Ahhh Christmas, that magical time of year when we pull our hair out trying to find the perfect gifts for the kids (both yours and your friends), without spending a million dollars or pissing off said friends.
Buying gifts can be one of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season,but don't worry I'm here to help.
I'll tell you all the things NOT to do/buy and I'll even give you a few ideas of what you can do to buy the perfect gift (well maybe not perfect but it definitely won't be a disaster).
No-No #1: Don't buy knock-off toys. There's a reason why they're knock-offs: because they fall apart as soon as you breathe on them.
Seriously, you may think you scored buying that Spider-man doll from some website for 1/2 price, but when your child/neighbor's kid/ cousin opens it and the leg falls off good luck explaining why they have a handicapped Spider-man.
Not only will you look cheap but you'll also have to build a small wheelchair or crutches to prop up the poor guy.
What should you do? Instead of buying a knock-off you can either shop when there's a sale or buy a different item. Some toys can not be found for cheaper so if you can't afford it go with a different gift, like a Spider-man activity book. You can also chip in with someone else to get a more expensive gift- which will save your reputation and your wallet.
No-No #2: Don't buy what YOU want. You may think that little drum set is the perfect gift, but the child's parents may want to drum a beat on your head for giving such a noisy gift.
This goes for gender-specific toys too: some parent's don't want their lil boys playing with dolls or girls playing with trucks- you don't have to like it but you do have to respect it. Because nothing says Christmas like giving a gift that destroys life-long friendships.
What should you do? Get suggestions from the parents on the things they want, so there's no mix-ups. Also, certain gifts, like building blocks or art supplies are timeless gifts that all kids like.
No-No #3: Don't buy what the parents want. I know, I just said respect what parents want and you should, within reason. Some parents are all about being practical, which is good- but not when it comes to Christmas gifts.
Educational toys and things of that nature are great, but some parents asks for gifts that will have you and the kids cringing, like a Barbie tooth brush(don't laugh there are parents that ask for those types of things).
What should you do? If you can buy The toothbrush along with a gift the child will actually like. Or, you can lie and say they were all out of Barbie toothbrushes, sorryyyyyyy.
No-No #4: Don't give home-made gifts. You may think a hand-knit sweater/cap is cute or snowmen cookies will be a big hit (not to mention save you some money), but most kids are anything but excited when they open up a gift and it's clothes or food.
Besides, you may think you can bake, but do you really want to watch as that cute little kid spits out your "yummy" treats? Or God forbid has an allergic reaction to the exotic nuts you used in your recipe?
What should you do? It's great to do something from the heart but the fact is most kids won't appreciate or enjoy those gifts and not everyone will like your taste in clothes or food.
Save those gifts for people you KNOW will like them and get the kids something cool,like a set of Play-Doh, so you can be the cool aunt/friend/cousin instead of the dreaded aunt who gives crappy gifts.
The most important thing to do when shopping for kids gifts is to arm yourself with everything you'll need to get through it: a list,a charge card and a case of wine. And remember, Christmas only comes once a year- thank God!!
Buying gifts can be one of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season,but don't worry I'm here to help.
I'll tell you all the things NOT to do/buy and I'll even give you a few ideas of what you can do to buy the perfect gift (well maybe not perfect but it definitely won't be a disaster).
No-No #1: Don't buy knock-off toys. There's a reason why they're knock-offs: because they fall apart as soon as you breathe on them.
Seriously, you may think you scored buying that Spider-man doll from some website for 1/2 price, but when your child/neighbor's kid/ cousin opens it and the leg falls off good luck explaining why they have a handicapped Spider-man.
Not only will you look cheap but you'll also have to build a small wheelchair or crutches to prop up the poor guy.
What should you do? Instead of buying a knock-off you can either shop when there's a sale or buy a different item. Some toys can not be found for cheaper so if you can't afford it go with a different gift, like a Spider-man activity book. You can also chip in with someone else to get a more expensive gift- which will save your reputation and your wallet.
No-No #2: Don't buy what YOU want. You may think that little drum set is the perfect gift, but the child's parents may want to drum a beat on your head for giving such a noisy gift.
This goes for gender-specific toys too: some parent's don't want their lil boys playing with dolls or girls playing with trucks- you don't have to like it but you do have to respect it. Because nothing says Christmas like giving a gift that destroys life-long friendships.
What should you do? Get suggestions from the parents on the things they want, so there's no mix-ups. Also, certain gifts, like building blocks or art supplies are timeless gifts that all kids like.
No-No #3: Don't buy what the parents want. I know, I just said respect what parents want and you should, within reason. Some parents are all about being practical, which is good- but not when it comes to Christmas gifts.
Educational toys and things of that nature are great, but some parents asks for gifts that will have you and the kids cringing, like a Barbie tooth brush(don't laugh there are parents that ask for those types of things).
What should you do? If you can buy The toothbrush along with a gift the child will actually like. Or, you can lie and say they were all out of Barbie toothbrushes, sorryyyyyyy.
No-No #4: Don't give home-made gifts. You may think a hand-knit sweater/cap is cute or snowmen cookies will be a big hit (not to mention save you some money), but most kids are anything but excited when they open up a gift and it's clothes or food.
Besides, you may think you can bake, but do you really want to watch as that cute little kid spits out your "yummy" treats? Or God forbid has an allergic reaction to the exotic nuts you used in your recipe?
What should you do? It's great to do something from the heart but the fact is most kids won't appreciate or enjoy those gifts and not everyone will like your taste in clothes or food.
Save those gifts for people you KNOW will like them and get the kids something cool,like a set of Play-Doh, so you can be the cool aunt/friend/cousin instead of the dreaded aunt who gives crappy gifts.
The most important thing to do when shopping for kids gifts is to arm yourself with everything you'll need to get through it: a list,a charge card and a case of wine. And remember, Christmas only comes once a year- thank God!!