Would you donate a gift to a "needy" child if he was asking for X-Box games or an iPod?

Children may not understand the complexities of finances. To them, Christmas is about toys and presents. They aren't necessarily frugal or practical.

And if they do still believe in Santa, they may think that is who they are asking from, not from a family donating these items. I would recommend donating what you can. If you are in a position that allows you to be more free with your donations, then why not.

They are after all only children. If you are wanting to donate, but have limited means, than make sure your donation is best spent. If that means a nice pair of warm gloves and hat, than that is what you should give.No one should feel pressured to give, or as to what they should give.

Give from your heart. There are many alternatives to consider, if you want to donate a fairly high priced gift.1. Try Craigslist.

There are many item for sale, and you're sure to save versus buying from a retailer.2. Second hand or Pawn Shops. I know that some may be seedy and unwelcoming, but if you really want to get them something they are asking for, but don't have a large budget, you could save money.3.

Try game stores such as Gamestop. They sell reconditioned systems and used games. They also offer a short warranty.

If these children are truly needy, than I'm certain they would be happy with a slightly used item. If you don't feel comfortable giving in this matter, than maybe choosing a less expensive brand is more suitable. There are many MP3 players out there less expensive that an Ipod.

Whatever you choose to give, know in your heart that your deed was one that can only be measured by the intent of the giver, not the monetary value.

Actually, I sure would! You did say "Xbox", not "XBox 360", so that's an older gaming console. It completely makes sense to me that they'd have one, and games would be quite inexpensive too.

I don't know about an iPod Touch, but maybe an iPod shuffle.

I was actually thinking about that this year. I heard someone on the radio advertising the Toys for Tots program and they were saying to just drop off a $5 present. Which is nice.

And I'm guessing that any needy child is grateful for whatever they get. It is more practical to buy them something educational or a winter coat, but what I wondered is why can't they have a nice gift, a popular gift that all of the other kids at school are getting or something that they actually want? I try extremely hard to buy my daughter things I know she wants and will enjoy and I think it's a shame that there are kids that don't get that.

Sure a cheap stuffed animal is nice, but Christmas is about a lot more than just being grateful for receiving something. In my opinion, it's for kids anyway and if it's the thought that counts we should probably put as much thought into charitable gifts as we do our own families.

No need donate so expensive gift I think, it will foster them to thing the life is easy.

I'm an amateur game designer, so this question bugs me a bit. Giving is not a zero-sum game, and looking at it this way might be utilitarian, but it's also completely missing the point. Giving should be about taking someone's life and making it a bit, or a lot, happier.

And if what will make somebody happy is to be entertained, what's the problem? People might argue that video games are bad, but I completely disagree. They are a medium, just as television or film or print or music or visual art are.

They're a method for people to tell stories, and done well, they can be so much more engaging because the reader is an active participant in their production. There's world-building, and characters, and plot. "But what about casual games?" you might ask.

And what about iPods? Well, then there's release from boredom -- which is a problem. Imagine your most boring day.

Now imagine that same day, except you don't have access to any of your hobbies or most of your friends. There are some free resources, sure, and they are wonderful, but they aren't everything. Relief from boredom is a valid gift in itself.

Video games can provide this. Easy access to music can provide this. That's worthwhile.

Families sometimes suddenly fall into hard times. The x-box may be from a previous donation, or a time before their parents got into trouble. At any rate, kids aren't responsible for their parents and Christmas is about toys, not socks and sweaters.

Somebody who enjoys x-box and has resources can give it to them. Personally, I think video games are bad for kids, so if I could choose a different kid who wanted a different gift more in my values and budget. But there is nothing wrong with someone else who likes x-box getting them the game.

I just hope its not one of the ultra violent games. Nothing wrong with asking for an expensive gift either. You just might not get it.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.