It would probably work best if you explain to them that whatever it is they want they need to work for. Have them little shores around the house until they save up enough for whatever it is that they want. This makes it easier on you, rather than forking up the cash, little by little, your children will work for it. Either they won't want the item anymore by the time they have enough for it, or they will and they will feel very accomplished beings that they bough it themselves. That'll give them something to brag about to their friends! Good luck!