eBay is useful for many things – first edition Michael Jackson LPs, antique emerald earrings, and rare North Korean lesbian porn DVDs. Of course, eBay is also great for selling your own unwanted stuff to generate much needed cash for Dadget purchases. But, my friend, here is where you must be very, very careful.

Amateur Dadget buyer: “Darling, I thought I would sell my old golf clubs on eBay.”

Trouser-wearing wife: “Oh, great! We’ll put the money towards little Johnny’s college fund.”

Now, do you see what happened there? With the mere sniff of some extra money, your wife has saved it before you can even spit out that little Johnny would actually love a PlayStation 3. You’ll have to be a little cleverer than that:

“Darling, I was thinking that Henry would really love a PlayStation 3.”

“But we can’t afford that.  And he’s only 1.”

“I know, I know, but I thought if I sold my old golf clubs on eBay, and a couple of your old designer handbags, between us we could pool that money together to make Henry’s little dreams come true. Imagine his cute smile while we’re all playing SingStar together, as a family.”

“You’re so thoughtful!  Oh, go on then.  And if there’s any change you should buy yourself one of those credit card torches.”

“My eyes are welling up in admiration of your beauteousness.”