One of the joys of childhood is the innocence of giving. As a pediatrician, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be for children to express their affection through simple gestures. Recently, my daughter, Lily, discovered an old toy that she wanted to gift to a friend. Instead of discouraging her, I encouraged her enthusiasm. We wrapped the toy together in some tissue paper and found a gift bag hiding in the closet. The joy on her face as we delivered the gift was priceless. It reminded me of how giving is just as fulfilling as receiving.
Instilling a sense of generosity in children is essential. It’s not about expensive or elaborate gifts—it’s about being mindful of those around us. We often gather pebbles during our walks to personalize as gifts, or we choose special items for family members. We even contribute to local food drives. These experiences teach Lily that thoughtfulness is integral to who we are.
However, I’ve noticed a trend in birthday invitations that states, “No gifts, please.” While I understand the rationale—children often have more than enough already—I can’t help but wonder about the message this sends. Shouldn’t kids have the opportunity to share their affection on their friends’ birthdays? For small children, giving gifts is a way to demonstrate their love.
Just last month, Lily’s best friend turned six, and her mother requested no gifts. I know she meant well, wanting to alleviate any pressure on other parents. However, when I explained the request to Lily, she became visibly upset, revealing that she had been eagerly planning a gift. I didn’t want to stifle her excitement. After all, I knew her friend’s mother well enough to understand that breaking the rule wouldn’t be an issue. Lily was overjoyed when she was able to give her friend a small gift bought with her own allowance, along with a beautifully colored birthday card.
Since it was a small gathering with no other children present, I felt comfortable allowing Lily to gift her present openly. If there had been more children, I might have suggested she wait for a more appropriate time. But her desire to give was genuine, and I didn’t want to diminish that spirit.
We’ve also attended parties where the focus shifted to donations for local charities, such as animal rescues or food banks. While I wholeheartedly support these causes and think they are commendable, I still believe that a small token gift for the birthday child adds a special touch. I want Lily to understand the joy of giving—not just to charities but to those she cares about. Whether it’s a rock, a homemade card, or a small item purchased with her own money, I want her to feel empowered to share.
So, please, allow my child to bring a gift to your birthday celebration. And while you’re at it, I’d love to bring you a festive arrangement for the holidays. The act of giving should not be confined or dictated, even with the best intentions. We wish to express our gratitude and affection through small gestures, and these acts should be encouraged. In a world that often focuses on taking, sharing our time or small gifts should be celebrated.
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In summary, the essence of giving should be preserved, especially among children. They should feel encouraged to express their love through simple gifts, whether it’s a toy, card, or thoughtful gesture. Let’s nurture that spirit of generosity without limitations.