Comments on: It’s not easy bein’ green

By: pann

pann — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:25:04 +0000

Swistle: YES – that is exactly it! It seems like ‘green’ retailers are just preying on the fears of folks like me, and hoping I’ll shell out the big bucks. I don’t like feeling like I am being taken advantage of.
OTOH, a lot of plastic toys from china are ALSO more expensive than I think is warranted: think American Girl Dolls ($87 for ONE DOLL? HUH?) , or Calico Critters. (even 4 little plastic dolls for $20? seems a lot to me).

I made the same mistakes with my kids concerning crafts and fun stuff. We do that year round. I think my kids need a good dose of deprivation, that’ll fix em!

By: Swistle

Swistle — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:19:41 +0000

I agree about the expense of things. I think it’s because it’s not just a “smart choice” issue, it’s an “opportunity for marketing and profit.” So the items are being provided for those who care–at a nice, large, caring price.

When I was a kid, my parents gave me a craft kit of all the things I liked when we were at stores: sequins, pipe cleaners, etc., plus cotton balls and popsicle sticks and colored paper. It was a huge thrill. But it was such a huge thrill, I provided the same kit for my kids for everyday use. Oops. Now I can’t thrill them with it.

By: pann

pann — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:03:18 +0000

Stacie: You know what the real problem is with kids these days? They get everything already, all the time, and they have everything and they expect the thrill of getting everything again every birthday and holiday. (do I sound grumpy and old fart enough yet?) I don’t think I could get away with giving them “experience” gifts, because their lives are so filled with experiences already. Although last year they got to go to florida for xmas and that was special; we are not doing that this year, at least I don’t think so.
WFM: thanks for the kind thoughts. You’ll see from the newest post, the scoop on Luna.

By: WorksForMom

WorksForMom — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:23:14 +0000

You and Kermit are right. Tis not easy being green. I think it is more expensive. I’ll be checking back to see other folk’s more brilliant ideas!

Did kitty come back yet? I’ve actually been thinking of you quite a lot recently Pann …

By: Stacie

Stacie — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 01:05:51 +0000

Dharma trading has plain white play-silks that you can dye yourself for $3 or $4.

Rosie Hippo at least lists where their items are made so you can have information. Of course, they are absurdly expensive and never have coupon codes as far as I can tell.

I found a lot of my old crocheted bears that my grandmother made me and passed them on to the kids. I need to learn to crochet (and a friend has offered (well I asked. Insistently) to teach me because crocheted toys are super expensive but if you make them yourself you can control costs and materials.

Your kids might be old enough that “experiences” would be exciting. Can you give them a trip to the zoo/museum/lessons and have that be “cool”?