So Christmas is coming up fast and we're looking at what to get our 14 yr old son. All he has been asking for is an Xbox 360 to replace his aging PS2. I'm okay with spending the $350 on the Xbox itself, but it has opened up a big list of additional expenses. He only has an old 19" TV in his room. I'm sure he won't be too impressed with his new system on that crappy TV. He'll probably want to hook it up in the living room on my HD-LCD TV. I really don't want it out there for several reasons. I've been toying with the idea of getting him a nice LCD set for in his room anyway. I'm thinking about getting him a 26" Vizio HD-LCD from Wal-Mart for $448. I've done the homework and I know this is a good set at a good price. The problem is, by the time I get him the TV, the Xbox 360, one extra controller and two games, I'll be spending just a little over $1,000 on him. That is WAY more than we have EVER spent on him. He is a good kid. He does really well in school and he genuinely does appreciate the things he gets. I can afford the gifts, but I don't know if I should spend that much. I firmly believe that you should work hard for things and we have instilled that in him as well. I know buying all that is going way overboard, but there is a huge part of me that really wants to do this for him. He will go totally ape-$hit when he sees it, and that makes it fun for us too. What do you think? Is it ridiculous to spend that and possibly "spoil" him...or is this ok? Your input and comments are appreciated.

 

adopt me.

 

do it, and take it away if he behaves bad or gets bad grades, it worked when my parents did it to me 5 years ago, so go ahead, just let him know how the deal works!!

and yes he will go ape-$h!t

 

I say put the x-box on the HD TV in the living room. That way you can see what he is playing, also gives you reason to limit his gaming. I would then set up chores for him to do to earn the tv to get the gaming system back in his room. Not crappy chores but things you can do with him. Then once you feel he has earned it then take him to the store and surpise him as a thanks for his hard work. It is kind of a win win. He will have pride in earning a nice tv and you will both do things together. He might not appreciate it now but he will when he is older. Trust me, I am 32, I lost my dad 4 years ago and all of the chores he would make me help him with sucked but looking back it was nice to see that my dad wanted to spend time with me.

 

If he appreciates it and doesn't come to expect such lavish gifts, he is not spoiled.

 

Have you tried tigerdirect.com for the LCD? I don't know, I think I'd make him work towards the LCD panel... or set certain hours he can use the other screen. It's a tough question for other people to answer.

 

do it. youll be the best dad ever.

 

I understand exactly what you mean. He does do chores around the house on a regular basis. I have always taught him to work for things and he does. He earns an allowance and he spends his own money for much of what he does. This isn't really as much about teaching him the value of things as it is a question of excess.

 

There are several great reasons why I think you should do it...

Well maybe you didn't say that last part but it is still a valid point people don't often consider!! But really you know you want to do so just do it!

 

You say you can afford it....share the love. Another 2 years, and he'll be wanting to borrow the scion. That's when the decisions will be tougher.

 

agreed!

 

LOL...my wife might have a slight problem with that.

 

Oh man...I don't even want to think about that!!

 

no I'm a good kid I promise! I'll do chores and everything.

 

if he doesnt want you ill dopt you :-P hehe as for your set up for the kiddo-- i think its great and would be a xmas he'll always remember. By the way I just bought the Vizio 26" from K-Fart for I think $400, because after taxes it was just about $440 or something like that. Anyways the TV is really nice- only problem I have with it, is there are no outputs for the audio- IE- I have surround sound, but cant play it while watching TV...but thats cool I just use it for DVDs. Anyways the TV is sweet and mounts nicely. Good luck.

 

i would do it... but like someone else said.. make sure he doesnt get a custom to gifts this large... and i sure hope he is an only child as for it would suck being the other kid lol

 

i would also buy a bigger tv... i personally have a 47 inch and the game play is much better... just buy him a bigger tv and let him use his other christmas money to buy the xbox and you can also help him out a little if he needs it

 

Well since he will be my future husband () I say do it. BUT why not say that this is his Christmas and Birthday gift? ;) Like that he will still feel VERY happy and at the same time you won't feel as if you are spoiling him too much.

 

true and if you tell him that then he wont really be expecting anything for the birthday so he will be even more greatful when that comes around

 

i say get the xbox and hook it to the tv in the living like the guy above said, then have HIM save up half of the cost of the tv and go halves wtih him, it will teach him how to save money for somehtin he wants and its good. im horrible at saving money and i wish i had some more life lessons.... at the momemnt my gf is helping me save money.... but its not workin to well