If It Makes Her Happy…
Before having my own kid, I was always a little judgmental of the parents who would buy “licensed” stuff for their kids— a tee-shirt with movie characters plastered across the front, crib bedding covered in Winnie the Pooh designs, a birthday party with a TV show theme, etc.
I never really understood why someone would spend money to basically advertise something, and it just annoyed me.
I felt that way still until my own daughter was about a year old. And now, well, I’ve changed my mind.
Between December and January, I bought for my daughter a Yo Gabba Gabba tee-shirt and a Thomas the Tank Engine pajama set. And as gifts, we acquired a Minnie Mouse bath toy, a Minnie Mouse nightlight doll, a Disney princess baby doll and a set of toddler silverware with Dora the Explorer on them. I spent quite a lot of time traveling from store to store looking for Yo Gabba Gabba toddler bedding too, though I didn’t find any we particularly liked.
C loves the television show Yo Gabba Gabba, and she adores her Thomas board books. Before receiving her gifts, she didn’t know who Minnie Mouse, Belle or Dora were— but now she can name them when she sees their faces.
I truly thought this was something I wouldn’t do. I was telling my dad about this change of heart and he told me, “Well now it’s not about the promotion anymore, it’s about what makes your daughter happy.”
And he’s so right.
If a pajama set plastered with images of my daughter’s favorite cartoon train makes her laugh and walk around saying “chugga chugga choo choo” while wearing them, I’m going to buy them— even if they’re a bit overpriced (which they were, by the way).
It’s completely worth it when she sets her Disney princess baby doll in her highchair and ‘shares’ her snack. Or when she’s in the bathtub and splashing around yelling “Minnie! Minnie!” It no longer feels like selling out when she walks into her playgroup with a big proud smile because she’s wearing her new Gabba shirt.
If it makes my little girl happy, it’s usually worth it!
What is your little one’s favorite character from a television show, book or movie?
Cassie is an American living in Germany with her German husband, their daughter, C (9/2011) and their son, L (3/2013). A reporter and editor by profession, Cassie is a graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism. When she isn't playing with her kiddies or out walking her equally-needy dog Sadie, she loves cooking, baking, reading and attempting DIYs around the house. Her newest hobby is doing nail art and coming up with fun new nail designs. After months of trying parenting tips and tricks, Cassie now relies on her mommy-instinct to guide her through parenting and has found it to be the best trick in the book. 
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Leslie
I felt the same way before my son was born. It’s just like you said though, whatever makes them happy!
Debbie F.
Definitely one of the things I said “I would never!” do, but alas, I’m a sucker for whatever makes her smile. Currently that character is Curious George.
Alex T.
I totally felt the same way about licensed character items. I tend to avoid them in stores, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to do. Now that my 3 year old adores Mickey Mouse, Monsters Inc and anything Cars, I love seeing the look on his face when he’s wearing his favorite Mickey or Lightning McQueen t-shirt.
Miriam R.
I was the same way with my first daughter. With my second daughter though she’s been so much more exposed to toys and movies through her big sister that I’m much more relaxed about it. Her current obsession is “disney princesses” and like you said if it makes her happy…