Updated: September 12, 2023
Originally Published: May 16, 2017
Each holiday or birthday, I experience what can only be described as a post-event fatigue. The abundance of gifts from well-meaning friends and family leads me to contemplate a drastic clean-out of our home. This peculiar dilemma leaves me feeling both overwhelmed and drained.
The gifting phenomenon doesn’t stop with holidays; it also occurs during casual visits from relatives or friends. We all have those generous people in our lives who delight in showering kids with gifts for no particular reason. While I appreciate the affection behind these gestures, my desire for a tidy home is frequently thwarted by the influx of toys, candy, and assorted trinkets that seem to multiply overnight.
The chaos is pervasive—plastic toys invade every corner, while my gelato sits in the freezer, overshadowed by an unneeded science kit. There are instances when my children return from a birthday party with enough loot to make you think it was their special day.
I recognize that gifts bring joy, both to the giver and the receiver. However, I’ve watched my children’s initial excitement turn into a sense of overwhelm, leading to the all-too-familiar refrain: “I’m bored. What’s next?” It’s clear to me that happiness doesn’t stem from an abundance of possessions.
We’ve all been there—spending countless hours and dollars only for our children to be more fascinated with the box than the expensive toy inside. The joy of receiving gifts can often become diluted when it happens too frequently. Children may begin to see gifts as entitlements rather than rare treasures. This can lead to misunderstandings about love and attention.
As a parent, I must ask: please consider holding back on the gifts. My children are aware of the love you have for them, and I am grateful for your presence in their lives. However, there are numerous other ways to express that love without resorting to shopping trips beforehand. Gifts do not need to be a staple of your visits. Instead, consider spending quality time together, engaging in play, or enjoying a day at the park.
If the urge to give a gift strikes, perhaps consider that a latte and an hour of quiet time would be much appreciated by me, the parent. Time and presence often mean more than material items.
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In summary, while I appreciate the generosity of family and friends, I kindly urge you to reconsider the frequency and volume of gifts for my children. They will benefit far more from your time and attention than from an endless supply of toys.
Keyphrase: “overindulging kids with gifts”
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