How can I convince my parents to get me a laptop for my birthday?

Question

My 17th birthday is coming up, and i really really want a laptop. But my parents have already flat-out said no. I have tried to convince them that it would be good for college and homework and stuff, but its not working. Also, I have a job so I pay for everything I need, gas, clothes, everything. And I even backed out of a $2000 school trip to Ireland and got my dad his money back. How can I convince them to buy me a laptop, its the only thing I am asking for for my birthday and I really want/need one?

Answer 1

Ask them as a gift in your birthday. Explain to them properly why you need to have it badly. Tell them also that you have just back out the school trip because it is so expensive and you really that you need a laptop that why instead of going to school trip, you prefer to stay to save money. You can buy a laptop less than $1000.

good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, blackmail is good.

try to see if you can convince them to pay for at least half the price of one. (or whatever is left after you pitch in)

Remind your dad a lot of the trip you skipped and how you gave him the 2 grand back.

if all else fails....BLACKMAIL

Answer 3

Maybe they are considering getting you one but they want to surprise you.  Just a thought.

Anyways, convincing them to buy you one could be difficult.  I see you have already played the college and homework cards.  Maybe you could try convincing them that you are interested in pursuing an education and career in web page design or graphics design, or some other highly technical field that would require heavy use of a computer, and would really need a laptop for that to be feasible.

Or maybe you could try to strike a deal with them like offering to pay for half of it or make payments on it or something like that.

You are definitely right that a laptop would be good for college.  My sister just graduated from a private university, double major in dance and communications, and she absolutely needed a laptop.  A lot of the coursework was done on computers and if she didn't have one she would have had to use the computer lab meaning less time to work on things because she couldn't work on it when she only had a couple minutes down time, while she was having lunch, right before bed, or when she was away from campus and/or internet access.  It would have been possible but having her own laptop made it much much easier because she always had it with her and she always had access to the software she needed (e.g. Photoshop, Office, etc.)

Answer 4

Tell them It's the only gift you want for your birthday

Answer 5

Work a deal. Parents love character building stuff. For example, you will pay 25% if they pay the 75%.

If that doesnt work be more specific. Dont say "I want a laptop" say "I want a (brand) laptop with this memory and this hard drive and these capabilities ect.." They might like your effort in doing research.

Answer 6

Tell them that if you don't get a laptop you are going to learn to lapdance.