How to Get Your Mom to Buy You the Toy You Want

Last Updated: February 19, 2023

Your mom may be the only thing standing between you and the toy that you want. If you asked her to buy it for you and she said, "no," you don't have to give up just yet. Try some new tactics. Stay calm, offer some solutions and talk your mom into buying you the toy you want.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Having a Convincing Conversation

1
Choose the right time to ask for the toy. It is important that you have this conversation at a moment when your mom has time to talk to you about it. Avoid bringing it up when she is too busy, because she is more likely to say “no” so that she can get on with what she was doing. If you choose a moment when she has some time, you can have a longer and more productive conversation.^{[1]
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- Don’t ask in the morning when she is getting ready for work and you have to get to school.
- Try talking to her when you are on a car ride or eating dinner.
- Suggest that the two of you go for a walk.
- Make sure that she is in a good mood. If she already seems stressed, it is not a good time for the conversation.
2
Treat the conversation like your mom is on the slide at a playground. Give her a little nudge to get her started, throw in your angle to move her along, and reduce any friction which may stop her from buying you the toy you want. ^{[2]
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- Nudge her by mentioning the toy a few times before you ask her to buy it.
- Your angle should be personal reasons why the toy is important to you.
- Reduce friction by keeping the conversation positive. If your mom tells you “no,” stay calm and listen to her reasons. If you argue, she will get defensive.
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3
Stay calm when you are asking for the toy. Throwing a fit is only going to upset you and your mom. It is important that you stay calm and ask nicely in order to keep the conversation going. If you get angry, it will shut down the conversation.^{[3]
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- If you get frustrated, take a few deep breaths.
- Don't interrupt.
- When you are tempted to argue, let her talk instead and listen to what she has to say.
4
Explain the benefits of having the toy. Don’t just talk about how cool it is or how much you want it. Think about it from your mom’s point of view. What will she get out of it if she spends her money on your toy?^{[4]
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- It will keep you occupied so you don’t bother her when she is busy.
- Is there something you can learn from this toy? Maybe it will teach you something or improve a skill.
5
Write down what you want to say before you have the conversation. This will help you really get your thoughts in order. It will also show your mom how much time and thought you have put into the conversation, proving to her how much you want the toy.^{[5]
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- Bring your writing with you when you have the conversation so you remember everything you want to say.
6
Get a recommendation from another adult. If you are having a hard time convincing your mom to get you the toy, get another adult to talk to her. Instead of just telling your mom that your friend has the toy, have your friend’s mother call yours to talk to her about why she bought the toy for her kid.^{[6]
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- Another adult can have more influence on your mom than you can. Talk to adults in your life about how much you want the toy and ask them to talk to your mom for you.
- Other people who may be able to convince your mom are your dad and your grandparents.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Bargaining to Get What You Want

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Find out why your mom doesn’t want to buy you the toy. Once you understand why she doesn’t want to buy it, you can find solutions to those problems standing between you and the toy you want.^{[7]
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- If the toy costs too much money you can do chores to earn money and split the cost.
- If she says that you have too many toys already, choose some to get rid of. You can get your mom to help you sell them online or in a garage sale to earn money to buy the toy you want.
2
Use the term, “What if” to find a way to get the toy you want. When you say, “What if,” you let your mom know that you understand she is in control and you are willing to do what it takes to get the toy.^{[8]
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- What if I clean my room?
- What if I do the dishes for a week?
- What if I take out the laundry whenever you ask me to?
- What if I promise to play with it only in my room so I don’t get in your way?
3
Give your mom a reason to buy the toy now. She may try to put off buying the toy in hopes that you will give up. Find a reason why it is best to buy the toy right away. Make it seem like the perfect opportunity.^{[9]
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- Find a coupon or a store that has the toy on sale for a limited time.
- If there are only a few toys left at the store, make sure you don’t miss out on getting one before they are gone.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Your Behavior

1
Thank your mom for the toys she has already bought for you. If she feels like you really appreciate her buying you toys, she will be more likely to get you another one. Make sure you mean it when you tell her “thank you” so she believes you.^{[10]
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- Do this on a regular basis for several days instead of thanking her for everything all at once.
2
Practice sharing your toys with your siblings and friends. Be responsible and kind with the toys you already have. Show your mom that you will be nice and allow others to use your toy so it benefits everyone if she buys it for you.^{[11]
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- She wants to know that you will keep playing with the toy once she buys it, so it doesn't seem like a waste of money. Playing with the toys you already have is a good step toward proving a new toy is worth the money.
- If you have siblings and share your toys, buying a toy for you is also like buying a toy for your brother or sister, which makes it more valuable.
3
Do things you know will make your mother happy. You are going to want her to be in a good mood when you ask her for the toy. Be on your best behavior so that she is more likely to reward you with the toy that you want.
- Think of all of the things she has asked you to do in the past and do them without her having to ask.
- Work hard on your school work and finish your homework quickly to show that you have time to play with toys.
- Complete all of your chores and offer to do more to help your mom.

Community Q&A

Question

What if when you try it, she gets mad at you? What do you do? You always forget to put that info.

Community Answer

If she gets mad, maybe it is not the right time to talk. She could be stressed over other things. Take a break from the conversation and do things that will make her happy before you ask again.
Question

How can I convince a mean mom?

Community Answer

First, don't think of your mom as mean. It may feel like she is being mean because she doesn't want to buy the toy, but there may be reasons. Listen to her reasoning and see if you can find a solution.
Question

What if your mom is rich and very busy, but willing to buy anything for you. How can I ask without being selfish and interrupting her while she works?

Community Answer

Try writing a note and leaving it for her to read when she is done working and has some time.

Warnings

Never ever threaten your mom. For example. "Buy me that or I will never eat again!"

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Don't throw a tantrum. It won't help you get what you want.

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