Setting up an electronic wish list during the holidays can be extremely helpful. It can reduce duplicate gifts and ensure that your child receives age-appropriate toys he or she will really play with.
However, if you're going to utilize wish lists, it's also important to teach your child how they work, so that he or she understands that they're optional. Rather than being a "must-buy" list or a "guaranteed to receive" list, wish lists merely provide suggestions for those friends and relatives that ask what your child might like to receive.
Pros of Using a Wish List:
Decrease the chances that your child will receive items she already owns
Reduce toy clutter, since your child will theoretically receive items he really wants
It's also an opportunity to introduce some items you'd like to see your child start playing with
Cons of Using a Wish List:
It could be misinterpreted if you send it friends and relatives unsolicited
Your child could get the impression that she's entitled to all of the items on the list
Store-generated wish lists can be limiting if items quickly sell out
Tips for Using Wish Lists:
Discuss the wish list with your child
Explain that it's a list of suggestions
Make the list together and include your child's input
Include a wide range of items which reflect your child's interests
Don't forget to include low-cost items
Only share the list with people who ask you what your kids might like to receive
Consider using an Internet-based wish list that allows you to include items from many different retailers
The following Web sites offer free wish list services:
MyGiftList.com
You can create a wish list with items from any store
Visitors to your wish list can see what's already been purchased
You can create different categories of potential givers, so that not everyone sees the entire wish list at once
For each item you add to the list, you can include up to three web addresses and a detailed description of where the item can be purchased
You can also add your favorite charities to your list, in case you'd like friends and family to make a donation on your behalf
ChristmasWishList.net
Allows you to include items from any store
Include an optional shopping link so visitors can easily purchase items online
Rank items by their importance
You can also create groups with your family members and friends and view one another's wish lists
ListIdeas.com
Easy to set up
Allows you to add a button to your browser's toolbar so that you can just click "Add to ListIdeas" as you browse the Internet
Allows you to create several unique wish lists under one account
Allows you to add items from any store
By Jennifer Wolf, About.com Guide
However, if you're going to utilize wish lists, it's also important to teach your child how they work, so that he or she understands that they're optional. Rather than being a "must-buy" list or a "guaranteed to receive" list, wish lists merely provide suggestions for those friends and relatives that ask what your child might like to receive.
Pros of Using a Wish List:
Decrease the chances that your child will receive items she already owns
Reduce toy clutter, since your child will theoretically receive items he really wants
It's also an opportunity to introduce some items you'd like to see your child start playing with
Cons of Using a Wish List:
It could be misinterpreted if you send it friends and relatives unsolicited
Your child could get the impression that she's entitled to all of the items on the list
Store-generated wish lists can be limiting if items quickly sell out
Tips for Using Wish Lists:
Discuss the wish list with your child
Explain that it's a list of suggestions
Make the list together and include your child's input
Include a wide range of items which reflect your child's interests
Don't forget to include low-cost items
Only share the list with people who ask you what your kids might like to receive
Consider using an Internet-based wish list that allows you to include items from many different retailers
The following Web sites offer free wish list services:
MyGiftList.com
You can create a wish list with items from any store
Visitors to your wish list can see what's already been purchased
You can create different categories of potential givers, so that not everyone sees the entire wish list at once
For each item you add to the list, you can include up to three web addresses and a detailed description of where the item can be purchased
You can also add your favorite charities to your list, in case you'd like friends and family to make a donation on your behalf
ChristmasWishList.net
Allows you to include items from any store
Include an optional shopping link so visitors can easily purchase items online
Rank items by their importance
You can also create groups with your family members and friends and view one another's wish lists
ListIdeas.com
Easy to set up
Allows you to add a button to your browser's toolbar so that you can just click "Add to ListIdeas" as you browse the Internet
Allows you to create several unique wish lists under one account
Allows you to add items from any store
By Jennifer Wolf, About.com Guide
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