Hello Mamas,
My 8.5 yo Godson absolutely loves farms (his mother's new hubby is a farmer, and he has helped them slaughter chickens before.) I am not very close with him, but I'd like to do a better job of getting him something that he would really like (instead of savings bonds, which I used to do.) Any suggestions? Looking to spend in the $50 range.
Horseback riding lessons? Novel and VERY sppecial between the two of you. Call different stables or look up online to see whats convenient to you and him. You be the one to take him and beam with pride until his mom and dad get to see him in the final class. It'll be the most special gift in life for him and still teach him responsibility.
john deere has a lot of its tractor/farm equipment as toys, you can get fleece blankets with the john deere stuff on it, etc. I bet they have a website you can look at. also, check out a farm and fleet store(there is one in sycamore and montgomery) you might get some good ideas there.
How about room decor? I'll bet there are cool tractor lamps, cattle figures, chicken pillows, etc. A throw rug and new comforter would make a whole new room.
cracker barrel always has a nice selection of john deer tractor stuff from tshirts to toys. i might suggest getting a $50 savings bond which only costs you $25 and the farm toy to go with it. savings bonds aren't always "fun" but when a kid hits college age they will be greatly appreciated then. my kids all got them for christmas etc when they were growing up. and while a new toy was fun. when they hit 16 they had enough money to buy a nice car and one used it for college expenses.
I third Farm and Fleet. They have a whole aisle dedicated to farm toys. You will be amazed. We were at Toys R Us yesterday and they had several Lego farm tractors that your grandson could assemble. My son is 8 and really wanted one. There were different varieties in sizes and prices.
I don't know if there's a Farm & Fleet store near you (we have one in Woodstock) but they usually have several different farm sets to choose from for kids, plus individual tractors, farm animals, etc. They were always a huge hit with my son at that age. You might see if you can order from them on-line too. Also, check your local John Deere dealer. They usually carry a wide selection of farm toys and tractors. (again, Woodstock and Hampshire stores have them) I'm sure you could find those online as well. Maybe get him a John Deere shirt too! Happy shopping!
How about hand gardening tools or some seed starter kits and a package of seed. One thing kids love about farming is seeing things grow.
My son got a Wii game called Harvest Moon. It is fun and even a bit educational. The main character moves onto an island and has to set up his own farm. Then as he builds the farm he can harvest crops, purchase animals. He does have to tend everything too (feed the animals, weed the crops etc). It is really cute. My son is ten and still plays it. THe best part is unlike Webkinz, if the kids get busy and don't play for a week or more the crops don't die, the game starts up right where you left off. I believe it is in your price range (if he has a Wii).
I second Farm and Fleet. There is one in Montgomergy, near Route 34. It's on Route 30. Close to Aurora and Oswego border. They have tons of age appropriate farm "toys" and things he would likely enjoy.
Hi K.,
You are such a thougthful Godmother! Does he play ds/xbox games? He could manage his own farm? I think the previous poster suggestions are great.
My son is into farming also. He asked for a Lego combine for Christmas.
A tractor and a gravity wagon that can be pulled behind. Go to any implement store and you'll see a wide selection of farm toys.
