Oh, the crap I got for other people’s kids before I had kids of my own. “I’m sure he’s going to love this incredibly loud, battery-operated police car!” And then there’s the stuff my own kids have accumulated over the years. I mean, wow, that slime really doesn’t dry out.
Before I go further, however, let me say that any and all gifts we have ever received have always been appreciated. This is not a complaint log. Rather, it’s a live-and-learn list of tips that I like to keep in mind when shopping for others.
If I were to give one piece of gift-giving advice to people shopping for kids, it would be this: “Keep it simple.” Seriously, you could wrap a pack of crayons or a hot wheel car up in brown paper bag with a bow on it and most kids would be over the moon. And if they’re too old to be actually thrilled by that stuff, then they’re old enough to politely fake it.
Of course, I’m not going to give just one piece of advice. That would never go viral. Here’s nine other things to keep in mind when shopping for other people’s kids. (And, yes, there are always going to be exceptions to these rules. If you know a certain family loves doing crafts together, then by all means get them all the glitter glue in the world.)
1. Does this toy come with a million pieces? If the answer is yes, don’t buy it.
Of course, this is not fair because I have bought my own kids all manner of Lego, Rainbow Loom and beading kits. Then again, when I’m stepping on shards of Lego at midnight or spending the better part of my life sorting through itty bitty pieces, do you really want me cursing your name? It’s better to let the parents’ shoulder their own blame.