My son just turned 7, and I asked myself this question a while ago. At first, I answered it "Coupons, points and discounts are for investing... I want maximum returns on my investments. Toys for my kid will just cost what they cost." But then I realized... that's not smart. We're paying taxes on our profits, so really the smart move is to take those VIP points, and discounts for your family (tax free windfall). So... hypothetical... if you want to buy 2 identical sets - 1 for your son, and 1 as an investment - and you only have 1 coupon for 25% off... you use it to buy the one for your son... pay "full price" for your investment to have maximum cost, minimum taxable profit. Like biking_tiger said... Kids' "wants" change rapidly. My son will talk all summer and fall about getting sets "A, B and C" for Christmas. I'll keep my eyes open, pick them up here and there when I can find a great deal... then December 15th or so... he scrap that list, and issue new "demands", and I end up scrambling to find those most sought after sets, right before Christmas... and then need to sell those others I bought him! Now... when considering set "A, B or C" I always keep in my mind that I need to get it for a good price, because I may have to sell it.