Aren't the best things in life free? Not according to the kids! In a recent survey by The Children's Society, 5,000 8 - 15 year-old boys and girls said that these top 10 material possessions would make them happy.
Aren't the best things in life free? Not according to the kids!
In a survey carried out by The Children's Society, 5,000 8 to 15 year-old boys and girls said that having material possessions like new clothes or an iPod would make them happy. Find out the top 10 material possessions kids want.
Psst! Looking for presents to make the kids happy? Use our kids' secrets to happiness list.
Kids' secrets to happiness: No.10 - Satellite TV
Lots of children voted for a good TV package, like Sky, to watch the most popular shows or cartoons on demand. But don't forget to keep them active or else you'll have a couch potato on your hands!
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No. 9 - Buying clothes
Just over 5% said getting the right clothes to 'fit in' was a big part of being happy. Experts say it's not just materialistic - the need to 'fit in' is age old, but today's kids have 'a greater sense of entitlement than previous generations', says psychologist, Alan Sigman.
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No. 8 - Family car
Having a family car is at number 8. Again, psychologists believe this is more than just dad's taxi but quality family time too.
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No. 7 - Green parks and spaces
Here's number 7: big, open green spaces for the children to run around in and play sport. At least they don't want to sit on the couch all day!
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No. 6 - Designer trainers
Feeling great in a new pair of shoes is a fantastic feeling - it's no wonder children think this will make them happy!
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No.5 - Family holiday
Rolling in at number 5 are family holidays. Around 750 of the kids surveyed said this was an important part of their happiness, and let's be honest, they've probably got it right there - we do love a relaxing break!
Kids' secrets to happiness: No.4 - iPod
Remember when yo-yos and cheap playing cards were the latest fads on the school playground? Well, now it's a £169 Apple iPod (or equivalent) - great! But it doesn't always have to be expensive gadgets for Christmas...
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Kids' secrets to happiness: No. 3 - Days out
Just under a quarter of those children surveyed said a family day out is top of the list. Kids love to get out of the house and experience new things - it'll help put off those household chores too!
Kids' secrets to happiness: No.2 - Saving up
At number 2, children said they wanted money to save each month. Not bad if they're already being smart with their money - just hope it lasts into their teens!
Kids' secrets to happiness: No.1 - Pocket money
Number 1, the most popular possession to children aged 8 to 15 in 2011 is pocket money. A whopping 1,100 children surveyed said that pocket money was the most important object for their happiness. No mention of quality family time here then - more the Bank of Dad!
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Where to next?
Top kids' Christmas presentsChristmas fun
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