It's That Time again--Santa's Work Shop at School

My kid's school just finished a week of Santa's workshop. It was my first experience and it was a total joke. I had a feeling it was dollar store junk stuff and I was right. But we stillhad him earn money, make a list of people and he got to buy things for everyone on his list. I think for us, it was more of a lesson on thinking of other people than just himself. He was absolutely not allowed to spend any money on himself or buy anything for him. So for us, it was worth it b/c of that lesson, even though the gift options were still a joke.

I am currently volunteering in my daughters school santa shop this week. Not one thing is dollar store junk. Mostly from Target. The pto shops all year, and they have accumulated six 40 ft tables full. Tomorrow is my last day and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Not one child shops alone. There are adults left and right assisting them and helping them decide. When a kindergartener wants to buy a heart stamper for their dad, we assist them in making a better decision.My daughter is going to it tomorrow. I have her list of 4 people and am sending her with $20, $5 for each person.

I don't think it has anything at all to do with learning the value of an item. It has to do with the joy for these children to get to buy things all on their own and wrap things for under the tree that they are so proud of. When I open what my daughter gets me (even if it is a bar of soap) I am going to thank her dearly and make sure she knows how much it meant.

I think it's a bit much to expect people to donate quality handmade craft items to a school holiday shop. When my kids' schools have done it, the PTO has used various vendors, from local warehouses/distributors to companies that specialize in these things. Some years everything was $1, which I liked best. Other years, there were differing price points. Those had some better quality items but really, even the "good" items are kind of junky so I'd rather the kids by $1 goofy gifts than $3 or $8 goofy gifts. They really had a good time picking things out and it gave them a chance to remember that the season is about the joy of giving, so I always liked the idea.

Honestly, unless you're willing to volunteer to be a part of the committee that plans and runs this, graciously thank whoever organizes it and be happy with what's available. If you don't run the event, don't complain. These are a royal pain to run but are very popular. I'm sure the parents running this are doing their best to please everyone and would welcome some suggestions and help for next year if you have a better idea.

My kids' schools always have the dollar store junk. I usually let my kids only buy for immediate family (mom dad & sibling) and only give them $1 per person to spend.

The kids have fun and choose so carefully, so I just let them pick out whatever they want and keep my mouth shut. I don't want to participate in the organizing of the Holiday Shop at school, so I don't feel like I have the right to complain.

Last year our school worked with a dollar store and everything was a dollar so I did not feel guilty sending them with $10 knowing they'd come home with 10 items. Well it is my understanding that the dollar store route had its problems and so this year they are going back to the traditional Santa shop supplier.

I am all for the kids having the opportunity to pick out and procure their own special gift for everyone. It makes them feel so important and part of the season. Although with two now in school I am not so sure I can justify sending them each with $20+ and not knowing how many gifts that might get them.

I definitely do not want to deprive them of this fun nor stifle their spirit of giving. Therefore I was thinking about giving them a small amount to spend at the Santa shop and then taking them to a dollar store for the rest of the family they would normally buy for.

Now I on the other hand can not justify spending full price on books that I can either borrow from the library or buy at a library's used book sale if that puts it in perspective for you :-)

I am so annoyed my son's school has this. Yes, I'm a grinch, but I don't want him to be left out but I don't want to waste our money on junk either. Also, it takes up time during the school day which I would much rather them spend in class. I wish they didn't have it at all, but I'm going to send him $2 just so he isn't the only one without something to spend.

When I helped out with ours a few years ago we used a company for some things and when we ran out of items we hit up the dollar store and then marked up the items we bought there. so yes, lots of junk. the kids love it, however I'm much happier giving the kids money and just going to one of the nicer dollar stores in town or letting them buy that perfect gift if we see it someplace.

For example DD and i were shopping for a friends birthday gift and saw star wars mugs, so i gave her 9 dollars to get them for her brother, she's thrilled because it was perfect and all her and he will love it.

We don't do it, nor do we do the book fairs.

My daughter's school is doing this in two weeks in the evening and I'm excited for her to be able to go and be a part of it. I used to love going when I was in elementary school. She is getting $10 for mom and $10 for dad. I figure we'll let her choose an item for each of us (the note said that an adult would assist all children) but not for anyone else. When the kids are a bit older (not sure what age), I'll let them pick out gifts for grandparents. But at this time, we still spend quite a bit on the grandparents from us as a family so I'm going to wait until they are older to let them add to their gifts. I think this is something she will really enjoy. I do not think it's about teaching them about the value of money - it's about choosing a gift on their own (with assistance) to give to whomever their parents have designated. It's about giving them independence and having a choice. I'm all for it! Even if it is only dollar store junk. LOL