Family and Friends, Please Stop Overloading My Kids with Gifts

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Every time the dust settles after a holiday or one of my children’s birthdays, I find myself grappling with a post-celebration hangover. Alongside this, I feel a strong inclination to grab a trash bag and purge the excess toys and gifts that have taken over our home. This ongoing cycle leaves me both fatigued and irritable.

The situation often escalates during impromptu visits from friends or relatives who can’t resist bringing gifts for the kids. While I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these gestures, my desire for a tidy, organized home often clashes with the overflowing assortment of plastic toys, candy, and other novelty items that seem to multiply overnight. At times, I even discover these treasures stashed in the most unexpected places, including my freezer. Sadly, my gelato is now competing for space with a science experiment that needs to be frozen—sorry kids, but gelato wins!

It’s disheartening to see my children come home from birthday parties with so many goodies that you’d think it was their own special day. While I understand that gifts can bring joy, I’ve noticed that the initial excitement quickly fades, making way for feelings of overwhelm. The cycle of “What’s next? I’m bored!” becomes all too familiar, showing me that happiness doesn’t hinge on an abundance of possessions.

As parents, we’ve all been there—spending hours and dollars assembling toys that end up being overshadowed by the simple joy of a cardboard box or bubble wrap. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes, the most fun comes from the simplest things. When kids are constantly greeted with “Look what I brought for you,” it sets a precedent that they are entitled to gifts simply for being present. This mindset dilutes the joy of receiving something special, leading to a sense of entitlement that can be detrimental.

I’ve observed that the more things my kids receive, the less meaningful each gift becomes. During visits, they might begin to expect something in return, which can spoil the genuine connections that come from spending quality time together. The real gift is your presence and attention.

I know I might come across as ungrateful, but I feel compelled to say it plainly: Please, stop showering my children with so much stuff. They don’t need it, and they already know how much you care. There are countless other ways to express your love that don’t involve a trip to the store. Just because they mention wanting the latest toy doesn’t mean they should have it. I assure you, if you bring it over, I might just stealthily return it to your car—poop emoji bean bag included!

Instead, I encourage you to visit, take them to the park, or simply spend time with them. If you’re determined to give them something, how about treating me to a latte with double whip and letting me enjoy an hour to myself with a good book? Your time and attention are the most precious gifts of all.

In summary, while I appreciate the love you show through gifts, my family and I would truly prefer quality time over more toys. Let’s focus on creating memories, not clutter.

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