Will was given some money for his birthday.  In the past I've gone and picked out something I knew he'd like. This year I let him go and pick out the things himself. This was really hard for me. I didn't want him to decide to get the first thing he saw and "waste" the money.  I didn't want him going into tears because he wanted something that cost more than he had.  But, we're trying to start teaching him money managements skills, and he has developed a definite opinion about what he wants so I knew it was time.

Today we went to the toy store for him to use it.  He looked at trains, and Fisher Price toys and we ended up in the construction equipment/cars.  He saw a large package of plastic fire trucks/police cars/rescue equipment. That did not take up his full amount so everything else looked at was only considered if he could get the fire trucks as well.  I struggled b/c they are cheap plastic–and I wanted him to get something that would last! But I held my tongue.  He got those and a garbage truck…Yes, I know, a garbage truck?!?  I don't understand little boys either. But, it's a VERY sturdy truck that will last a long time!

I was really proud of him though. He thought about what he wanted, he looked around, he didn't fuss–even with the price of the fire trucks were wrong (higher) and he had to put back a small semi-truck he was going to get as well. Thinking back, I'm mad I didn't insist we go back and double check the sign and make them honor the price I saw–though I could have seen the wrong price. But if I wasn't wrong– But I realize I need to let it go. He got plenty, he learned a good lesson and he got the main thing he wanted–the fire trucks.  He has also been very nice about sharing his gifts with his younger brother.  Now we're in the process of writing Thank You notes.  I've discovered it works best to do 3 or so at a time, so if you haven't gotten one yet, I promise they are on the way!  Edited to Add–I've just put some pictures up. You can click on any of the pictures to the left to see them bigger.