It’s a common occurrence—people showering my kids with all sorts of goodies. Whether it’s neighbors, friends, doctors, or family, I understand the intention is good. You want to spread joy to children, and that’s commendable. However, there are a few things you really ought to stop giving my kids. Let’s dive in:
1. Stickers
Dear medical office, I appreciate that stickers make kids smile, but have you considered where those Dora and Batman stickers end up? Spoiler alert: my car! They stick to the windows and become nearly impossible to remove, especially after they bake in the sun. Or they end up on my dining table or even stuck to my child’s shirt, which I might miss during laundry. The result? A favorite shirt ruined with a sticker that looks like a geological disaster. So please, spare me the stickers; they just create more work for me.
2. Party Favors with Cheap Toys
I do admire the effort you put into those goody bags for birthday parties, but let’s be real. We all know those parachuting army men only work once before they become tangled nightmares. And don’t even get me started on the shrill noise of cheap plastic kazoos. So why keep handing out these items? It only perpetuates a cycle of frustration. Let’s put an end to this madness together!
3. Cheetos
I love a good Cheeto, but when my kids have them, it’s like they’ve been dipped in glow-in-the-dark cheese. Suddenly, my van, their clothes, and my furniture are covered in orange fingerprints. One small bag and my house looks like a cheesy crime scene. Unless they lick their fingers, which leads to a sticky mess that requires serious cleaning supplies to fix. No more Cheetos, please!
4. Broken Toys
You know those worn-out toys that you think are just taking up space? They’re not my problem! Too many times, I’ve heard, “Oh, you can take it home!” from a friend when my child falls in love with a broken toy. I really don’t need your discarded junk cluttering my house more—especially since I’m guilty of passing broken toys around too! Let’s agree to toss these items instead of trading them like hot potatoes.
5. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals seem to multiply in the wild, and I suspect they have a secret life. You might be looking to declutter your home, but sending them my way is not the solution. They often smell bad or are sticky from whatever adventures your kids have taken them on. I have enough plush companions taking over my living space without adding more. So please, find a better way to part with them.
I’m sure many parents can relate to this list, and I bet there are more items to add to it. And if you’re a fan of stickers on your car windows or have a fondness for sticky stuffed animals, I’d be happy to send you a little care package. Check out some fantastic resources on family planning at Resolve or explore fertility supplements at Make a Mom.
Summary
In conclusion, while the intent behind giving gifts to kids is often pure-hearted, there are certain items—like stickers, cheap toys, Cheetos, broken toys, and stuffed animals—that can create more hassle than joy for parents. Let’s work together to avoid these pitfalls and keep our homes a little less cluttered!