as a parent, I prefer to have my kids use crayons and colored pencils — not markers. play with simple, wooden toys. you know me. i was the cloth diapering, baby wearing, breastfeeding, birkenstock wearing mom.
flash forward to the time past diapers and nursing. to the time when the kids get allowance. not allowance for chores. Chores are 
not to be paid for in our household. As a family, we all must participate in the acts that make it so our family runs smoothly. the girls (11 and 7) pick up (not only their messes), load and empty the dishwasher, make lunch, do the laundry, and so on. Not doing chores equates to fewer fun activities, not a reduction in allowance.
So why allowance? Because other than birthday and Christmas, I don’t buy much for the girls other than clothes. Not that they lack anything. The library provides a constant stream of books, and they 
have more than enough toys and games. But if they want something more that I feel is extra (Rob or I will sometimes buy a game), they need to use their allowance money.
Chloe tends to spend hers on plastic junk that I really dislike. But that’s the beauty of allowance. She gets to choose what it is she wants (ok, I do have a certain minimal level of veto power). She spent 2/3 of her saved allowance today on her favorite, Littlest Pet Shop. Little Plastic Sh*t to me, but she loves it. And I think these plastic toys help reduce the begging for more live pets….
I totally related to your post! My daughter started collecting these critters years ago (with her own money &/or birthday presents from extended family) and it still baffles my mind….
I cringe when my daughter goes right to the tiny plastic toys….Littlest Pet Shop (of course), Tinker Bell, Cinderella. However, you’re absolutely right….it’s her money, it’s her choice, and she loves them all! They also come in handy when you hit the road or have to wait @ doctor’s office….these tiny things fit right into her purse….saves us from a lot of whining!
Oh yes! The LPS kept Chloe so happy when I had to stay with Camille for part of her root canal!!! And she she loves pointing out her additions from places like Nice — that’s what she chose as her souvenir from our trip to France!!!
The Bear seems to be collecting hair ties, clips and bands. That’s what she buys for herself, then occasionally she will treat us all for ice cream. Today, she bought her sister a baby doll pretend bath set for $16, this is a Christmas gift.