Grace: Growing up, I was never really allowed to watch television and video games were completely, 100% off limits.  When my dad finally bought “himself” (aka me and my sister) a gaming system for Christmas it was probably one of the most exciting moments of my life.  In the end I didn’t turn into the jello-brained video game fiend my mom expected every gaming child to turn into, so I think even now she would have to admit that it was a good gift.

If I were to receive a gaming console as a gift, I personally would want a PlayStation 3, or even a Wii, but in the end it really depends on the gift recepient’s taste in games.  I’m a sucker for graphics, so I really like the PS3, but I do have to admit that the Wii is a lot of fun, especially with friends.  I’ve never had much experience with an Xbox, but I do know a few people who can’t live without them.  In the end, I think it is important to think of how much you want to spend on a gaming console since they can range in price and what kind of games the recipient would enjoy playing.  Also, in the future you can buy video games as gifts, which is always easy in case you run out if ideas.

Dan: I have an Xbox and it is awesome.  Ever since I was younger I have had a gaming console all the way back to super Nintendo.  I cannot say that I ever turned into the child/young adult that was glued to the TV/computer screen because of playing too many games.  The gaming console that we had at the time was something that everyone could play and not just me.  We could play each other in multiplayer or just watch someone else race to the finish and set a record.  There is a danger of kids getting too attached to their gaming systems, but if done correctly this should not happen.  There is a fine line, if you do not have one as a child other kids can pick at you for not being with it, and if you do have one a child, you can become too attached.  A myth that bothers me about gaming consoles is that if you buy one for your child they will never be able to play sports, become violent, or start to do poorly at school.  Everything from playing sports to playing video games should be in moderation.  So go ahead and get that console or game for someone you appreciate as a really entertaining and great gift.

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