As a parent, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toys my children accumulate. Our home is practically bursting at the seams, yet only a small fraction of those toys see regular playtime. A few times a year, I find it necessary to secretly declutter their stash, donating or passing on the excess to friends.
While I am incredibly thankful for the generosity of family and friends who shower my kids with gifts, I’ve come to realize that not every present is a blessing. Some gifts can disrupt our household harmony or become a source of constant annoyance. It would be great if gift-givers considered the impact their choices might have on our lives—especially since kids can be quite attached to their new toys, making exchanges nearly impossible.
So, in the spirit of making the season a little brighter, here are some gift types I kindly ask you to skip:
- Sticky or Gooey Items
Take, for instance, that neon goo called “Flarp” that’s become a favorite. While it may seem amusing at first for kids to squish it to make fart sounds, it can quickly turn disastrous if it lands on furniture or hair. Cleanup is never fun, so let’s just say no to these sticky messes. - Loud, Irritating Baby Toys
While most infant toys are designed to entertain, some are just unbearable. Toys that blare sounds without volume control or on/off switches can lead to sleepless nights. Trust me, a talking toy in the dead of night is not the surprise you want. - Clothing for Opinionated Kids
When your child reaches a certain age, their preferences become clear. Buying clothes for older kids can be tricky; a Power Rangers T-shirt might not cut it when they’ve moved on to other interests. - Similar Gifts for Siblings
If you’re planning to buy gifts for multiple kids, please make them identical. Similar toys can easily lead to arguments over who gets what. A simple blue bottle versus a green one can escalate into an all-out battle. - Glitter
This one’s self-explanatory. Glitter looks enticing in craft kits, but it’s notorious for its ability to spread and linger long after the fun is over. A tiny amount can turn into hours of cleanup—no thank you! - Toys That Require Additional Sets
Gifting toys that are part of a larger set can become a trap. If you give a toy that needs additional accessories to be fun, you’re setting us up for endless requests to buy more, which can quickly drain the wallet. - Complex Craft or Science Kits
Kits that come with extensive instructions or require unique materials often end in frustration. If it takes more time to gather supplies than to enjoy the activity, it’s probably best left on the shelf. - Age-Inappropriate Toys
Lastly, while it’s great to challenge kids, toys meant for older children can lead to frustration rather than fun. If a toy is too advanced, it can turn into a source of stress rather than joy.
I genuinely appreciate every gift for my children and always encourage their gratitude. However, I urge you to consider how your choices will fit into our lives. If there’s any doubt about the potential annoyance a gift might bring, it’s probably best to opt for something simpler, smaller, and quieter.
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Summary
Navigating the holiday gift-giving season can be tricky for parents. To ensure a joyful experience, it’s helpful to avoid gifts that can create messes, noise, or unnecessary arguments. Opting for simpler, more thoughtful gifts can lead to a more harmonious home.