As the holiday season approaches, many parents feel a significant amount of pressure to craft a magical experience for their children. The challenges of recent times, particularly navigating through a pandemic, have made parenting even more demanding. Witnessing their kids face one disappointment after another due to COVID-19 has been heartbreaking for many families. This emotional toll is likely why a recent study indicates that a large number of parents are determined to make this holiday season truly special.
Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association surveyed 2,000 parents with children under the age of 12. The findings revealed that parents plan to celebrate the holidays by upholding cherished traditions, such as decorating, baking, and spending quality time with family, along with purchasing a variety of gifts. The study highlights how far parents are willing to go to bring joy to their kids this year.
However, securing those sought-after gifts may prove challenging this season due to ongoing supply chain issues affecting numerous industries. The study found that one in six parents consistently struggles to find gifts their children desire, with one in seven starting their shopping as early as September. This proactive approach is likely fueled by a fear of disappointing their children, as 41 percent of parents believe their kids would feel let down if they didn’t receive their desired presents. The most popular gifts identified in the survey included toys (62 percent) and electronics (58 percent).
Despite the financial strain, 60 percent of parents admit that fulfilling their children’s gift wishes can be costly; nevertheless, nearly 75 percent report feeling guilty if they cannot afford the desired items. Interestingly, 65 percent of parents say they would consider purchasing knock-off or counterfeit toys if their first choices were unavailable.
In summary, many parents are eager to create a memorable holiday experience this year, perhaps more than ever before. After witnessing their children miss out on sports and family gatherings over the past two years, there’s a strong desire to bring joy and excitement to Christmas morning. Yet, it’s important for parents to remember the essence of the season: it’s often the shared moments with family—like cozy movie nights, sledding, or grandma’s special pancakes—that leave lasting memories, rather than the latest trending toy.
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