Or just an incredibly savvy marketer? Is there a difference?
Amazon has done a mass mailing (TO CURRENT OCCUPANT) of a catalogue of kids' toys. It includes stickers ("Stickers!" Josie shrieked and proceeded to stick them all over a table from whence I had later to scrape them with my fingernails,) and games, and a story, and masks to punch out--all very appealing to kids. Josie was all over the catalogue the minute Grumpy brought in the mail. " Grandma got one of these too. Now I need a marker so I can circle the things I want for Christmas."
I can remember as a child spending long hours with catalogues from Best and Co, and FAO Schwarz--I probably circled things too. I know the feeling. But I had to explain to Josie that just because she circled something didn't mean it was sure to be under the Christmas tree. I'm not sure she was listening as she flipped pages, circling like mad.
The thing is, Amazon has been incredibly useful to us during Covid and will continue to be so as we grow older and less inclined to go shopping. Actually, it's been a very long time since I enjoyed the thrill of the retail hunt. The toy shop I used to patronize in Asheville closed a few years ago and Amazon has taken up the slack.
Josie has some interesting choices--weaponry . . .
A play kitchen . . . some stuffed animals . . . way too many Barbies and Barbie lookalikes (I really dislike Barbie and her ilk). . . lots of plastic tchotchkes . . . and, as they say many, many more.
I'll probably order a few of her choices--the realistic fox plushie is pretty adorable and there's a nice doll that looks like a little girl instead of a hooker. And maybe the sword that lights up.
But the electronic drum kit is a non-starter. Perhaps her other grandparents will come through.
9 comments:
I had no idea that A would send out actual catalogs. A has been very helpful to us as well because we are paddling a similar boat to yours. In fact, we even have coffee coming today because it is $2 cheaper than our local grocery store.
Not sure there is an actual Amazon catalogue here but I did give my girls a Smyths toy shop catalogue. They know they won't get most of what they desire but I still remember the fun I used to have at my grandma's, looking through toy catalogues.
haven't seen that mailing yet but did get an American Girl doll catalog recently that I made the mistake of showing granddaughter #2. She told her mom about it too. I have no intention of purchasing anything from there. If she wants clothes for her dolls I'll look for a crafter who sews them though her mom does that too.
What fun to see all those pictures of gifts! Sears Roebuck had toy catalogs that my boys liked...and they must have thought it a good idea, because they get the Thanksgiving sales papers and used to give those catalogs to the kids to circle things...and they would then shop for them based on their choices. I guess it makes a parent and child happy to fulfill wishes, and none of the guesswork of what to give someone. Sure takes the myth out of the holidays! And of course now it's look on line and put it in your cart! Been there!!
I went through that catalog with Josie on my mind. But I know members of the family will be giving her things from it and I don't want to duplicate! It's getting hard to shop for her because she has so much already. I'm glad she still likes Hamsie and her musical jewelry box.
Sandy--she still adores Hamsie. He is part of everyday play.
While I don't remember circling toys in catalogues -- I (subconsciously) was very aware of my parents' financial circumstances -- I vividly remember circling magazine adverts for private schools and summer camps on the basis of what subjects they promised to teach. Horse riding was a plus. I wanted to learn to ride horses so I could be an Apache Indian out in the Wild West. Until then, plain old New England and a bicycle had to serve.
Yeah, I was a weird kid.
I remember those ads and the lure of horseback riding--though there was no way any of that was going to happen. I too wanted to be an Indian and practiced stoic indifference to pain (in a minor sort of way) and walking silently. Also a weird kid.
I'm amazed that Amazon would actually have a catalog. My husband and I have been pretty dependend on Amazon for books, with our recent moves and with Covid, but nothing beats going into an actual bookstore - or library! For me, anyway. Still, I'm glad Amazon exists, it enables us to send presents from abroad that can actually arrive and without customs fees.
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