I heaved a big sigh as I walked into the ToysRus store. I didn't want to be there. I didn't plan to be there. I would have much preferred to support my local toy stores or small online businesses that specialize in well-made, sustainably produced toys.
But a couple things got in the way. First of all, my kids. I've got two boys and they are growing up fast. They want electric cars and video gear, not cute homemade stuffed animals or FSC-certified wooden trucks. They used to like that stuff but they're moving on.
And then there was the time issue. All my good intentions of searching for those perfect gifts - made from sustainable materials but with a high fun factor got waylaid by other, more pressing matters...like life in general. So I ended up at ToysRus and Target.
I'm not going to spend a lot of time feeling guilty about it. My eco-values will shine through in other ways. Just thought I'd share these sentiments because I'm guessing that I'm not the only one going through something like this.
So I'm curious - where did you spend the bulk of your holiday dollars this year? Big box stores or local independents? Factory made or handmade? Online or at the store?
Due to a number of reasons, we have spent the majority of our holiday dollars at mall stores. One gift for my oldest child is locally-minded with an art class with a local artist. She loves to draw and few others came from a local shop going out of business. You're not the only one. :)
Posted by: Monica | December 22, 2008 at 02:21 PM
We spent about half at big box stores and half at small independent eco friendly stores. I tried to find the stuff on Craigslist or used but wasn't successful so I ended up at Kohls...
Posted by: N. | December 22, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Yep, I totally get it! I made wonderful sweet things for my daughters, but struggled doing the same for my son. He ended up with some plastic items I would have preferred not to buy. We have pushed the handmade Christmas idea very strongly with our kids this year and they have made gifts for each other, etc. However, he went so far as to tell me that he hoped he didn't get handmade stuff from the girls as he hates handmade stuff- all he wanted was plastic and he knew he wasn't going to get any. Hopefully in time, as he is only 8, he will better understands our thoughts on this subject. He did make some darling little stuffed animals for his sisters that I know they will love. I am sure that will make a strong impression that handmade is great!
Posted by: Candyce | December 22, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I tried to spend locally, and I did plenty of homemade, but you are right, with the older kids, it is a little hard. What I didn't get locally, I got at Target. Which is the psp & leapster games. :(
Posted by: Lindsey | December 22, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I ended up at Big Lots, basically for financial reasons. Sigh. But I still tried to be mindful, even there.
Posted by: Kathleen McDade | December 22, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Yes, I am with you. I, too ended up shopping with my daughter at the mall . . . I have written before about this. Green parenting is not that simple. Rather it is a tradeoff between lofty green goals and the emotional reality of mothering, and nurturing in a consumerist culture.
Have a very joyful Christmas! and thanks for cheering me on:
http://lamarguerite.wordpress.com/2008/12/24/la-marguerites-getting-a-new-life/
Posted by: marguerite manteau-rao | December 25, 2008 at 01:42 PM