[Wii filter] too scarce at Christmas?

parilous — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:12:57 -0800

[Wii filter] Is it going to be impossible to find the Wii right before Christmas? Should we wait until after Christmas to get it? Is it still in high demand? Are there new online resources to find Wii systems for sale? My niece has been saving her $10/weekly allowance to get a Wii. She started saving after her birthday in July and now has $120 saved. We plan on paying her for her amazing grades (she's on the honor roll!), but only about $80. So, by the time she's saved $350 (15 weeks from now), it will be RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

We want her to learn delayed gratification and the importance of saving money up for something you want, rather than buying it on credit. For that reason, I'm reluctant to purchase it for her in advance; I'd rather she had to walk up to a cashier and hand over the money herself. But when she finally has enough money, I want her to be able to buy it -- not be on a waiting list for another month.

So, should we advance her on the money to get it before Christmas, or should we just wait until after Christmas?

Assuming you suggest we buy it now, when will they start getting tougher to find -- right after Thanksgiving? Or are they getting more scarce now? Do I have time to wait until she's saved a bit more money, or do I have to start calling around now?

Assuming you suggest to wait until after Christmas, when will they start being available again? Will the idea of waiting until after Christmas be too disappointing to her, negating any lesson she may have learned about delayed gratification?

We're in Tucson, AZ and would prefer not to drive to Phoenix but will do what is necessary if it means she gets her Wii with her own money. I'd rather not spend the night in line outside a retail establishment, however.

Thanks.

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[Wii filter] too scarce at Christmas?