Bismarck, North Dakota News

" Wow. I am so glad to live in a place where all the materialistic things of the world don't even exist. I am so glad to be a poor, struggling single parent/student of two kids who appreciate everything they get for a gift, even if it is just a pair of socks. I took them to a big city where everything was about what you have, what you wear and how you look and guess what? They were terrified! "

" To huh: Last year, I tackled a few people in order to get the much coveted PS3. You know what? My kids used it for less than a month. They prefer the games UNO & Apples to Apples. Ages?? They are 13 and 6. What does that tell you? No--I do not buy them undies & sox (that's a Grandma's job) but I DO believe in giving gifts that create a family bond. And that is wonderful in your helping another family!! I wish more people would do that. We have chosen 3 families to do this for, and I am proud of my kids for picking those tags off the trees..... "

" LOL--you mean people in Bismarck have actually HEARD of Sephora??? And here I was thinking the majority were into supporting the massive amount of KayBots (Mary Kay...BLECH. can you say over-priced AVON??) Anywho--Sephora is a candystore for women who deserve the best; AWESOME stuff. And, you regulars, don't forget your giftbag code for the freebies w/ a $50 + order!! "

" BTW.....our family decide to help a needy family this year instead of gifts for each other. I am undecided to make it special and get kids stuff they WANT vs what they might NEED, though. Again, it's a wish list. Wish big. "

" well....wally world for every day. name brand for christmas. Not too much to ask. What better time than at Christmas? It IS a wish list after all. You prob buy your kids socks and underwear and gift wrap em too. "

" my daugheter wants all that stuff that is on tv and that her other schoolmates (not her friends) wear--she thinks it will make her more populer with those rich girls. i wish i could afford it but i cant. reading storys like this make me mad..... cant parents quit giving there kids everything on a silver platter> "

" Thanks Mom of 2, & 3. I am glad other parents are feeling the same way I do. Christmas has turned into a "Gimme This" season, instead of thinking of family, and life, and God. Apparently the disgruntled posters who don't see where I am coming from, are teens or non-parents. I grew up with big lists, but only got 2 or 3 of those gifts. Do I remember them?? No. I remember the wonderful dinners with my rellies, playing with cousins, x-country skiing Christmas Eve, playing board games together.......but the fad gifts come & go. I wish kids would realize that, and enjoy their families while they are still around. (teens.....check the obituaries everyday.....see how many young adults pass on each day. That could be a family member. Please keep that in mind, instead of snowboarding equipment....) "

" You can certainly tell who are the self absorbed-materialistic people on these blogs. It was for pure curiosity that I even clicked on the story. Yes, as children you are wanting gifts but when all you have is name brand, top of the line stuff that is certainly where these "High Maintenance" children are being created. I also have a teenager and wanting and receiving are 2 different things. I "wanted" alot as a child that I never got and back then seemed like you had un-cool parents only for me to realize it was a very valuable lesson. My children are going to learn the same values and that everything they want they will not get. I wondered what type of parents/families these spoiled rotten children came from, I guess I got my answer...the very same types of attitudes as the children. "

" health, a warm house, food... Those are basic needs. The Tribune published a list of organizations not too long ago that help people who are lacking basic needs. You can also look contact info up for organizations on the BIsmarck Public Library's web page under "Research Resources," click on "Community Information Database." "

" and all of you wished for family health and a warm house on your chirstmas lists when you were CHILDREN, right? Those are not gifts, those are basic needs. Get a grip. "

" To HBIC: I thoroughly agree with the first poster. Teens are spoiled (whose fault? mainly the parents) and they will have a rude awakening when they get into the real world and the job market. I can just see their faces upon receiving their 1st paycheck..."Is this ALL?" It is a sad thing. I commend all parents who believe in instilling values and morals, vs buying the latest fad trend. "

" To "kids nowadays": Get over it! It Christmas and they are just commenting on what presents they would like....you don't have to blow it way out of proportion....Besides, why would you even be reading the article if you wern't looking for some gift ideas? "

" How about just being thankful for your family, health, a warm house, food,...... C'mon, think about your values. I would be ashamed if I were your parent. "