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When Relatives Come Bearing Gifts...
and Gifts ... and Gifts By Christina Vercelletto
A good way to lessen the numbing effect of too many gifts all at once is to stagger them, experts say. Put some gifts away for a dismal day in January, and your toddler will no doubt react as if she were seeing them for the first time.
Relatives, especially grandparents, are notorious spoilers. The Falcones asked relatives to buy only one gift each for Olivia. Everyone intended to go hog wild, as Olivia was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. The Falcones patiently explained their logic: "Her wide eyes and her thrill at hearing paper rip will diminish over the years, but her expectations won't."
Their reaction? Darcy Falcone describes it bluntly. "We were booed and hissed," she says.
If relatives must buy gifts, consider setting a dollar limit. If they really want to spend more, suggest they purchase savings bonds.
"Take a stand [with] the relatives," says Chasen. "If they insist on buying gifts, suggest they invest in music, creativity or science. For $30 they can get a kid's microscope or a guitar."
Don't equate love with things.
"Some parents do use toys as substitutes for direct attention without even realizing it," says Freedheim. "The greatest gift you can give your child is time and that will last much longer than the latest toy."