One of my least favorite places to go with Lucas is a toy store, for obvious reasons (especially when having to buy a gift for another child).
1. Okay, we’ll go in for a minute, but I’m not buying you anything today.
2. I’m not buying you that.
3. No, you don’t need it.
4. You have a lot of these at home already.
5. Maybe Santa* will bring it to you for Christmas.
6. Please put it back.
7. Do not open it, we’re only looking today.
8. Yes, it’s very cool, but I’m not buying it.
9. Crap, where did he go? Crash!
10. How about a catalog, would you like to take home a catalog?
The good news is I’m getting better at deterring, distracting and saying no.
The bad news? Our catalog collection is growing.
*The Santa card works all year long, doesn’t it?
This post was inspired by Stasha’s Monday Listicles, a linky right up my alley, because I LOVE lists!
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Hahaha!! Yes…the Santa card works all year long, until they’re old enough to know better
Great list!
Good to know!
Haha – we have a LOT of catalogs too. Matt thinks they’re books
I used the Santa trick during the fall, and now I’ve moved on to the whole “maybe for your birthday” thing. Thank goodness he’s a May baby!
I don’t think Lucas really gets it… the whole Santa thing. But he certainly understands surprises and gifts.
Ha ha ha! Better to collect catalogs than toys right?! Maybe use the birthday card?
That’s the plan!
I never take little J to toyshops because I suck at saying NO. But he now browses on Amazon and flip through catalogs… You are my hero. Go Tonya for being cool as a cucumber!
I suck at saying no too! Catalogs seem to do the the trick.
For now.
LOL! They don’t have catalogs here… Very witty option ! You make me laugh XOXO
I cant’s buy him everything!
Or can I?
The Santa trick is still working for us too. Even better though, if I say no my son will look at me and say “I’ll ask Santa and his reindeer to bring it for me”. Who am I to burst his bubble??
No bursting bubbles ever, even if it is February!
Ha! This list is EXACTLY why I don’t take Maddy to any store that I can’t confine her to a shopping cart. …and even then I have to stick to the wide aisle, darn long-armed child.
I try to do all my toy shopping alone (yeah right!) or online. What is up with those long arms?!
This is why I rarely take my kids to the toy store.
Smart woman!!
Yes.
The Santa card does work all year, especially if you tell him, like my hubby as told my older daughter, that parents have a direct phone line to Santa. We’ve used that trick a few times so far successfully.
Shut the front door, a direct line to Santa?! I need that.
Haha yes we use the santa card all year long, we have even created a list they can add things they really want, periodically we modify the list.
Perfect. I love it!
Yes we use Santa for as long as we possible can.
At 2 1/2 I don’t think he really gets it, but next year…
I can’t wait for next year!
I use SANTA all year long, since Jacob dresses up like him and carries “A Christmas Carol” around with him it’s not hard
and we have these conversations in EVERY STORE..they know that there are Cars, books etc in places like our grocery store, Walmart and various other places. We are never safe from the TOY conversation anymore.
HELP ME
xoxoo
I’ll help you if you help me because you’re right, there is no safe zone form Cars movie cars. AGH!
This doesn’t even have to be a toy store for my kiddos. The checkout line in the grocery store holds just as many traps. It’s crazy!
I love the catalog idea…brillian.
You are so right!
I agree, I despise taking my kids into a toy store, but more so when we have to buy a birthday present for another child. No fun! However, the catalog thing may just be the answer to my prayers.
Catalogs seem to work for now. For how long… remains to be seen.
My kids LOVE catalogs! Why didn’t I think of that??
Lucas can devote an entire 30 minutes to a catalog. They’re great! Of course I have to read every description.
The toy store makes me a bit crazy. So many things for my boys to say that they want. I play the Santa/Easter Bunny/birthday/if you are super good at school card all year long.
Good to know, thanks, Shell!
Hee! The catalogue distraction is a fabulous idea!
A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do. Anything not to pull out the wallet! Sigh…
JDaniel can spend hours looking at catalogs and dreaming.
I can too!
Oh man, I’ve been there before! We are big on keeping catalogs for my boys to ‘window shop’. Maybe I should have them join Pinterest?
That’s funny, kids on Pinterest… although, I think Katie of Practical Parenting did just write a post on this: http://practicalkatie.com/2012/01/30/pinterest-parenting/
The real fun is the kids and The Hubby who is still a kid in a toy store…oh my…hard to tell the money maker no…hahahaha
I’ve been known to have fun in a toy store too, but the difference is I have self control.
Usually.
Craig always takes the kids to the toy store if they walk by at the mall. I avoid it by parking at different entrances and walking around whenever possible. Totally stealing the catalog idea!
You are a smarter mom than me.
Hahaha!! Love this. Fortunately for me, Monkey hasn’t demonstrated any typical 2 year old behavior in a toy store. I guess not taking him to one (only a few times ever) helps.
You are a lucky mommy! Do yourself (and your pocketbook) a favor and STAY AWAY!!
I agree toy stores are painful. Department stores too. The no word is heard way too often.
Walking into a toy store with a toddler is torture and I get sick of hearing myself no. Ugh!
You’re a clever mommy!
Thanks! I have my moments.
I’ve never thought of the catalog idea . . . I might need to start deploying that one.
I’m actually much worse-off in the grocery store than the toy store, because my son is determined to turn everything into a lightsaber. And, at least, most toys will stand up to being swished through the air (he always makes the sound effects)
Don’t even get me started on the grocery store! Ugh. It is my second worst place to visit with the kiddo.
What about finding him a ball to play with while in the store, and then just not buy it for him when you leave? We’ve often done that with our kids!
Great idea, except my kid gets too attached.
Most toy stores we visit have train tables, but if they do, we’re locked in for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
I think it’s super funny that Lucas loves catalogs so much. Why? It’s pretty silly.. I’m not even with Lucas most of the time and whenever I’m in a store that has toys, I think of him and want to buy him something. I can only imagine what’s it like being with him 24/7!