Kids’ birthday parties can be a blast—until they turn into a competition over who brings the best gifts. While it’s one thing for a child to feel let down by their birthday haul, it’s another level altogether when a parent starts keeping track. If you find yourself tallying what other families gift your little one compared to what you give theirs, it might be time to either take a breath or rethink those party invites.
Recently, a mom named Lisa reached out to a parenting advice column, expressing her frustration about the perceived unfairness of gift-giving at kids’ parties. Her logic? More kids in a family mean more birthdays and, of course, more presents. She pointed out that she usually spends around $30 on a gift for a child, and then another $30 for that child’s sibling when their birthday rolls around. However, she feels it’s unjust that other families only provide one combined $30 gift for her single child, especially since she has to pay for admission at venues like the zoo for multiple guests.
What’s she really suggesting? Should we all just pitch in for one mega gift that covers every birthday throughout the year? Because it seems a bit extreme to demand more gifts from families simply because they have more kids. And let’s be real—if she’s throwing lavish birthday bashes at expensive venues, that’s a choice she made. Perhaps it’s time for a change if she feels underappreciated.
Ultimately, birthday parties should be about celebrating the child, not about financial calculations or gift comparisons. Let’s face it, nothing sucks the joy out of a birthday bash quite like keeping score. There’s no universal rule for how much to spend on a gift; if you set high expectations for yourself, you can’t expect everyone else to follow your lead.
As for Lisa, maybe it’s time to consider expanding her family or simply enjoying the company of friends with siblings, because families with multiple kids often spend a whole lot less. Just a thought!
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Summary
Complaining about your child’s birthday gifts is a recipe for disappointment. It’s important to remember that birthday parties are meant for fun and celebration, not for keeping score on who gives what. If you’re feeling resentful about gift-giving, maybe it’s time to reconsider your approach or expectations.