Gift to Return Already

Nathan got a really cool remote control helicopter for his birthday. He doesn't like to share it much because it is a bit fragile. But it is the favorite toy in the house right now, especially with the high living room ceiling (even Mario loves it.) So, I was really excited about a r/c stunt plane that I bought Zach for Christmas. But Zachary hit Nathan yesterday and then refused to take a punishment. So I told him that if he didn't comply I would return one of his Christmas gifts. The kids never take me seriously and probably for good reason. I am a big pushover especially to the twins. But once I said it, I had to follow through. So I finally got Zach to time out and I opened his gift in front of him and told him it was going back to Toys R Us. Of course that really humbled him and he begged for me to give him another chance. He has some money in the bank so he is begging me to take him to the store to buy his own. But I don't feel like that would be teaching him a lesson. Erin is asking to buy it from me too, but then Zach would get to play with it and it still wouldn't teach him a lesson. So I think the only thing to do is return it (or give it to Mario to play with when the kids are all asleep.) Zachary is one stubborn kid (reminds me of my brother Charlie....fortunately he turned out well.) I have been keeping the plane under the tree as a reminder to the kids not to get in any more trouble. I sure hope I don't have to return anything else.