The holiday season is fast approaching, with Christmas and Hanukkah just around the corner. As the countdown to gift-giving begins, many parents brace themselves for the inevitable avalanche of toys that flood their homes. Every year, children unwrap an excessive amount of items, often leading to a cluttered mess that makes even the most patient parents consider starting anew. It’s time for a frank discussion about what to gift our kids—one that will help avoid the disaster of overabundance.
Let’s Talk About Stuffed Animals
For starters, let’s talk about stuffed animals. Please, no more! Our collection has reached the absurdity of several thousand, most of which are simply gathering dust in a corner. The ideal number of stuffed animals in a household should match the number of children. One child equals one stuffed animal; two children, two stuffed animals. You get the idea. They serve little purpose beyond becoming dirty and eventually unrecognizable after a wash.
Beware of Tiny Parts
If a gift comes with a multitude of tiny parts, it’s just a matter of time before most of it ends up in the trash. If I trip over it or find it lying around with no clear purpose, it’s going straight to the bin. The next time I find a game missing pieces, it will also meet the same fate. Consider this a friendly warning: if you’re thinking of giving something that requires constant assembly, it might be best to skip the gift altogether.
The Glitter Dilemma
Then there’s glitter—the uninvited guest of craft supplies. It sticks to everything and is a surefire way to drive any parent up the wall. If glitter arrives at my home, consider it an act of war. You may want to go off-grid and start a new life as a sheep farmer in Montana to escape my wrath.
The Battery-Operated Nightmare
And let’s not even get started on battery-operated toys. If it requires batteries, it’s likely to be obnoxiously loud. If it starts singing at 3 a.m., I’ll ensure it finds its way back to you for a surprise reunion. I might even remove the batteries and let my child think it’s a broken toy!
Cash is King
While it may come off as impersonal, cash is actually a great gift. Kids can be expensive, and activities they love seem to cost more and more each year. From soccer cleats to art supplies, every little bit helps. If you give my kids cash, I promise to set aside most of it—except for a small portion I’ll use for an overpriced latte at my favorite coffee shop.
Quality Time Over Material Gifts
Despite the frustrations that come with holiday gifting, I genuinely appreciate your thoughtfulness during this hectic season. However, rather than simply sending a gift, I encourage you to spend quality time with my child. Visit us, take her out for a movie or to the park, or color with her. She has enough stuff, but only one you!
Further Insights
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In Summary
In summary, this holiday season, let’s focus on meaningful gifts that won’t clutter our homes and instead foster relationships and experiences.
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