A Christmas gift wwyd, warning kind of grinchy!

I have an older dc that really appreciates his toys, takes care of them, keeps track of them, and plays with them.

I have a younger dc (3.5). That destroys his toys, refuses to clean them up, kicks them around, and loses pieces/breaks parts constantly.

For Christmas, santa knows what to get for the older one. For the younger one, santa is kind of pi$$ed and does not want to "waste" too much $$ on the younger kids toys.

What should I do? Get the younger one just a few things? Maybe clothes or some other type of gift? I cant get too many clothes because he has a ton of hand me downs.
I wonder if he would even notice a difference?

I feel bad but I'm sick of wasting $$ on things for him that really end up In the garbage

Do you make sure the kids have an even amount of gifts?

Thanks!

Re: A Christmas gift wwyd, warning kind of grinchy!

I think at 3.5 they are just starting to realize, yes there is a difference. But no matter what, you can never give the same stuff, hard to equalize the gifts, I mean it's not even and shouldn't have to be necessarily. Even if it was almost the same pile of toys, kids will still find a difference and feel jealous or have emotions about it despite how hard you try for them not to feel that way.

Personally, I understand how you feel and would be the same way. But personally, I would try to get the same amount of gifts to wrap- so the amount of unwrapping would be the same. But like you, I would stick to clothes or other items he needs (towels, food related things, etc.) and lean away from anything he can break/ruin.

Re: A Christmas gift wwyd, warning kind of grinchy!

Sounds like my boys. They are 4 and 2. My 4 year old really appreciates his toys and plays well with them. My 2 yr old... not so much. Because they are close in age my 2 yr old pretty much plays with his older brother's stuff or they just love cars.

For the older DS I am getting some bigger kid stuff... lego stuff, books, age appropriate games, etc.
I am also stumped on my younger one. My older one loves art and games, but hard to play when the 2 yr old is around so we play usually when the 2 yr old naps or busy with something else.

He does love his own plates and stuff. Especially since most of it is his older brother's so I got his a plate, silverware and bowl set at Disney store. They love Disney. Also got cheaper books with Cars on one and FBB on the other.
I got him a big personalized wood puzzle since older DS has his name on the step stool. Didn't need another step stool, but this is big and sturdy.
Cute character pajamas like Superman are cute. Saw at Target. I also agree about the clothes bc everything is from his older brother and some of his own stuff.

They are getting equal stuff bc it's Hanukkah so they will each get 8. Not all big. Even coloring books and small stuff they love. They are total opposite, but when they want they get along well. Just younger DS is much more destructive when it comes to things.

Message edited 11/11/2013 2:31:38 PM.

Re: A Christmas gift wwyd, warning kind of grinchy!

Thanks! The younger boy is SO destructive it's unreal, but I do feel like it has to be even.

Re: A Christmas gift wwyd, warning kind of grinchy!

I would have an even amount of presents, but you don't have to get them the same things. I would get age appropriate items. What about mega blocks? They are pretty indestructible and can let him build/destroy things. I like the idea of personalized towels. My kids have them and love using them. Also, art supplies where you can put them away and they can be used with supervision. They are meant to be destroyed and used up. Craft kits might be perfect as they are sometimes one off use items. What about books?