my eldest is already asking for a laptop. I avoided the Barbies and other gender stereotypical, capitalist toys for as long as possible, but at public school and even preschool it is impossible to avoid exposure to these pesky playthings.
I do my very best to buy educational, creative toys and lots of books. They do enjoy them, but if I don’t give at least a couple of things that come in hot pink packages with a landfill full of packaging, than the holidays at my home will pale in comparison to Christmas at daddy’s. It may sound petty or immature, but I’ve struggled with it for the past two seasons, and I simply must do it! What kind of mom would I be if I censored their tastes and opinions entirely?
The six year old has taken on a very welcome love of music! In that area, some censorship must be invoked for the sake of my household’s sanity. I’ll compromise on that one and buy her some Gwen Stefani (her favorite) and Lana Del Rey (my favorite) but forsake the Miley Cyrus at all costs.
So yes, I will give Mattel© a few (too many) bucks to bring a smile to my three year old’s face. I’m not proud of it, but hey, it’s the (American) holiday spirit!
As for the laptop… I’m doing it, but smartly! A wonderful friend who happens to be a computer wizard (aka geek) is going to refurbish my ancient iBook G4 for her needs. As a volunteer in the computer lab at her school, I am amazed at how well first graders navigate these machines. I plan to load hers up with the same short cuts to programs used in school, plus some educational games. Parental controls will be in full effect. Since she is a very mellow first grader, I expect the system to last for quite some time. All this for an overhead of about $60, plus I feel great that it is a recycled item not contributing to the pink cardboard landfill.
Please! If anyone has any suggestions for gift ideas, particularly “girl rock and roll” music suited toward a six year old or dealing with being divorced at the holidays ~ comment here!
“I really need to buy that toy for my baby.”
