Talk to me about Need/Want/Wear/Read

PSU_Texan

I really like the idea of the gifts this Christmas being from these categories.  I'm a little stuck on the "Need" vs "Want".  I know the difference but I'm curious how you are making the designation if you are gifting this way?  I hate to admit it, but we live a very privileged life and my kids don't truly need anything.  If they need something as long as it's not a major cost, we go get it.  Probably bad parenting...

I guess I can see the "Need" item being clothes, but then that covers "Wear"...

maybe I'm over thinking...

alli2672

I never really thought much about this, but we do the same thing as far as just buying the kids whatever they need. 

Even when were were fairly broke (for our privileged selves), we still went out to goodwill and got the kids some toys for Christmas. 

PSU_Texan

LibraryChica said:

I interpret "need" as something I would have bought anyway. When I was a kid we always got a set of PJs, socks, undies, a new toothbrush and various hygiene things (facial tissue packets, lotion, Chapstick -- that sort of thing) in our stockings. It was like an annual restock. I'm carrying on this tradition. S/O -- is this a thing you discuss with your kid? Like, when she's old enough to make lists should I ask her to put down "needs"? I just can't imagine asking her opinion on socks, Kwim? Or does she just contribute to the other sections?

That's a great question about involving kids.  I can see it being beneficial for a kid to start to distinguish between needs and wants.  Just not sure what age that is a productive conversation.

MickeyM04

We aren't doing this yet with our kids, as they are too young (2.5 and 6 months), but it's definitely something I want to do as they get older.  To me a "need" is something that you have to have.  For example, this year DD is going to get upgraded from infant car seat to convertible car seat.  I consider a new car seat to be a "need" as opposed to a "want."  DS needs winter PJs as his fleece PJs from last season don't fit.  I consider warm PJs to be something he needs as opposed to something he wants.  In Chicago, warm winter PJs are a "need."  

Generally, yes, if you're not underprivileged, you don't "need" a lot of stuff; it's all stuff you can take care of yourself.  I don't need help buying winter PJs.  But sometimes people want to buy stuff that's more "practical" like a new car seat, PJs, as opposed to the latest Nintendo that's out.  

mlee116

SandAndsSea said:

Want- bigger toy item Need - clothes, jacket, smaller developmental toys, art supplies Wear- clothes, underwear, socks, shoes Read- books, DVDs, DVD in other languages You can always alter based on what you are buying them anyway like zoo or park memberships, etc.

This is basically what we do.  However, we do alter it.  For ex, DS doesn't really need anything else to wear.  He just got new clothes/shoes since hitting a growth spurt, plus my mom got him new boots.  So instead of regular clothes, I got him a fireman dress up set.  Yes, maybe it crosses the line of a want, but whatever, he'll enjoy it.

Like PPs said, a need is something I would've bought anyway.  This year I'm doing art supplies bc he goes through crayons/markers/etc like crazy.  

emberlee3

Want is a toy or something from Christmas list
Need is something I would buy anyway, but I try to suspend all buying between Halloween and Christmas unless it is 100% essential. Usually clothes or art supplies/Playdoh. I think DH bought new blinkers for their bikes this year.
Wear is going to be gloves and boots.
Read will be poetry.

2chatter

I am a total nerd, but we did Maslow's hierarchy with the kids to explain this.

I think there was a good kid explanation in Little Big Minds.

But both kids "got it" by five. Downside/Amusing Upside: They correct anyone who says "need" incorrectly.