Grumble
In the near future, we are going to have to pick up a proper little bed for our child. While not a fan of furniture shopping per se, I enjoy trying to find quality at a value. What I don’t like to see when I’m trying to find anything for my child, however, is the non-stop character parade (which is also, usually in pink or blue). This extends to everything, even toilet training accessories – my child does not need Peppa Pig or Thomas the Tank Engine cheering her on. I resent marketing tie-ins, and am sincerely grateful to my in-laws and my husband to humouring my seething hatred.
But then, they’ve slowly come around to my way of thinking as well, and how could they not? At least, insomuch as they themselves can see the limited selection being oh-so-generously expanded by telling my child she should start thinking about the extensive marketing ranges associated with each character… from birth. Whatever happened to something plain and functional?! Oh, it’s still there if you look, and usually at a better cost. But, of course, it’s shoved behind the overpriced and garishly colored crap that ‘doesn’t do any harm’. Right. But then, I just refuse to be a walking advertisement…
Meh, I also admit that I’m just feeling a bit grumpy in general today – it happens. I suspect that once I get this nice Dr. Pepper in me, that story will change slightly. Oh sweet sugary chemicals, how you control me and so many others. I’m… yeah, I’m going to go do that, and I’ll see y’all tomorrow!
I have to admit that you are starting to slowly change my opinion on co-branded children’s crap. I used to be completely indifferent. Then I went to mildly annoyed. I’m starting to see little bits of red though. My family tends to only buy random Disney crap and it angers me (thankfully it’s not too often they buy presents so I don’t have to worry too much). I like Disney as a whole, I really do, I like a lot of Disney movies from my childhood. But, my 8 month old does not need to wear a Cars shirt or Toy Story pajamas. If he’s older and he picks it out because he likes the movie and wants it, then I might consider it. But for right now, heck no.
That’s pretty much where I am, though I’m going to do my best to bilk the system like crazy by sticking to stuff that doesn’t currently have a toy line, like Jem and She-Ra. >___>
She-Ra used to have an abundant toy line. I fondly remember my sheet set, wall hanging, garbage can and curtains. >.>
As did Jem; they were the toy lines of the 80s. My parents were able to avoid us catching on by not taking us to the toy store (I can count on one hand how many times I went to one in my childhood – good parents!). Now you can’t go anywhere without finding a million tie-ins. There is no conceivable way to completely avoid the crap being hawked without climbing into a bubble and hiding there, and this isn’t exactly an option.
So yes, while the Jems and the She-Ras and the He-Mans were just big toy adverts, their day is passed, and presumably safer. Plus, good stories that don’t assume your child is too stupid to live. >___>