[alirosdan]

Christmas is now a distant memory. The kids were going mad for that specific toy that they just couldn't live without.

Did it live up to their expectations, and more importantly are they still playing with it now?

For us, Number 1 son has completed and subsequently lost interest in all the xbox games he 'needed'. A watch he didn't even ask for appears to have been his best present.

Number 2 son wanted Fifa 10 and the last 2 SWFC kits he doesn't have. I bought him a packet of balloons as a little stocking filler and they are his best present. He practises his football skills with a balloon for hours on end.

What were your successes and failures this Christmas?

[04jessops]

Success: Still having loads of chocolate left over.

Failure: Still having loads of chocolate left over.

[Eater Sundae]

We splashed on a Wii - officially for the family, so our daughter didn't think of it as "hers", but in reality it was for her. This was a great success. It has not taken over our house (which we feared might happen), but it keeps provididng the odd hour or two of excellent entertainment, with us all joining in - 1 x 5 year old (plus visiting friend of same age) plus 2 adults. This was a surprise - she had asked for a Nintendo DS, but we had told her beforehand that she couldn't have one - we didn't want to risk her playing on her own antisocially. Re the Wii - the games are fun, but one of her biggest thrills is creating the Miis, and then seeing them appear as by-standers watching the games. So she likes spending time creating and modifying Miis of her friends - its all part of the fun.

A motorised dog (which she said she wanted) has barely been played with. She does play occasionally, but a bit half-heartedly.

A cheap radio controlled car (£4:95 IIRC). She's had plenty of fun with this, although it does eat batteries.

[alirosdan]

We did the wii thing between them last year because they 'needed' it. It was very successful for around 3 months. I can't remember the last time either of them played on it.

You think you are buying a great present that they will love but the small things (balloons for example) are often more enduring.

[topmum]

My son asked for and got a wii - which he has played on quite a bit especially with visiting family and friends .keeps asking for more games now though !

my daughter got a ds (which we hummed and ahhed about getting for her ) its the best thing we ever did ! she loves it and will link up with brother , cousins on learning games etc. she had an minor operation last week and we played it whislt waiting which certainly took her mind off it - she loves the imagine .... range of games .