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8 Gifts for Kids to Avoid This Holiday Season
Let’s face it—kids accumulate toys like they’re going out of style. My home is overflowing with them, yet only a small fraction get any love. I often find myself secretly decluttering their toy mountains and donating to friends or local charities. I truly appreciate the generosity of family and friends who shower my kids with gifts; it brings so much joy to see their faces light up!
However, some gifts can lead to chaos or simply drive a parent up the wall—like nails on a chalkboard annoying. While your gift may seem perfect in the store, please consider how it will fit into our world at home. My little ones can be quite attached to their toys, making it difficult to part with them. Here’s a friendly heads-up about what to avoid gifting this holiday season:
- Gooey or Sticky Items
You know that neon goo called “Goozle”? The one that makes goofy noises? Fun until it ends up on the couch or in hair. I’d rather not spend my evenings googling how to remove sticky substances from upholstery! - Loud, Noisy Baby Toys
We all know babies love flashy toys with sound effects. However, some have volume knobs that are just a myth! Imagine being jolted awake at 3 a.m. by a toy that’s suddenly come to life. No thanks! - Clothes for Opinionated Kids
When they’re little, kids don’t care about fashion. But as they grow, their preferences can be as strong as their opinions on vegetables. Good luck convincing a 9-year-old to wear that cute shirt you picked out! - Mismatched Gifts for Siblings
If you’re buying for multiple kids, please make the gifts identical! Similar but different gifts only lead to endless squabbles about who gets the red versus the blue toy. It’s a recipe for disaster. - Glitter
Let’s be honest—glitter is the gift that keeps on giving… and giving… and giving mess! It may look pretty, but once it makes its way into your home, it’s there to stay. - Toys Requiring Additional Sets
While I know it’s tricky to keep track of what my kids have, giving them toys that require more accessories will only lead to my wallet being lighter. A toy hamster that demands an entire town’s worth of tunnels? Hard pass! - Complex Craft Kits
Crafting should be fun, not a scavenger hunt for obscure materials! Kits that require 40 tiny pieces and specialized items (what even is Borax?) are just frustrating for both kids and parents. - Age-Inappropriate Toys
While I love that my older son is eager to tackle challenging puzzles and kits, please avoid anything meant for kids twice his age. It leads to frustration and upset rather than fun.
I’m truly grateful for the thoughtfulness of all who gift my kids. But please remember that whatever you choose will become a part of our daily lives, and the impact can be significant. When in doubt, opt for something simple, small, clean, and peaceful. Thank you!
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In summary, while gifts are a wonderful way to show love, keeping in mind practicality can make a world of difference for parents. Let’s keep the holiday spirit bright and the mess to a minimum!