We know never to look a gift horse in the mouth, but some of us can’t help pining for that one elusive gift that we never received ? some since childhood. Among the various Help! staff members there were some pretty cool gifts-that-got-away, from a pony to a professional DJs turntable. What gift have you always wanted but never received?
Tracie
Our Publisher, Tracie Wagman has always wanted a Barbie house with an elevator and a shower that used real water. She still wants one now!
** Our editor, Jennifer actually had one when she was nine. She’s checking with her dad to see if he still has it in the basement.
Deb
Our other Publisher, Deb Beatty always wanted a Barbie car or camper van, which her mother refused to buy her. As a teeny bopper, she also begged many years for a polo (Ralph Lauren) shirt which her also refused to buy. In recent years she would love a Burberry purse but the price tag always dissuades her. We think she should buy it…so many disappointments must be hard on a girl (wink).
Brett
Our Dad Blogger, Brett Hughes, has two gifts he’s always wanted: one as a child and one as an adult.
“While I was playing games such as Pong and Space invaders on my brand new Atari 2600, my best friend had the Colecovision gaming system. It was like the Cadillac of gaming systems compared to my K-car. My parents wouldn’t get it for me, seeing as how I was already well-situated with the Atari. So that was a bit of a sore spot. Many missed opportunities to play Mr. Do on the Colecovision.”
“The gift I’m still looking for and will be hard-pressed to acquire: the very first single Bob Marley recorded as a teenager. Two-sided 45. Two original copies were pressed. One he took home with him; the other? Who knows? But this piece of musical history needs to find its way into my music room. I have no idea where to find this.”
Rebecca
Our Ottawa freelancer, (who writes our amazing Ottawa events newsletter) Rebecca Stanisic always wanted a violin.
“I feel incredibly spoiled since in reflecting on this I barely could come up with something I wanted and didn’t receive. For whatever reason when I was younger I wanted a violin – I never had lessons or anything but still wanted one.”
Jennifer
Our Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Hamilton asked every year — from the time she was two — for a pony. She’s never gotten one but she’s still holding out hope! If you meet her husband, let him know.
Lindsay
One of our amazing sales people, Lindsay Johnson always wanted the game, Hungry Hungry Hippos as a kid.
“I thought it was the coolest game: the bright colours of the hippos, the idea that a simple slap of my hand moved these funny looking creatures, and of course competing against my cousins to gobble up the most little white balls. I loved it, even if I had to wait to go to a friend’s to play it. This year I’ve had the joy of buying this game for another little girl in my life who desperately wants it (shhh!) and I am very much looking forward to recreating my childhood memories and beating her at — ahem — playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with her!’
Connie
Our other amazing sales person, Connie Hill’s heart was captured as a young girl by the story Madeline and she longed for a Christmas in Paris. Not much has changed and even though she has been to Paris several times, just never for Christmas.
What Connie would love is a round trip ticket to Paris, a stay at the Ritz and a few Madeleine cookies to eat on the plane.
Michael
Our Editorial Assistant, Michael Segree always wanted a turntable so he could be a DJ.
“In order for me to be a DJ, I needed good turntables. My mother had one outdated Sanjui SR-B200 that scratched and ruined most records. For Christmas the year I was 11, I asked for a Technics SL-1200s. I told my mother that I needed only one, to complement the outdated turntable. When Christmas day came, opening presents in anticipation, there was no Technic SL-1200s under the tree. I was very upset and sad and from that day, that was the gift I always wanted but never received!”
Of course we all know that the holidays aren’t about what gifts we get or how much money is spent. The holidays are about time spent with our families and loved ones. Please have a happy, healthy holiday with your loved ones and a wonderful new year, from all of us at Help! We’ve Got Kids.
