got ink?

Not all shopping this time of year is stressful for me. Sure some of it sucks but I think Christmas shopping can be fun under the right circumstances.

Best circumstance: alone.

Worst circumstance: with a "hair-trigger loaded with unpredictable tantrum throwing" toddler.

But in recent weeks the toy shopping part is probably the best shopping I've done with a two year old. To her it's just fun to play with all the toys while I check out as much stuff in the radius said-toy accommodates me (mobile object? excellent/ honkin' huge? affords a 5-ft radius max because she's a fast one).

Despite the occasional plea to take some of the toys home, it's a small risk and it really makes shopping much, much easier. This will only last as long as the distraction ploys at the end of the store visit continue to work. Otherwise it's back to consumer restraint due to store-hating toddler (which is a good thing actually but damn, I love shopping sometimes).

Speaking of shopping, in another ol' college try at consumer restraint, we are trying to not go overboard this year. Admittedly, we have had some momentary wavers, but restraint has been applied more often than not. I think.

That all said, it's still fun to check out the toy departments.

My brother and I used to mark the pages in the Sears Wishbook with our demands requests. Marketing completely worked on me - I wanted at least one toy on every page.

It was fun because it was cool to drool and dream but knowing that I'd be a happy kid even if I got just one item on the huge list. I don't think I was every disappointed with my gifts. Except for the pony. Still waiting on that pony.

Anyway, my parents usually bought what they knew we would like and not be done with by the time Christmas dinner had been served.

Not that I would have stopped playing with the pony by dinner. I'm just saying.

But I'm pretty sure that my parents had as much fun as I am these days.

Anyhow, a toy that made me laugh out loud on a recent shopping trip (it also prompted a picture because I am a blogger after all):

just what every mother
dreams of her child doing to their body

You know, I'm pretty sure I would have circled that in the old wishbook catalogue.

Actually, I'm dead certain my childhood self would have totally wanted this toy for Christmas. Come to think about it, I probably would of also hatched a scheme/dream to sell tattoos to all my friends.

But I'm getting off track. Bottom line, toys are a damn fun part of my Christmas tradition, and I love shopping for them.

And of course, playing with them.

Speaking of playing, Bumper won't let me play with Mr. Potato Head anymore.

I can't help but admit this denial makes me want to steal the mister and all his accessories out of her room after bedtime.

Is that immature?

Anyone else not allowed to play with their kid's toys by order of child? Or is it just me and my whacked out Mr. P creations?