Doing It For The Kids! Calling All War Room Parents!

So I have a few deals hitting the goal line this/next month. Wanting to get them something nice, heading into the summer break. I’ve spent plenty commission on them in the form of family trips, special gifts (think trampoline during COVID) for them to share, etc.


Needing some new ideas for this year! So let’s hear your personal ideas; either gifts you’ve given in the past or just ideas for me. Thanks y’all!


Oh, my kids are 13, 12, 8 and 6. Three girls then a boy, respectively.

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20
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
8
Director Sales and Market Development
Can't go wrong with some tumbling mats and obstacle course stuff. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
3
Senior Account Executive
Oh yea...we have some of those. My wife even bought a 20 foot balance beam (with no legs) that sat on our living room floor for about a week before I made her resell it. 
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
5
Director Sales and Market Development
Lol, covid purchases. We did the Ninja warrior slack line in our front yard, it is used everyday by my kids and neigborhood kids for a month straight, new record. It is also on city property so no lawsuits (i think lool) 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
My wife got a Pelaton...and sold it a month later, for the exact same price. People were CLAMORING for those things over COVID. No issues reselling and retaining our money. But yes, several purchases that would otherwise not have been made...at least at that time. 
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
Director Sales and Market Development
Why dump the peloton? 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
She couldn't get into the classes/interactive part of it...and staring at a coach on a screen. We are both very "in-person" people so not being able to go into a real gym/class and see real people or work with a trainer in person was really hard for her. She couldn't motivate. 
JJASBE
Catalyst
6
Director, Solutions Sales
Since it's summertime, an outdoor projector and big screen is a really cool idea, that can incorporate their friends.  Think outdoor movie nights with some grilling, invite your friends.  That could be a really cool group thing for them. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
I bought a projector a few years back and we currently project movies on the lid of the hot tub, when it's propped up. 

But getting a BIG screen (I've seen some inflatable ones) would be a good idea, too! Thanks!
JJASBE
Catalyst
1
Director, Solutions Sales
Yes! The inflatables are really good, and nowadays the projectors rock in 4k!  Really cool experience for the kids and friends.
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
Yep...what about sound? I have a Sonos Move that I use for the movies. But some people will go all out and get a surround setup they can keep in a big and take out for movie nights. 
JJASBE
Catalyst
1
Director, Solutions Sales
I definitely won't splurge on sound other than the 4k projector.  The vast majority of 4k projectors come with really good sound set ups.  I haven't even thought about buying supplemental sound.
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
Wow...really? Yea, I've seen folks that are attaching subs with speaker wire every time they do an outdoor movie. Lol. That's a bit over the top, but I still need something more than the projector speaker. 
JJASBE
Catalyst
1
Director, Solutions Sales
Yeah, something wireless would be ideal.  You've got me thinking now.  I wonder if there's an affordable wireless speaker set up that would be a step above projector sound?  *puts on google goggles 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Well...key word there would be "affordable". 

I started down the Sonos rabbit hole about 5 years ago...and will never go back. But they are not "affordable". But as a self proclaimed audiophile, they are the best, hands down. 

The Sonos Move is their Bluetooth/Wifi combo speaker and it's awesome. 
SheCloser
Valued Contributor
0
Staring down at you from the top of the stack rankings
That’s a great one and something the whole family can use too.  We got one last summer bc of covid.  My daughter is 4 so we made saturdays a special outdoor movie night(weather permitting).  With each of your kids you could have them take turns to have friends over and make it “their night”.
MyNameIsNotClydeHowell
Opinionated
4
Manager of Account Managers
1:1's Saturday's with each of them individually. Afternoon is fun event of their choice to hang out with Dad. 


Dinner they have to dress up and it's top performer's dinner style.
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Nice! Thanks! 
Lambda
Tycoon
0
Sales Consultant
awesome idea, gives you practice for 1:1 with clients too
Incognito
WR Officer
3
Master of Disaster
um.....hello. I don't have kids but something with water and inflatables and stuff?

also did a project as a kid where we had all these garbage bags/plastic bags and taped them together and made a giant inflatable creature. Paper mache stuff was also time consuming and fun.......

every summer we would put on "plays" for neighbors on our front lawn at the cabin we had. There was a "costume chest" so we could get creative.

also, getting a cabin near a lake and have a boat to waterski/wakeboard/go tubing etc is always a good bet. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
2
Senior Account Executive
Haha....this comment wins. 

"Maybe try some artsy, craftsy things with garbage bags and do some plays....oh and maybe buy another house and a boat!" 

I like where your head is at on the big splurge. That's what I'm trying to think of...ok maybe not quite that big! 

PS. Totally kidding, razzing you. My three daughters LOVE to do crafts and plays and I usually get type-casted into being the "scary monster" that tries to eat them. 
Incognito
WR Officer
0
Master of Disaster
You can *RENT* a cottage and boat you know! 

and you’d be amazed what cool things you can find at a thrift store for “costumes”. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Oh trust me...I'm well aware. Lol
Ace
Arsonist
2
CEO
Keep em engaged in videogames lol
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Lol. They get a new game for the XBox One S everyone blue moon...but we aren't a big gaming family at all. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Oooo, get them a puppy
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
2
Senior Account Executive
My wife breeds Australian Labradoodles. We currently have 4 adult dogs and 9 puppies in our house. 

No more...please. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Wow. Okay now I'm out of ideas lol
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Haha...do you have any recommendations for good Xbox games for that age range? 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Fifa & Madden all day! Simple peaceful games that never get old
Incognito
WR Officer
0
Master of Disaster
@MMMGood omg someone who is crazier with animals than me. 

That's a lot of dogs. I would live in earplugs lol

full disclosure: I have six cats so......cats rule, dogs drool!
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Yea...I think we topped out with 22 puppies in the house at one time. But hey, at $3100/each, I can put up with the noise. 🤑
Incognito
WR Officer
0
Master of Disaster
@MMMGood from the SO re: Xbox games - 

Bloodborne
Dark Souls
Sekiro
Shadows Die Twice
Rocket League *** most recommended, I know nothing of games and the first ones seem a bit dark
Pharaoh Adventure  
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Money money money $$$ haha
Lambda
Tycoon
1
Sales Consultant
DO NOT GET THEM A PUPPY haha so much extra work and having 4 already i bet ur beat!
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
They get their fill of puppies all year long with the home biz! And yes...completely beat. Current round of puppies all go to their new homes this weekend though! A breath of fresh air...literally!
Hannibal
Opinionated
1
Senior Account Executive
I love this thread - great ideas for my three kiddos. I guess I haven't been spending that commish money as creatively as I thought!

I don't have that big of yard for the outdoor projector but I think that is an awesome idea. Slip and slides are fun for the summer. Looks like you guys are athletic so maybe something with the Olympic spirit this summer?
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
I thought about trying go setup/build some sort of American Ninja Warrior course. That's still an idea. 
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
Omg can I come over plz
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Haha...my kids will create their own with pillows and random stuff...but I'm thinking it's time to up the ante. 
Incognito
WR Officer
0
Master of Disaster
Yessssssss with a climbing wall! 
stratman
Politicker
0
Sales Engineer
The slip and slide is a great idea! I just need to make sure they don't dry out the well!
Chep
WR Officer
1
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
Crypto wallets so when they turn 18 that 100 dollars will be 10,000... I kid, but I mean who knows a lot can happen in 5, 6, 10, and 12 years respectively 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Much different than when I was a kid any my dad took me to the bank to dust off the bond he put away for me when I was a baby. 
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Did you just not sleep for about 7 years?
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
2
Senior Account Executive
What’s sleep? 
SalesSpectre
Opinionated
1
AE
I have a fence in the backyard. Im building a climbing wall. gonna be sick. using real climbing holds that you can screw into wood. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
I take it you don't have an HOA that loves to suck the life and joy out of great ideas like that? 🙄🤬
SalesSpectre
Opinionated
1
AE
I have little kids so it doesnt span higher than my fence which is about 6 feet tall. So they can't see it. and not sure it violates any rules. Its just wood panels screwed into the fence posts on the inside of my fence. Then I screw the hand holds into that wood. 

My HOA fee is like $200 bucks a year so its not really a serious HOA...they basically just mow grass
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
They mow your grass?!
stratman
Politicker
0
Sales Engineer
The HOA is what drove us to the country. I got tired of nasty grams complaining about my son's Survior Man shelter in the front yard. Trading up from a sliver to 6 acres was definitely worth taking on a mortgage.
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
1
Senior AE & Business Owner
So glad to be single. 😊 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
I knew there'd be at least one single person with no kids to chime in here. 😉
GetAHobby
Arsonist
1
RVP Sales
I bought a race horse a little bit ago, seems ridiculous but hear me out. We go to the stables and watch it train and can take care of it, at the stables the little one can ride horses and see ponies. We live pretty close to a major race track that we can go to when he's running and spend the day cheering on our family member. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
My daughters take riding lessons...and would now probably ask to be adopted by you. 
GlassSlinger
Opinionated
1
Carrier & Wholesale Development
"I bought a race horse".  I've added a new goal to my life.

Cheers!
GetAHobby
Arsonist
1
RVP Sales
I sold it to the wife as, its not much different than buying a boat. Some upfront cost, standard monthly upkeep, and some surprises along the way.  
GlassSlinger
Opinionated
0
Carrier & Wholesale Development
Respect
GlassSlinger
Opinionated
0
Carrier & Wholesale Development
What does a race horse cost? I bought a boat for $40k... It'll retain it's value.  Though I cant go watch it perform nor will it create offspring for me.

GetAHobby
Arsonist
1
RVP Sales
Some big variables but you can get a good pony for 15-30k, they will pay residuals with some race wins (not that I've seen them). We've done boats so its a very similar mindset.
stratman
Politicker
1
Sales Engineer
As you mentioned, it depends on the age of the kid and their personality. For example, my 13yr old daughter was excited over the mini-fridge I bought to put into the bonus room so she could have a "party" room for her sleep overs. My 8yr old son on the other hand is through the moon over the John Deere lawn tractor I bought. 
stratman
Politicker
0
Sales Engineer
The lawn tractor is my equivalent of Tom Sawyer's whitewash. 
WenWest15
Valued Contributor
1
Principal Business Development Manager
Big tent! perfect for summer sleepovers and locking them outside. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Heck yes! Got one of those; 12 person and it's a fast-setup kind. I can have it done in about 2 min. 
GlassSlinger
Opinionated
1
Carrier & Wholesale Development
A Golf cart, get a street legal one.  Cruise the neighborhood in style! We have a street legal 6 seater.  I take them to school and really anywhere that has a speed limit of 35 MPH or less.  

We also have a large inflatable bounce house and a large inflatable water slide- always a kid favorite.

MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
I LOVE this idea...but I don't have any streets (aside from our neighborhood) that are sub-35 mph. Is that the "limit" that is allowed? 
GlassSlinger
Opinionated
1
Carrier & Wholesale Development
Check your state laws for a LSV, low speed vehicle.

Ton of fun.
Spade
Arsonist
1
Global Business Development Manager
Yessssir
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
To what? haha
RedLightning
Politicker
1
Mid-Market AE
@MMMGood it's very inexpensive and your kids seem pretty active, so you may want to check out spikeball. It's a ton of fun!
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
✔️ Got one! And yes, they love it!
IsIt5oClockYet
WR Officer
1
VP of Production
Build them a pool
Salespreuner
Big Shot
1
Regional Sales Director
Perfect idea
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Love the idea...just don't have the space in the back yard! We also have a  community pool very close by that they can walk to. 
Kiona
Opinionated
1
Head of Business Development
New bikes/scooters (with helmets) are great for summer. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Got that right...and my kids are in "growth mode" haha. Which means they are probably getting ready to out grow their old bikes. Good suggestion! 
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
1
Digital Business Associate
Lots of great ideas. I haven't seen animals mentioned yet. Maybe a dog or a fish with a cool tank?
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Someone mentioned a puppy...which I responded by saying that my wife runs an Australian Labradoodle business in our basement. So we have puppies constantly in the house. No need...please. 

Between the kids, there are also a couple fish and a cockatiel. We've thought about doing a rabbit...but this ark is starting to feel full! 
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
0
Digital Business Associate
Hahaha sounds like it man!
Lambda
Tycoon
1
Sales Consultant
Get em into Juijitsu, life changing and will keep them disciplined and in shape
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
That's a great idea...we did gymnastics for a while before COVID and it was great...although I was starting to get jealous of my 6yo 6-pack. Lol
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
Since it's summertime, an outdoor projector and big screen is a really cool idea, that can incorporate their friends.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Not enough good out there. I gave an sdr props the other day, his manager posted it, and I got like 500 connection requests from SDRs. It was a little much to be honest.
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