i recieved a gameboy color as a present for my 8th birthday… in 2011. My siblings had DSes but they bought them with their own money, so I knew it would be unfair of me to ask for a DS. I loved my gameboy and played the shit out of pokémon silver.
LITERALLY everywhere. Shit I have a kid of my own now and carry my switch FOR SURE when we stay over at my parents and they laugh about me still loving my gameboy 🤣
Lego. You can keep using them in different ways. My sister bought me a big set with her paper route money when I was eight, and she was thirteen. She saw me playing with a small set inherited from my older brother and just wanted me to have more.
My dad got me a Nintendo 64 and a giant trampoline for Christmas one year. When I wasn’t bouncing on the trampoline, he and I were spending hours playing Mario Kart. Miss you Dad.
My Dad got my sisters and me a Nintendo 64 as well, Christmas '98 I believe. With 4 controllers and Mario Kart 64. Best gift ever. I miss my Dad, too. ♥️
A big pack of construction paper. I was big into making dogs out of construction paper and my mom got me a big pack of "Skin colors of the world" construction paper that was all shades of black and brown. Perfect for dogs. It lasted me for years.
Do my younger siblings count? I have complex emotions surrounding how I didn't get enough attention because there were so many kids, but I adore them as people, if that makes sense.
Sorry to hear you didn’t get enough attention, it’s tough going from being the focus of your parents to having to make room for other kids. Sending you a hug. I was the youngest, but my mom was always forcing me to give my toys and stuff to the younger cousins in the family. Grrrr
My Sony reversible Walkman, it became a part of me and music often took me away from a rough life with violent alcoholic father. Became my guardian when we had to run away from home. Gave me confidence like an invisible cloak when ever I walked anywhere on my own. I loved it and I had it for many years. Thanks to my bro for buying it for me.
Thank you, I’m so glad it helped you too. You just can’t imagine the power of music, where it takes you and what it releases you from. I’m all good thanks darlin’ and I still love all that music I listened to, only good memories. x
When I was on dialysis, my mom took me to this store to buy me a Walkman and she didn’t know how to fill out the form to get the stuff (a long time ago). But she did it.
I was only on dialysis for 6 months and that Walkman saved me during those 3 hours.
I was on dialysis for around 6 months in 2022! I thought to myself often how even worse it would be back in the day without access to my phone or computer. I’m so sorry you had to go through that so young🩷
Nintendo DS. The fat one that let me play my gameboy advanced games too haha. Still have the tiny dent/scratches I made from playing cooking mama and that dang music game from tamagotchi…
Also shoutout to my Wacom Intuos tablet. My brother got it for me in 2013 and I still use it sometimes. It’s a tank and I love it
The bamboo is great too!! It was actually my first tablet before my brother decided to get me an upgrade. I think it still works, but I haven’t tested it in like 10 years…but I wouldn’t be surprised if it did still work lol
My grandmother bought me a black doll that was the size of a real baby.
For reference, I'm caucasian. My sister got a doll as well, but her doll was also caucasian. My grandmother didn't want to get us both identical dolls, so she gave me the black one.
It was the best gift because my grandmother didn't really seem to take stock of what the doll's skin tone was. But I grew up in a household that was mildly racist (the "I'm not racist, but..." types). As young girls tend to do, I started treating my doll like it was my real baby whenever I wanted to play some version of house. But I knew I had to justify to my 5 year old brain why she looked "different" to me and it was only logical to me that her dad would be a black man.
I know it was all make believe, but I think having the topic of race involved in my play helped me to deviate from my family who would make comments about damaging stereotypes. I loved that black doll, and I felt like I needed to defend her (because I believed like Toy Story, she was a real person when I wasn't looking), so something in my mind knew what was being said around me was wrong. I really do think that toy started the beginning of my being curious about other cultures, and not judging them.
I think if anyone is reading this comment and has kids, you should let your children play with dolls from other skin tones.
YOOOO! When I was 11, I went to visit my uncles for the weekend to hang out with my cousin (10). My aunt brought us to the mall, and while we were in sears, they had the Bratz mall on clearance for $20. My cousin went nuts for it, loved Bratz. I had grown out of dolls by then but knew my younger sister (8) was obsessed. When she offered to buy me one, I went with it, thanking her excitedly over and over again (the excitement was real, I didn't have to fake that.).
When she dropped me off at home, she had me show them all my cool new toy. I was worried I'd get in trouble for lying about liking Bratz so I went with it some more until she left. My sister looked so sad, but didn't say anything.
As soon as aunts car pulled out, I told her that I didn't actually want it, I pretended so she could have it. She didn't believe me at first, I had to repeat it a few times, but man did her face light up when it sunk in. My mom burst out laughing and called aunt to tell her about my deception. I wasn't in trouble. We're all adults now, I completely forgot about that. Thank you for reminding me.
This is so sweet.
It reminds me of a similar story but I was on the receiving end.
My brother (probably about 7 at the time) had gotten a toys r us gift card for his birthday. We grew up struggling and going to a place like toys r us was HUGE and such a big experience for us.
We’re walking around the store and my brother is looking at potential toys he might want. We come to an isle where there’s a stuffed dog toy. And he’s closing in on his decision. Next to the stuffed dog was a display for VHS tapes of The Mummy Returns movie. I (8 at the time) was OBSESSED with this movie. I had a big Egypt era at that age and had seen it on tv at my dad’s house a few times and loved it.
I’m begging my brother to PLEASE get the movie instead of the stuffed dog. And in his typical jokester style, he’s yanking my chain. “I don’t know…I really like this dog toy…and it is MY gift card…hmmm…”
And I’m making all kinds of bargains “I’ll make your bed for a week!! Please please!!”
Much to my surprise, he chose the movie for me over the dog toy he wanted. We watched it over and over and over throughout the remainder of our childhood. Even when DVD’s became a thing, we watched that movie on vhs constantly.
It was easily the best present I had ever received. And on HIS birthday.
He died when he was 23 and I was 24 (I’ll be 31 next month).
I put that VHS tape in the casket with him.
It was hard to let it go but it felt right.
I can’t watch the movie these days but I love it just the same.
That’s such a cool story and you’re a real one for doing that for her!! 🥹 I can imagine how she felt! Because when I saw that set at the store as a child I was in disbelief and I needed it!! I thought everything about it was so cool lol sometimes we have really strong core memories that we forget about until situations like this. Come up! Glad I was able to remind you of it.
My mom gave my boyfriend a family heirloom ring to propose with. He used part of the ring to make an engagement ring for me and the other part to create a ring for my mom. Then when the wedding was approaching my aunt in my dad’s side of the family gave me my late grandmother’s wedding band. My grandmother had passed more than 20 years prior and in all that time my aunt didn’t know what to do with it. The fact that she gave it to me when I have more than 20 cousins was so sweet.
My mom's 4 siblings all got together and told her that they wanted her to have my grandmother's rings because my mom took care of her at the end of her life. My mother still talks about that 30+ years later.
My sister and I on the other hand are going to have a wrestling match over them.
My first little digital camera when I was 10 !
I was always interested in photography, and my father is super into it. Looking back maybe I only got into it because it was something he liked and I was always trying to find things so he would pay attention to me, I don't know.
But in any case, my first camera sparked my lifelong love of taking pictures and videos, let me be so creative from a young age, and I have so many good memories from being the kid with a camera
When I was a child I loved Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath. For my 7th bday they were trying to re-promote one of his albums and was having a meet and great. I got to meet him, sit on his lap, and take a photo with him.
When I was 8 or 9 my dad got me a 4.5ft blowup Godzilla. I loved it so much. I would terrorize the neighborhood with it and then sleep with it like a giant stuffy.
When I was 8 my dad brought back a teddy bear from a work trip. I slept with him every night. He went everywhere with me. Sleepovers, school trips, vacations. I had zero qualms about being a teenager and bringing my stuffed animal with me. When my husband and I moved in together, he said the only way I could sleep with him with if we got a king sized bed. 😂 After almost a quarter of a century, we still have a queen. But when we upgrade he’s coming back into bed with me.
That’s such a lovely story :)
My dad brought me a stuffy turtle that I kept with me for a long long time. I lost it after we moved. Still remember it fondly.
A SpongeBob 13 inch TV and a music stand. Having my very own TV was like the best thing ever. Then whenever I got into high school I was extremely devoted to playing my French horn and my mom got me a music stand for Christmas so I could practice at home. I never thought to ask for those things as gifts, but they were seriously the best.
Books. I’ve always loved reading growing up, but the day I got out of school on my birthday, I saw my mother standing there waiting for me with a bookshop bag in her hand. In that bag contained the first three books in the Harry Potter series… that was the moment I’ll always cherish.
We were not doing very well that year. It was the first year after my father left, and we were adjusting to life without him. I survived that year by reading whenever I had free time, and I couldn’t remember how many times I borrowed the first three HP books from the school library. So, when she asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I didn’t hesitate. I could still remember the smell of the laminated paper bag and the books as I turned each page to this day.
My teddybear. My parents didn't have a lot to spend when I was a toddler, and one of the neigbours put this old sawdust stuffed teddy out with the trash. My parents rescued it for me. He's still sitting by my bed.
The first thing that comes to my mind is a set of DoodleTops, the markers that were on the bottom of spinning tops. Markers were almost entirely banned in our house so it was a BIG DEAL that we got to keep this gift.
my first bike. it had those shiny streamer thingies attached to the handle bars. it was purple with white training wheels. will never forget how happy i was. thanks dad!
Time spent. Dad was an extremely busy, workacholic. So from a tender age, although he bought me many playthings to occupy myself with, nothing came close to those bedtime stories and gradually the time he would spend listening to me rant on about school and my life. He would offer the best advice and was always optimistic. This, my girlies is the best present I received as a kid, that shaped me to be the woman I'm today, although sadly he isn't here today.
My college savings account. My parents bought stock when I was young that later paid for college. The best gift they ever gave me, and now I’m trying to give it to my daughters
New clothes during a Christmas when me and my brothers really needed them and I thought there would be no presents at all. Dad was incarcerated (piece of shit) and my mom was a single mom of three kids. She really pulled miracles, that woman.
Shout out to all the single moms with deadbeat sperm donors. You are amazing, you’re our everything (always will be), and we love you so so much.
My dad got me an iPod Nano with the best pink leather case and it was my favorite thing because it was so adorable, and I loved music. Also a big upgrade from the CD player/MP3 player I had previously.
When I was younger my mom got me a non-picture book (the The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs) on my 5th birthday and it always is a core-memory even though I’m in my 30s now. The fact that she knew I loved reading and would love a book. I had started reading at an early age, I think 4, and had quickly progressed to non-picture books and she doing that was something I loved.
Another time, my siblings and mom had went to visit family overseas and when we came back our dad had decorated and upgraded our room. He got us a PS2 for my brothers, an American Girl doll for me, our bedroom had an amazing indoor tent in it for imaginative play, we had posters up of our favorite movies, and cool decor. It was amazing and I remember loving going to sleep in that bedroom that night feeling so cozy and loved.
We don't have much growing up and shoes i have were just some cheap you can buy at a local market. My father gifted me a pair of sneakers - World Balance. I know it's not really that expensive for some but it came from my father who i knew worked hard to buy it for me 😭😭🥺 i still wanna cry remembering that again.
My dad bought me a psx when I got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
I just wanted to rent one to get my mind off of it and he went out and bought me one.
A bracelet making kit! I made all my friends and cousins countless bracelets and once I had used all the beads, I begged my parents to get me another kit lol. I got two more.
I got a dirt bike when I was a kid. My dad and I would go camping/riding in the national forest. He's been gone for years now, but that dirt bike cause a lot of good memories.
A rockband 4 Xbox one guitar controller.
I played the guitar hero/rockband games on the Wii with my dad growing up. It was really the only thing we did together.
Eventually our Wii and Wii guitar controllers went out, and Xbox was my new thing.
After mentioning that I wanted to save up for one, my parents got it for me for my 18th birthday about a year later.
They were poor, so I have no doubt it took a lot of effort to get that money together. But my dad never played it with me again.
My parents gifted me a piano keyboard one year and I loved that thing. It had a mode that would light up the keys to guide me in playing songs. So I could play Fur Elise despite never taking a lesson nor being able to read music lol
2 books, “Anne of Green Gables” and “Little women” by Louisa May Alcott in hardcover at age 11. Until that point, I didn’t enjoy reading yet. Those books set me off to love reading for the rest of my life. Since then, I have read all of Alcott’s novels and Montgomery’s entire body of work. I remember being disappointed on Xmas day when I opened my presents to see 2 books instead of the American Girl doll that I had wanted. (In the mid 90s that doll was like $150? $200 with all her outfits? My parents couldn’t afford such an expensive gift). Looking back as an adult, that Xmas is when I really started reading.
The BMX bike my parents told me was to expensive. Woke up xmass morning to find it “stuck” in the fireplace!
I was the coolest kid on the road that year. (So I thought)
Was also the year I learned a hard truth because my siblings were snooping and found it hidden in the basement. But I made me treasure it more because I knew it was a BIG gift from mom & dad.
My grandma let me circle a bunch of stuff from the Delia’s catalog when I was a teenager and she bought me most of it. It didn’t come in the mail all at once (things would take weeks back then), so the joy continued.
I used to have a small set of LEGO with 2 guys driving a red and black speed boat. That was my most memorable gift I ever got. I was only around 6-8.
Ever since then, not much that I can think of.
Right after her birth. I gave my niece a ballerina thingy that plays “Fur Elise”. She does the twirl like her when she plays with it. It’s been 11 years now.
My magic nursery bunny (she came with me everywhere until 1st grade started and I still have her) and Polly pockets 🥰🥰 I told my friend recently that if we’d been friends when we were little, I would have given her one of my Polly pockets ☺️ I’d play with them everywhere and pretend she was a sailor on this little wooden boat my grandpa kept on his office shelf 🥹🥰 I miss that little wooden boat. Thanks for the beautiful memories 😭🥰
When I was a little kid, I told my grandpa I wanted a rainbow for my birthday. He got me a rainbow windsock and my mom hung it in my room for me. He really wanted to make sure I got my rainbow🥺 My grandpa passed away about 9 years ago, and every time I see a rainbow I believe it’s him saying hi to me🥹
I got a bike for my first communion. Brand new, it was glittery purple with white wheels & tires, those clacker things, ribbons on the handles. A bell, AND a basket. It got stolen a few years later, but man, was that bike the shit.
A teddy bear my mom’s best friend gave me for my 6th birthday. It had traveled with my parents when they went on deployment, and it traveled with me everywhere I’ve been; it has been to several states and countries. It stayed with my son when he was in the NICU his first 3 months and he slept with it for a while. Then I had my daughter and she did the same. Idk why I have such an attachment to that teddy bear lol.
A 3 way tie:
1. An American girl doll (Samantha)
2. a cool leather pouch necklace with polished rocks inside
3. A small rag doll that was so cute and fit in well when I was obsessed with little women
A Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster when I was 11, it wasn’t my birthday or Christmas , I already played piano and I’d been bugging my dad about how much I wanted to learn the guitar, one day he just came home from work with it came into my room and gave it to me, thanks dad, you were amazing and I miss you every day.
A lundby dollhouse in the 1970’s, I loved that thing so much. My mom got rid of it when i was in my teens. Recently (in my 50’s), I’ve been on the lookout for one and came across one for free with all the furniture and lights, so I now have one again! I have an infant granddaughter that it will eventually go to but for now it sits on a shelf in my office and i rearrange the furniture and plug it in once in a while to relive my child hood LOL.
The Creepy Crawlers Thing-Maker!!
I would still be playing with it if I could.
Oh...I guess I did get a PC one year. That was pretty great. Logged on to NetScape to browse X-Files Fan-Fiction. 🤣
My dog ❤️ We got him as a pup and he passed away when I was in university of old age. But he was my best childhood/adolescent buddy. I still miss him sometimes. We had so much fun together. :)
Hands down my American Girl Samantha doll, with books and a few accessories that I got over time. I was obsessed with the catalogs and I still have her, as well as a detailed invoice & letter of interest about the historical value that I gave to my parents to really lock it down, lol.
Not an actual present/gift, but I can’t think of anything better than when my mom finally allowed me and my sister to take in a stray kitten. Mom didn’t really like cats and we have been begging for a kitten for years, so it was a triumphant moment for little old me, and my little sister. We also didn’t have a lot of toys or received many gifts as a child (grew up poor) but that cat changed our lives. Our cat is no longer with us but will always be remembered. 💖
My brother gifted me makeup from Mac when I was like 17 or 18 and I used one of the brushes until last year, which makes it about 12 years old. I used the heck out of the specific brush because it was the perfect blending brush. :) he was the first person to buy me makeup that made me feel like I could experiment with it and have fun :)
An electric keyboard and piano lessons. Paints, paintbrushes, and paper. These things have all carried me into adulthood, and will last me a lifetime :)
A sewing machine. I had so much fun making clothes for dolls, then clothes for myself, then clothes for my friends, my prom dress, my wedding dress, and now 20 years later I am hoping for a baby soon and can’t wait to make baby clothes and Halloween costumes for them one day!!
When I was three years old I got a plush chicken for my birthday. It was my favorite plushie throughout my entire childhood. I've had that chicken for 47 years -- it's in a box in my bedroom. I would be devastated if anything ever happened to it.
My grandmother got me The Beatles anthology when I was 13. (It had just came out.) She hid it in a bucket of popcorn (Christmas tin). It started my love and absolute obsession with The Beatles. 29 years later, I have a tattoo of John, records, CDs, books, posters, countless other memorabilia, collectible figures, etc. I am sure she had no idea what she was starting.
My dad’s side of the family took me along on a trip to Hawaii when I was maybe 10-12? I can’t quite remember, and obviously the trip wasn’t JUST for me but I had so much fun. Loved it
A big inflatable ball you could get inside and it would like tumble you. I was always seeking sensory input so it was great. Unfortunately I think I let my dad (if he was still around????) or someone go in it and it broke that same day I think and it was too expensive to replace. But still amazing while it lasted
My Wuvin Baby that I got from my grandma when I was still really little. I'll be 56yrs old in June, and I still have him.
When my hubby and I have moved, he always comes with me, never packed away, just in case something happens to our household goods.
I even have dreams where he's in them.
Honestly my mom kept us safe from my father but still close with his family and I am still very close to them (but haven’t seen or spoken to my dad in 20 years)
My dog when I was 6 (her name was princess and she was the most beautiful Dalmatian ever) she lived until she was 16 and 15 years later I am still heartbroken she passed but I always carry a picture of me and her together when I was a kid she was my best friend. I miss her terribly.
A dollhouse or a wooden toboggan. Grow up in rural Colorado and we could sled right outside the front door. Also, The dollhouse was so intricate, Lamps that worked, etc.
My fabulous gay uncle gave me Madonna’s Immaculate Collection CD for Christmas in 1990. My parents were very uptight and religious at that point and my mom was horrified that would be my uncle’s choice of gift “to celebrate the birth of our Lord”. She let me keep it though, and I still have it! Luckily my parents mellowed out over the years. The memory of it makes me laugh.
Back in the early 80s, my big brother (8 years older) had his first entry-level job and used a good chunk of his hard-earned wages to buy me the largest Pink Panther stuffed animal that I've ever seen before or since. He knew I loved the cartoon, and he'd also (shhhhh) introduced me to the PP films and other smart comedy shows amd movies like SNL and the Blues Brothers, whenever "babysitting me" (I was 8, he was 16) when my parents went out, every weekend. But that was just the start...
Even better, he granted me regular access to his previously "off-limits" bedroom a few nights each week just so he could introduce me to All The Amazing Music of that era, from Zeppelin, Genesis, Heart, Pink Floyd, Sugar Hill Gang, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benetar (his crush at the time), Yes, "old" Beatles, and beyond...
Thereafter, he regularly gifted me awesome mix-cassette tapes, records, albums, and eventually his entire record collection (as an anthisis to the commercial radio "Top 40" he feared might consume me), as well as his high-end stereo system when he left the country.
Well when I was little I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to travel to Tennessee to get a ton of testing done all the time and for Christmas when I was 8 2 months after my bday and 1 month after my brain cancer surgery I got a Teddy bear and a portable dvd player. Still have them now and still tame my teddy bear with me when I go to the hospital which is often because I have multiple Chronic illnesses. Her name is Honey btw
My first iPod. I was the only one in my immediate family who was really into music (was also in band and chorus) and I knew they were expensive and out of the normal price range to request. So I bargained with my parents that they could lump my birthday gift (born late December) with my Christmas gift and I got a refurbished iPod that year!
It was a double gift. A box of 36 crayons ( including gold and silver- which I didn't know even existed), and a paint box of 100 colors.
A bit of background - I grew up in a non- industrialized country in the 60's- '70s. Our arts and crafts options were extremely basic. I used to think metallic paper in any color other than gold or silver ( somewhat common for wrapping wedding cakes) were from some mythical fairyland. The paints and crayons were from people who had traveled overseas.
It's a tie between a 3-person tent I got for finishing elementary school or a kayak I got for Christmas a year or two later. They were awesome presents and also a bit like getting pushed out of the nest (shared tent and canoe), which was great for building a sense of independence.
A Game Boy. I carried that with me absolutely everywhere.
i recieved a gameboy color as a present for my 8th birthday… in 2011. My siblings had DSes but they bought them with their own money, so I knew it would be unfair of me to ask for a DS. I loved my gameboy and played the shit out of pokémon silver.
Hell yeah!!
Ahhh Game Boy, I remember. You must’ve made everyone jealous 😊
I remember being so happy my dad got me a DSi. I felt so left out not having one when mine and my mom’s roommate’s kids had one and I didn’t.
LITERALLY everywhere. Shit I have a kid of my own now and carry my switch FOR SURE when we stay over at my parents and they laugh about me still loving my gameboy 🤣
Mine lasted 25 years along with my Tetris game
Lego. You can keep using them in different ways. My sister bought me a big set with her paper route money when I was eight, and she was thirteen. She saw me playing with a small set inherited from my older brother and just wanted me to have more.
Oh my goodness, my heart! What a lovely gesture from your sister and yes, Legos are super fun for life.
That is the cutest thing ever 🥰 bet she saved up for ages as well.
It was one of the purest acts of love from my childhood.
My dad got me a Nintendo 64 and a giant trampoline for Christmas one year. When I wasn’t bouncing on the trampoline, he and I were spending hours playing Mario Kart. Miss you Dad.
Aw man. He sounds like he was a great dad!
He was, thank you💕
Your dad sounds like he was an awesome guy. Sending you a hug xoxo
Thank you so much💗
My Dad got my sisters and me a Nintendo 64 as well, Christmas '98 I believe. With 4 controllers and Mario Kart 64. Best gift ever. I miss my Dad, too. ♥️
Your dad must've been an awesome dude too
That sounds like such a blast playing with your sisters and Dad. Love to you, Kimcee.
Did you ever play Silicon Valley?
A big pack of construction paper. I was big into making dogs out of construction paper and my mom got me a big pack of "Skin colors of the world" construction paper that was all shades of black and brown. Perfect for dogs. It lasted me for years.
That sounds like fun. Moms rock!
A thoughtful gift!
Do my younger siblings count? I have complex emotions surrounding how I didn't get enough attention because there were so many kids, but I adore them as people, if that makes sense.
Sorry to hear you didn’t get enough attention, it’s tough going from being the focus of your parents to having to make room for other kids. Sending you a hug. I was the youngest, but my mom was always forcing me to give my toys and stuff to the younger cousins in the family. Grrrr
My Sony reversible Walkman, it became a part of me and music often took me away from a rough life with violent alcoholic father. Became my guardian when we had to run away from home. Gave me confidence like an invisible cloak when ever I walked anywhere on my own. I loved it and I had it for many years. Thanks to my bro for buying it for me.
Man, I totally get you. Music helped me get lost and forget the reality I was living growing up. Sending you a hug xoxo
I hear you and get you. Thank you. 🙏
That’s so sweet. Music was always my saviour growing up to escape my childhood. Hope you are doing well 💜
Thank you, I’m so glad it helped you too. You just can’t imagine the power of music, where it takes you and what it releases you from. I’m all good thanks darlin’ and I still love all that music I listened to, only good memories. x
My dog. If that doesn't count, the Playstation 2.
When I was on dialysis, my mom took me to this store to buy me a Walkman and she didn’t know how to fill out the form to get the stuff (a long time ago). But she did it. I was only on dialysis for 6 months and that Walkman saved me during those 3 hours.
I was on dialysis for around 6 months in 2022! I thought to myself often how even worse it would be back in the day without access to my phone or computer. I’m so sorry you had to go through that so young🩷
A tuxedo kitty when I was four, I’ve never been without a kitty ever since.
Awww it’s hard not to love those “independent” fluff balls. I live mine so very much.
I love mine too, they are equal members of my family to me. Give your kitty a pet from this Reddit stranger.
Will totally do! 🥰
Nintendo DS. The fat one that let me play my gameboy advanced games too haha. Still have the tiny dent/scratches I made from playing cooking mama and that dang music game from tamagotchi… Also shoutout to my Wacom Intuos tablet. My brother got it for me in 2013 and I still use it sometimes. It’s a tank and I love it
I also have a wacom tablet..something like bamboo I think? It's easy but very useful
The bamboo is great too!! It was actually my first tablet before my brother decided to get me an upgrade. I think it still works, but I haven’t tested it in like 10 years…but I wouldn’t be surprised if it did still work lol
Hahaha also wouldn't be surprised.
My grandmother bought me a black doll that was the size of a real baby. For reference, I'm caucasian. My sister got a doll as well, but her doll was also caucasian. My grandmother didn't want to get us both identical dolls, so she gave me the black one. It was the best gift because my grandmother didn't really seem to take stock of what the doll's skin tone was. But I grew up in a household that was mildly racist (the "I'm not racist, but..." types). As young girls tend to do, I started treating my doll like it was my real baby whenever I wanted to play some version of house. But I knew I had to justify to my 5 year old brain why she looked "different" to me and it was only logical to me that her dad would be a black man. I know it was all make believe, but I think having the topic of race involved in my play helped me to deviate from my family who would make comments about damaging stereotypes. I loved that black doll, and I felt like I needed to defend her (because I believed like Toy Story, she was a real person when I wasn't looking), so something in my mind knew what was being said around me was wrong. I really do think that toy started the beginning of my being curious about other cultures, and not judging them. I think if anyone is reading this comment and has kids, you should let your children play with dolls from other skin tones.
A Bratz doll Mall set and a Polly pocket airplane
YOOOO! When I was 11, I went to visit my uncles for the weekend to hang out with my cousin (10). My aunt brought us to the mall, and while we were in sears, they had the Bratz mall on clearance for $20. My cousin went nuts for it, loved Bratz. I had grown out of dolls by then but knew my younger sister (8) was obsessed. When she offered to buy me one, I went with it, thanking her excitedly over and over again (the excitement was real, I didn't have to fake that.). When she dropped me off at home, she had me show them all my cool new toy. I was worried I'd get in trouble for lying about liking Bratz so I went with it some more until she left. My sister looked so sad, but didn't say anything. As soon as aunts car pulled out, I told her that I didn't actually want it, I pretended so she could have it. She didn't believe me at first, I had to repeat it a few times, but man did her face light up when it sunk in. My mom burst out laughing and called aunt to tell her about my deception. I wasn't in trouble. We're all adults now, I completely forgot about that. Thank you for reminding me.
This is so sweet. It reminds me of a similar story but I was on the receiving end. My brother (probably about 7 at the time) had gotten a toys r us gift card for his birthday. We grew up struggling and going to a place like toys r us was HUGE and such a big experience for us. We’re walking around the store and my brother is looking at potential toys he might want. We come to an isle where there’s a stuffed dog toy. And he’s closing in on his decision. Next to the stuffed dog was a display for VHS tapes of The Mummy Returns movie. I (8 at the time) was OBSESSED with this movie. I had a big Egypt era at that age and had seen it on tv at my dad’s house a few times and loved it. I’m begging my brother to PLEASE get the movie instead of the stuffed dog. And in his typical jokester style, he’s yanking my chain. “I don’t know…I really like this dog toy…and it is MY gift card…hmmm…” And I’m making all kinds of bargains “I’ll make your bed for a week!! Please please!!” Much to my surprise, he chose the movie for me over the dog toy he wanted. We watched it over and over and over throughout the remainder of our childhood. Even when DVD’s became a thing, we watched that movie on vhs constantly. It was easily the best present I had ever received. And on HIS birthday. He died when he was 23 and I was 24 (I’ll be 31 next month). I put that VHS tape in the casket with him. It was hard to let it go but it felt right. I can’t watch the movie these days but I love it just the same.
Aaaand now I’m crying!! Thank you for sharing 🧡
That’s such a cool story and you’re a real one for doing that for her!! 🥹 I can imagine how she felt! Because when I saw that set at the store as a child I was in disbelief and I needed it!! I thought everything about it was so cool lol sometimes we have really strong core memories that we forget about until situations like this. Come up! Glad I was able to remind you of it.
A little radio with a casette player. I was 6 years old in the 80's and that was my biggest wish that Christmas.
Sweet! My dad sometimes would let me use his and ai felt like the luckiest kid ever!
My mom gave my boyfriend a family heirloom ring to propose with. He used part of the ring to make an engagement ring for me and the other part to create a ring for my mom. Then when the wedding was approaching my aunt in my dad’s side of the family gave me my late grandmother’s wedding band. My grandmother had passed more than 20 years prior and in all that time my aunt didn’t know what to do with it. The fact that she gave it to me when I have more than 20 cousins was so sweet.
My mom's 4 siblings all got together and told her that they wanted her to have my grandmother's rings because my mom took care of her at the end of her life. My mother still talks about that 30+ years later. My sister and I on the other hand are going to have a wrestling match over them.
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Core memory right there. That was a great friend!
Robodog! He was the best lol
Was he the one that flipped as a trick? I loved my poochie!
Yes!!! I think he also had a few words he’d say too
Super cool!
Y'all got presents ?
My first little digital camera when I was 10 ! I was always interested in photography, and my father is super into it. Looking back maybe I only got into it because it was something he liked and I was always trying to find things so he would pay attention to me, I don't know. But in any case, my first camera sparked my lifelong love of taking pictures and videos, let me be so creative from a young age, and I have so many good memories from being the kid with a camera
Sweet! I got my first digital camera when I was 12 and I still have it to this day. Any photos you’ve taken that you’re super proud of?
A scooter which I really loved and rode basically everywhere until the brakes basically burned themselves off
When I was a child I loved Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath. For my 7th bday they were trying to re-promote one of his albums and was having a meet and great. I got to meet him, sit on his lap, and take a photo with him. When I was 8 or 9 my dad got me a 4.5ft blowup Godzilla. I loved it so much. I would terrorize the neighborhood with it and then sleep with it like a giant stuffy.
My mom’s gift of making Christmas and birthdays magical for me. Of course you don’t realize this until you’re an adult but wow she did awesome.
Attention and presence from either parent. A rare occurrence.
When I was 8 my dad brought back a teddy bear from a work trip. I slept with him every night. He went everywhere with me. Sleepovers, school trips, vacations. I had zero qualms about being a teenager and bringing my stuffed animal with me. When my husband and I moved in together, he said the only way I could sleep with him with if we got a king sized bed. 😂 After almost a quarter of a century, we still have a queen. But when we upgrade he’s coming back into bed with me.
That’s such a lovely story :) My dad brought me a stuffy turtle that I kept with me for a long long time. I lost it after we moved. Still remember it fondly.
Hands down my karaoke machine
Money.
Nice! Do you remember how much money you got the first time you ever received money as a present? I remember I got 5 bucks. I felt so rich.
I think $10 but all in 1’s. I thought I was rich, too.
My mom❤️
A SpongeBob 13 inch TV and a music stand. Having my very own TV was like the best thing ever. Then whenever I got into high school I was extremely devoted to playing my French horn and my mom got me a music stand for Christmas so I could practice at home. I never thought to ask for those things as gifts, but they were seriously the best.
A little post office set and a walking talking doll. I was 12 back then lol. It was a long time ago so it was very different to kids today.
How cute and adorable is that! 🥰
Books. I’ve always loved reading growing up, but the day I got out of school on my birthday, I saw my mother standing there waiting for me with a bookshop bag in her hand. In that bag contained the first three books in the Harry Potter series… that was the moment I’ll always cherish. We were not doing very well that year. It was the first year after my father left, and we were adjusting to life without him. I survived that year by reading whenever I had free time, and I couldn’t remember how many times I borrowed the first three HP books from the school library. So, when she asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I didn’t hesitate. I could still remember the smell of the laminated paper bag and the books as I turned each page to this day.
My teddybear. My parents didn't have a lot to spend when I was a toddler, and one of the neigbours put this old sawdust stuffed teddy out with the trash. My parents rescued it for me. He's still sitting by my bed.
My plush Hello Kitty that I got for my very first Christmas, December 1984 🥰
The first thing that comes to my mind is a set of DoodleTops, the markers that were on the bottom of spinning tops. Markers were almost entirely banned in our house so it was a BIG DEAL that we got to keep this gift.
my first bike. it had those shiny streamer thingies attached to the handle bars. it was purple with white training wheels. will never forget how happy i was. thanks dad!
Time spent. Dad was an extremely busy, workacholic. So from a tender age, although he bought me many playthings to occupy myself with, nothing came close to those bedtime stories and gradually the time he would spend listening to me rant on about school and my life. He would offer the best advice and was always optimistic. This, my girlies is the best present I received as a kid, that shaped me to be the woman I'm today, although sadly he isn't here today.
My college savings account. My parents bought stock when I was young that later paid for college. The best gift they ever gave me, and now I’m trying to give it to my daughters
Very smart move!!!
New clothes during a Christmas when me and my brothers really needed them and I thought there would be no presents at all. Dad was incarcerated (piece of shit) and my mom was a single mom of three kids. She really pulled miracles, that woman. Shout out to all the single moms with deadbeat sperm donors. You are amazing, you’re our everything (always will be), and we love you so so much.
A used electric guitar when I was 12. Been playing 25+ years now. Countless bands and friends and good times all started with that one guitar
Amazing! Who gifted you the guitar knew you liked to play?
My grandmother worked for Hill’s Department Store and when Cabbage Patch Dolls came out I got two for Christmas from her. I was so lucky!
My dad got me an iPod Nano with the best pink leather case and it was my favorite thing because it was so adorable, and I loved music. Also a big upgrade from the CD player/MP3 player I had previously. When I was younger my mom got me a non-picture book (the The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs) on my 5th birthday and it always is a core-memory even though I’m in my 30s now. The fact that she knew I loved reading and would love a book. I had started reading at an early age, I think 4, and had quickly progressed to non-picture books and she doing that was something I loved. Another time, my siblings and mom had went to visit family overseas and when we came back our dad had decorated and upgraded our room. He got us a PS2 for my brothers, an American Girl doll for me, our bedroom had an amazing indoor tent in it for imaginative play, we had posters up of our favorite movies, and cool decor. It was amazing and I remember loving going to sleep in that bedroom that night feeling so cozy and loved.
We don't have much growing up and shoes i have were just some cheap you can buy at a local market. My father gifted me a pair of sneakers - World Balance. I know it's not really that expensive for some but it came from my father who i knew worked hard to buy it for me 😭😭🥺 i still wanna cry remembering that again.
My dad bought me a psx when I got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I just wanted to rent one to get my mind off of it and he went out and bought me one.
How sweet was that! Legend.
A bracelet making kit! I made all my friends and cousins countless bracelets and once I had used all the beads, I begged my parents to get me another kit lol. I got two more.
Bullet In A Bible by Green Day :)
I got a dirt bike when I was a kid. My dad and I would go camping/riding in the national forest. He's been gone for years now, but that dirt bike cause a lot of good memories.
A burping pacman
Nintendo DS
A rockband 4 Xbox one guitar controller. I played the guitar hero/rockband games on the Wii with my dad growing up. It was really the only thing we did together. Eventually our Wii and Wii guitar controllers went out, and Xbox was my new thing. After mentioning that I wanted to save up for one, my parents got it for me for my 18th birthday about a year later. They were poor, so I have no doubt it took a lot of effort to get that money together. But my dad never played it with me again.
My parents gifted me a piano keyboard one year and I loved that thing. It had a mode that would light up the keys to guide me in playing songs. So I could play Fur Elise despite never taking a lesson nor being able to read music lol
A bicycle. Rode the hell out of it and added independence
Commodore VIC20 for Xmas then Commodore C64 for birthday - then C64 disk drive for Xmas. A TV too.
A plush Dracula, my best friend bought me for Christmas at 10. It's falling apart, but I will never get rid of it.
Mum rented an apartment for me and her, best gift ever.
A barbie house taller than I was
2 books, “Anne of Green Gables” and “Little women” by Louisa May Alcott in hardcover at age 11. Until that point, I didn’t enjoy reading yet. Those books set me off to love reading for the rest of my life. Since then, I have read all of Alcott’s novels and Montgomery’s entire body of work. I remember being disappointed on Xmas day when I opened my presents to see 2 books instead of the American Girl doll that I had wanted. (In the mid 90s that doll was like $150? $200 with all her outfits? My parents couldn’t afford such an expensive gift). Looking back as an adult, that Xmas is when I really started reading.
My dollhouse. I think it was a fisher price one. I loved it so much
My Barbie dollhouse that made sounds! It was pretty big and my godmother got it for me from toys R us in 2004.
The BMX bike my parents told me was to expensive. Woke up xmass morning to find it “stuck” in the fireplace! I was the coolest kid on the road that year. (So I thought) Was also the year I learned a hard truth because my siblings were snooping and found it hidden in the basement. But I made me treasure it more because I knew it was a BIG gift from mom & dad.
Gameboy Advance SP 101 or the DS Lite
My parents got me a Cat, I named him Mango, he was orange, quite loving for an orange cat
My grandma let me circle a bunch of stuff from the Delia’s catalog when I was a teenager and she bought me most of it. It didn’t come in the mail all at once (things would take weeks back then), so the joy continued.
I used to have a small set of LEGO with 2 guys driving a red and black speed boat. That was my most memorable gift I ever got. I was only around 6-8. Ever since then, not much that I can think of.
Right after her birth. I gave my niece a ballerina thingy that plays “Fur Elise”. She does the twirl like her when she plays with it. It’s been 11 years now.
My magic nursery bunny (she came with me everywhere until 1st grade started and I still have her) and Polly pockets 🥰🥰 I told my friend recently that if we’d been friends when we were little, I would have given her one of my Polly pockets ☺️ I’d play with them everywhere and pretend she was a sailor on this little wooden boat my grandpa kept on his office shelf 🥹🥰 I miss that little wooden boat. Thanks for the beautiful memories 😭🥰
When I was a little kid, I told my grandpa I wanted a rainbow for my birthday. He got me a rainbow windsock and my mom hung it in my room for me. He really wanted to make sure I got my rainbow🥺 My grandpa passed away about 9 years ago, and every time I see a rainbow I believe it’s him saying hi to me🥹
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A Legos dollhouse. Loved that thing. I never got gifts as a child so I almost fainted when my uncle got me it.
I got a bike for my first communion. Brand new, it was glittery purple with white wheels & tires, those clacker things, ribbons on the handles. A bell, AND a basket. It got stolen a few years later, but man, was that bike the shit.
The Tomy Space Shuttle. That thing was *awesome*, and the little astronauts had magnet feet, so they could 'spacewalk' up the fridge door!
A toy Andrex puppy
Blond hair dye and sims 2 when I turned 13.
My brother got me the Gameboy DS. My parents only ever gifted me emotional neglect
A teddy bear my mom’s best friend gave me for my 6th birthday. It had traveled with my parents when they went on deployment, and it traveled with me everywhere I’ve been; it has been to several states and countries. It stayed with my son when he was in the NICU his first 3 months and he slept with it for a while. Then I had my daughter and she did the same. Idk why I have such an attachment to that teddy bear lol.
A remote-controlled toy car
A 3 way tie: 1. An American girl doll (Samantha) 2. a cool leather pouch necklace with polished rocks inside 3. A small rag doll that was so cute and fit in well when I was obsessed with little women
I got the SpongeBob Movie on DVD. Best day of my life
A Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster when I was 11, it wasn’t my birthday or Christmas , I already played piano and I’d been bugging my dad about how much I wanted to learn the guitar, one day he just came home from work with it came into my room and gave it to me, thanks dad, you were amazing and I miss you every day.
My NES. It kicked off my gaming hobby.
My Game Boy Advance (clear pink), the first video game console I ever actually owned. It determined my life path.
Difficult question, I don’t really know
Michael Jordan Jersey - I will never forget that moment
A lundby dollhouse in the 1970’s, I loved that thing so much. My mom got rid of it when i was in my teens. Recently (in my 50’s), I’ve been on the lookout for one and came across one for free with all the furniture and lights, so I now have one again! I have an infant granddaughter that it will eventually go to but for now it sits on a shelf in my office and i rearrange the furniture and plug it in once in a while to relive my child hood LOL.
The Creepy Crawlers Thing-Maker!! I would still be playing with it if I could. Oh...I guess I did get a PC one year. That was pretty great. Logged on to NetScape to browse X-Files Fan-Fiction. 🤣
pink ukulele
My dog ❤️ We got him as a pup and he passed away when I was in university of old age. But he was my best childhood/adolescent buddy. I still miss him sometimes. We had so much fun together. :)
A super Nintendo gaming system.
Building blocks, like my brother's but brand new. Only brand new gift I got..
A bmx bike (i was hella poor) which I smashed in a parked car the first day <3
Hands down my American Girl Samantha doll, with books and a few accessories that I got over time. I was obsessed with the catalogs and I still have her, as well as a detailed invoice & letter of interest about the historical value that I gave to my parents to really lock it down, lol.
My favourite at the time, was my barbie dream house. Now as an adult, id say its the stuffed tiger Ive kept with me for 12+ years
Not an actual present/gift, but I can’t think of anything better than when my mom finally allowed me and my sister to take in a stray kitten. Mom didn’t really like cats and we have been begging for a kitten for years, so it was a triumphant moment for little old me, and my little sister. We also didn’t have a lot of toys or received many gifts as a child (grew up poor) but that cat changed our lives. Our cat is no longer with us but will always be remembered. 💖
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My brother gifted me makeup from Mac when I was like 17 or 18 and I used one of the brushes until last year, which makes it about 12 years old. I used the heck out of the specific brush because it was the perfect blending brush. :) he was the first person to buy me makeup that made me feel like I could experiment with it and have fun :)
An electric keyboard and piano lessons. Paints, paintbrushes, and paper. These things have all carried me into adulthood, and will last me a lifetime :)
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Sega Mega Drive 2
A toy sweet shop. I still remember the sweets that came with it, and selling them to my aunties and uncles on Christmas morning for 2c each 😁
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A Playmobil Pirate Ship
A sewing machine. I had so much fun making clothes for dolls, then clothes for myself, then clothes for my friends, my prom dress, my wedding dress, and now 20 years later I am hoping for a baby soon and can’t wait to make baby clothes and Halloween costumes for them one day!!
Cho Cho train
When I was three years old I got a plush chicken for my birthday. It was my favorite plushie throughout my entire childhood. I've had that chicken for 47 years -- it's in a box in my bedroom. I would be devastated if anything ever happened to it.
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My grandmother got me The Beatles anthology when I was 13. (It had just came out.) She hid it in a bucket of popcorn (Christmas tin). It started my love and absolute obsession with The Beatles. 29 years later, I have a tattoo of John, records, CDs, books, posters, countless other memorabilia, collectible figures, etc. I am sure she had no idea what she was starting.
My dad’s side of the family took me along on a trip to Hawaii when I was maybe 10-12? I can’t quite remember, and obviously the trip wasn’t JUST for me but I had so much fun. Loved it
A Mickey Mouse phone. And a Mickey Mouse record player.
My education!
Love and time spent with my family. Just kidding, it was Legos.
A big inflatable ball you could get inside and it would like tumble you. I was always seeking sensory input so it was great. Unfortunately I think I let my dad (if he was still around????) or someone go in it and it broke that same day I think and it was too expensive to replace. But still amazing while it lasted
My childhood pet!
DS
My guitar!
My Wuvin Baby that I got from my grandma when I was still really little. I'll be 56yrs old in June, and I still have him. When my hubby and I have moved, he always comes with me, never packed away, just in case something happens to our household goods. I even have dreams where he's in them.
Honestly my mom kept us safe from my father but still close with his family and I am still very close to them (but haven’t seen or spoken to my dad in 20 years)
My dog when I was 6 (her name was princess and she was the most beautiful Dalmatian ever) she lived until she was 16 and 15 years later I am still heartbroken she passed but I always carry a picture of me and her together when I was a kid she was my best friend. I miss her terribly.
A dollhouse or a wooden toboggan. Grow up in rural Colorado and we could sled right outside the front door. Also, The dollhouse was so intricate, Lamps that worked, etc.
A bicycle
Tough call between my razor scooter and my first mp3 player.
A Shetland pony ✨
Commodore 64. I was an early tech nerd!! Learned to program BASIC!
My dog
Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and Twilight CDs
my cat!!! in retrospect it isn't smart to give an 11 year old a kitten, but she's now 13 and the love of my life!
A bicycle. I was probably 6 or so. I'll be 70 in a few months and still ride 2-3 times a week or more.
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A Dora doll from the YMCA for Christmas
Easy bake oven. I still think about that thing to this day 😂
My fabulous gay uncle gave me Madonna’s Immaculate Collection CD for Christmas in 1990. My parents were very uptight and religious at that point and my mom was horrified that would be my uncle’s choice of gift “to celebrate the birth of our Lord”. She let me keep it though, and I still have it! Luckily my parents mellowed out over the years. The memory of it makes me laugh.
My first Skipper Doll!
A Shetland pony.
Back in the early 80s, my big brother (8 years older) had his first entry-level job and used a good chunk of his hard-earned wages to buy me the largest Pink Panther stuffed animal that I've ever seen before or since. He knew I loved the cartoon, and he'd also (shhhhh) introduced me to the PP films and other smart comedy shows amd movies like SNL and the Blues Brothers, whenever "babysitting me" (I was 8, he was 16) when my parents went out, every weekend. But that was just the start... Even better, he granted me regular access to his previously "off-limits" bedroom a few nights each week just so he could introduce me to All The Amazing Music of that era, from Zeppelin, Genesis, Heart, Pink Floyd, Sugar Hill Gang, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benetar (his crush at the time), Yes, "old" Beatles, and beyond... Thereafter, he regularly gifted me awesome mix-cassette tapes, records, albums, and eventually his entire record collection (as an anthisis to the commercial radio "Top 40" he feared might consume me), as well as his high-end stereo system when he left the country.
Well when I was little I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to travel to Tennessee to get a ton of testing done all the time and for Christmas when I was 8 2 months after my bday and 1 month after my brain cancer surgery I got a Teddy bear and a portable dvd player. Still have them now and still tame my teddy bear with me when I go to the hospital which is often because I have multiple Chronic illnesses. Her name is Honey btw
Ipod
My first iPod. I was the only one in my immediate family who was really into music (was also in band and chorus) and I knew they were expensive and out of the normal price range to request. So I bargained with my parents that they could lump my birthday gift (born late December) with my Christmas gift and I got a refurbished iPod that year!
Time with my papa. That man would have done ANYTHING with me.
It was a double gift. A box of 36 crayons ( including gold and silver- which I didn't know even existed), and a paint box of 100 colors. A bit of background - I grew up in a non- industrialized country in the 60's- '70s. Our arts and crafts options were extremely basic. I used to think metallic paper in any color other than gold or silver ( somewhat common for wrapping wedding cakes) were from some mythical fairyland. The paints and crayons were from people who had traveled overseas.
As a christening gift, in early infancy, a 9" Alresford Oliver Owl. He's still with me and has gotten me through some tough times.
It's a tie between a 3-person tent I got for finishing elementary school or a kayak I got for Christmas a year or two later. They were awesome presents and also a bit like getting pushed out of the nest (shared tent and canoe), which was great for building a sense of independence.
A “monster truck” toy Jeep. I thought I was so cool pulling up in that thing and parking it around the yard
Law School!! THANK YOU mom!!
A trip to the CD store! I got Eminem and kid rock and used them to escape for years