The "big gift" of the year is a Christmas gift announced on television that excites all kids to want it that year. Every year, this "big gift" is announced, and parents are urged by their children to start beating each other over the head to buy it. This is a scenario played out every single year, and each year it seems to get worse.

Is the fighting and inflated prices really worth the big toy of the year? Should you go out and battle others just to get a doll or an action figure?

Absolutely not. Fighting each other for the big toy of the year goes against everything that the Christmas season stands for. Why would you allow yourself to fight against others in a toy aisle, just for the opportunity to pick up a toy your child will probably stop using by March anyways?

Not only does fighting for the big gift of the year violate the Christmas message, it is also a cheap way to go in terms of buying a gift. If you are just going to buy the easiest gift (to choose) for your child rather than putting thought in it, then it is not worth the effort.

There have been many different gifts over the years that have made parents fight each other -- Tickle-Me Elmo, Ferbies and Cabbage Patch Kids to name a few, and every year a new gift comes along to replace the old ones. It is a lot of heartache and pain for a one-time reward.

Instead of going after the big gift of the year, find your child something that they can use for months and years after they get it. Buy them new clothes, a sled for those winter mornings that have just had a new snowfall, or get them something to nurture their minds and imagination.

Don't just get the one gift everybody wants -- be unique and think about what would really benefit your child. A Tickle-Me Elmo may be a gift your child wants, but getting them something that forces them to use their mind at an early age will give you many more rewards.

When the list of the big toys for the Christmas season comes out, do the best thing you can and that is throw it away. Forget about it and make your own list of the toys and items that your child will not only love, but get great mileage out of and, in the long run, reap much more benefits out of it.

Don't fall into the "big gift" hype, it will only give you bruises.