Being around the littles at Christmas has to be one of the best parts of the holidays. I get so nostalgic watching them experience all of the magic – it takes me back big time.
Gift giving for the kids is also a favourite. Not only is it a great way to try out the latest kids toys, you also get to win them over as the super-cool-not-by-blood-auntie. But, while we non-parents are checking our lists twice, I thought I should ask a few of my mommy friends if there’re any rules we should be following when gifting.
Question: what’s the worst gift your child has ever received?
*Note: the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
“A remote control that sings ‘so many channels, not enough time.’ The batteries were removed right away. WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F**K?”
– Carey
“Worst gift by far was a huge stuffed monkey from ‘fun uncle.’ Super practical for our town-home… not. And, now there’s no chance we can pull it from the hands of our son. In fact, we need to carry it downstairs every morning so it can sit on (i.e. take up half of) the couch with us.”
– Kym
“Okay, absolutely worst gift ever was this little sand box with a mini rake, beach shells, and people. Who on earth would give a kid a box of sand to play with? My sister, that’s who!!! And she has two kids of her own, it was a mean gift.”
– Gen
“The most terrible gift my son ever received was a fart gun noise maker!!!??? Like whyyyyyyyyy would you buy that for my child??? I hear enough natural farts from him, I don’t need extra farts through a fart gun!!! BAH!”
– Chantelle
The naughty list, in summary:
Anything that’s noisy, cumbersome, annoying, messy, smelly, or encourages bad habits. Unless of course, you’re intentionally trying to bug the parents.
Photo by Kerry Lawrence Photography
What are the best gifts to give?
It was pretty unanimous that books are the holy grail of kids gift giving. Whoo hoo for that! “They can always be used, passed down and are great for learning. We read 15 minutes every night and getting books as gifts is always great as it gives us lots of options.”
Sentimental gifts are always a great idea, too. “The best gift for my kids were beautiful velvet stockings with hand embroidered names at the top for each of them. We pull these out each Christmas to put on our mantle. I really cherish these and think of the friend who made them with so much appreciation every year. They are a family heirloom.” Dawwww.
A few honourable mentions?
- Educational and imagination-igniting toys like stacking blocks for the wee ones, and the ever faithful Lego for the older kids.
- Gifts that make chores and routine more fun, like these bath gears.
- Or go practical to help a mama out – especially when the child is too young to comprehend the gifting thing! – organic bath products, swaddling blankets, and travel food containers.
So there you have it, folks. Tips from the professionals. Enjoy your time with the babes, and be sure to share the time on their new toys.
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