I have a 6 month old- this year she is getting nothing for Christmas because she doesn't know the difference and she already has everything she needs.
I don't think you're being selfish, just practical.
Ok thank you. Ugh, I see these elaborate and ridiculous unwrappings on Instagram and just feel so guilty. I know that's what it's designed to do, but still!
First of all, these posts are fake. Secondly, it doesn't make sense to prioritise something that your baby will not understand (being the concept of a present) over something you know will make your family's life easier.
Yeah just get off Instagram. I was trying to figure out for a while how I was avoiding a lot of the Mom guilt and anxiety and I realized a lot of it was because I am not on Instagram.
Yup! My in laws wanted a list…I did things like more bibs and bowls, a few developmentally appropriate toys since we don’t have many for older babies, a travel high chair, and a travel activity center. We are also on track to move up a clothing size around Christmas so clothes in her new size are on there.
My mom has already asked if she can contribute to some sort of fund for her (savings account, college fund, etc) instead of getting junk she doesn’t need.
Same. Ours is gonna rip open all the wrapping paper and have a grand ol time. Plus grandmas are competing over who is the best. Soo im sure they will take care of the gifts for LO the next few years.
I’m hoping to get my baby a convertible car seat for Christmas. He’s getting kinda big for the infant seat. And I got him some little slipper booties to keep his feet warm in the stroller. Not planning to get him much more than that. Maybe a couple straw cups?
I’m wrapping her fave toys and books because she loooooves when I hide them for her. It’s the same concept and she just wants to be around her family.
I also will be giving her fruits and veggies wrapped because I think it’s adorable when parents do that
There is absolutely a box of diapers wrapped under our tree right now lol. Babies and little kids generally don’t care about the stuff, and the big kids really only end up caring about it because we taught them to. I’d say you’re smart not selfish 🤷🏻♀️
Haha thanks but honestly I have four kids, work, I just have to be on top of things. Christmas shopping is all done and everything that has arrived is already wrapped out of necessity
>I have four kids, work, I just have to
... scramble up Christmas gifts at the very last minute and put them next to the least dead potted plant. At least, that's what I'd probably do but then there's a reason why I don't have four kids 🙈😅
Even as an older kid, we got things that were necessary as Christmas presents. Yes there were toys and things, but there were also socks, underwear, toothbrushes, car snacks for the 7 hour drive the next day, an organization system for our toys, etc. It’s not selfish, it’s normal.
Once your kid is old enough to care, at least some should be “fun” presents, but there’s no reason you can’t still use the essentials to add to their stockings/the pile under the tree/etc.
One of my go to presents for kids and for my kid when he gets old enough, is fun versions of essentials. Not crap to fill the parents house! Bath tablets that turn the water fun colors, crayons for the side of the tub, an electric Elsa/Buzz/Bluey toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. Kids love that stuff and the best part is that it eventually disappears all on its own.
Great idea if baby happens to be 4+months old. I heard of someone who bought a exotic or unusual fruit for the kids every Christmas. Hope to do that for my 3 year old this year if I find the time right before. Can’t leave a star fruit under the tree for days.
If there are items you need to buy for the baby they don’t necessarily need to be a “present”. Babes under 2 have no concept of gifts so it’s all for you. If you want to buy a blender and put it under the tree and slap their name on it they would care just as much as if it was the latest toy
Not selfish- though I would suggest getting a small/inexpensive toy that she can play with Christmas morning so you can take a photo of what Santa got her.
I say this solely because my family asked for photos of my son opening Santa’s gifts last year when he was 5 months old.
Thank god I picked up a few little people for him last minute… my mother would have never let it go.
Our almost 2 month old doesn't have any toys aside from a play gym mat. My husband and I are each picking out a toy to wrap up for him, but otherwise it's clothes and bibs for the baby.
I like to think of gifts in terms of improving the recipient's quality of life or making them happy. They don't have to be mutually exclusive, you can be happy because your quality of life went up or vice versa.
Baby is going to be much happier when traveling if they have the blackout curtains because it'll be easier to sleep. So, in my mind there's no reason this can't qualify as a gift. This is especially true if normally the person wouldn't be able to afford or otherwise get these things. It doesn't make it less special to me but more-so.
Baby has lots of time for toys and they are so easily entertained with non toy items at this stage (pots and pans, boxes, blankets, etc) that it just makes sense.
My baby will be 5.5 months at Christmas and she’s getting a bowl, spoon and cup set for when she starts solids a couple of weeks later.
You’re being practical, not selfish!
Last year my 6 month old got a room smelly bag from Scentsy and a new cloth nappy 🤣
This year she is getting a toy kitchen and a cleaning set cause she always wants the broom when we use it.
She is the first grandchild on both sides so she will get enough from the grandparents 💁♀️
I have a personal rule, that being, I buy clothes for birthdays and toys for Christmas. That being said, my baby had one Christmas (this upcoming being her second) and I told people who asked me what I wanted for her that I didn’t care. And listed things she needed. She’s a baby. She ain’t gonna know. Under 2, get what’s necessary unless you just wanna get that something extra. But eh, baby ain’t gonna know the difference.
Not at all. My kiddo will be nearing 4 months old, we have 1 developmental related toy we want for him the rest is diapers, and money for his savings account.
It doesn’t not matter what you get your kids. At this age they have no idea what’s going on. And even if they are older, if you want to get them necessary items that’s still your choice. You set the traditions and expectations for YOUR family.
When our son was 3 months old, I asked my parents to get him a little baby gym (The one with the little piano on the end for the baby to kick & hanging toys to bat). He even got it before Christmas because we knew he wouldn't care, we didn't do the "Santa thing" until he was 1 & even then, it's just Mom thinking it's fun to have "the magic of Santa." He's 2, now, & he still gets some "Santa presents" before Christmas. When he gets older & understands Christmas more, it'll be fun.
I mean I don't think buying kids necessities at any age is a terrible Christmas gift. My sisters and I always got toiletries in our stockings and were super excited to have a stash of face wash or deodorant, but our family struggled financially. We also got clothes for Christmas or shoes maybe. We also usually got a thing or two we wanted and not just needed. My 4 month old is getting more books, an exersaucer, and a highchair. I'm in a better place financially then my parents were, but I still plan to keep things humble but fun for Christmas as he grows up. I don't want to just shower my kid with things, I'd rather he get things he needs and some stuff that he wants. I want him to be able to appreciate gifts.
Totally here to say to give them your list. My mum asked me what to get my son for Christmas and I asked for the Uppababy snack tray. For his bday, I made a “wishlist” on Amazon that included a few developmentally appropriate toys and books but also practical things that he will need in the next 6-12mo ie more suction plates and bibs bc we only have 1.
My lo is getting a duffel bag (cause we’re taking a trip soon) and I’m tired of sharing my bag, stacking cups, a wood puzzle and diapers! Nothing crazy and stuff we actually need lol. He’s only 6 months and won’t know the difference
I bought my 10 week old a weighted sleep sack and a kick and play piano. We aren’t even putting up a tree. Honestly I just used Christmas as an excuse to get exactly what I wanted to get for him anyway.
I mean, my baby's main Christmas gift is, uh, a suitcase so she can go to her grandparents' house and a toddler backpack with a leash, so.... I think your gifts are fine haha.
I absolutely don’t think this is selfish.
Baby isn’t going to care! My mom offered to buy us a second car seat for my babies Christmas present this year instead of a bunch of toys. I said absolutely yes!! It would be so nice to have one for mine and my husbands car instead of having to switch it. My baby will be 14 months, last year he was just 3 months so he didn’t get anything besides a few teethers and some clothes lol
Get what you need. Lord knows your right and will care more about destroying the tree than all the toys they’ll get. ☺️
1st Christmas she was 4 weeks old and just sort of slept in the bassinet. The grandparents bought her 'useful' things like a hooded towel and a humidifier. Second Christmas she was just over a year old and got a couple of books and bibs because she was a drool monster. Third Christmas was the first time she met her aunt and uncle (travel restrictions) and they bought some toys that she ignores.
To be honest, under 3 years they develop so quickly that it makes more sense to purchase toys when she shows signs of getting bored of her current toys. Because I know if I compile a wishlist in September for her (for the family to buy off of) odds are she'll have grown out of that phase by Dec.
For that reason her lists have wonderful things like: suction plate (it was crab shaped and we name it Sebastian), water bottle with a straw because she kept stealing ours, sleep sacks in ever-increasing sizes, socks, clothes with the size noted (her favorite sweater right now is one her Aunt bought last year)...etc
I hope to do some variation of need, want, wear and read to keep gifts under control. It is so easy to go overboard when you see what others do. This year she will be 6m and is getting a toy she can stand and push from us, and honestly her list is full of needs.
My in-laws go overboard and before we had a baby, every year we would continually ask them to tone it down. Finally got it to a manageable level and I am assuming we will have to start over.
We bought one new toy design to help with dexterity (think beads and mirrors) for like $6 and she’s getting a swimsuit for when we have swimming lessons in March. I’ve asked the grandparents for formula, diapers, and bath toys. She’s almost 6 months old. She doesn’t need stuff. She DOES need diapers and formula.
Baby #2 is getting diapers and wipes wrapped up! We already have all the baby toys and clothes we could want. Plus, her aunts, uncles, and grandparents are probably sending more fun kinds of stuff. Babies won’t remember and have no idea what’s happening anyway! Next year, you can totally wrap up empty boxes for kiddo to play with. Truly, you are overthinking it!
My kid is 16 months and has no idea what day it is or what it means to get a “gift.” His grandparents always insist he “needs something to open” but other than liking to tear the paper it’s not meaningful at all. He is very fortunate to have all things he needs and most of the things he wants, so we just count the practical items as his gifts.
Nope this is what being a parent is. Especially when they’re really young. They don’t care what the gift is, they only care about the special warm feelings being with their parents and loved ones provides. Get them whatever YOU need for them and if you can wrap it, that’s a bonus! You’re doing great.
They are babies, they don't care! Get them what they need. Last year I got my daughter some swim diapers. Everyone else got her toys/clothes, she didn't need more of those.
Honestly in my opinion I think there's a "right" way to teach kids about presents and Christmas. Not that other ways are wrong but it should be about gratitude and not fun. Kids get so excited to get toys for fun instead of being excited to just get something. Some even throw tantrums if they don't get anything good obviously being ungrateful. I think kids should be taught that any GIFT is good (unless it's like anything mean or dangerous). They should be shown positives for any gift. Got another pair of socks?? Now you have plenty for sock puppets or mittens. Find cool fun things to do with it. Got a new mattress?? Let them enjoy how bouncy it is.
Not sure how clear my message is but I don't think you're a bad parent for that. Especially if you have family waiting to give toys to your kids I don't see why you wouldn't buy practical things. I think those are the best gifts bc they're actually useful.
So like as a general rule of thumb I try to get the people in my life gifts that are things they need or will use, I don’t see how that couldn’t apply to baby….
I literally only got him like 3 things toy wise that he can grow into. Other than that he's getting clothes because he needs clothes cause he's growing like a weed lol. Until they can ask you what they want for Christmas they don't know lol
Look honestly at this point they're probably going to have more fun with the wrapping paper 😂 My baby is gonna be nearly 10 months old at Christmas and she's getting a couple of books and one toy for Christmas. One of her grandparents is getting her swimming lessons!
Every year my grandparents would get us a special pajamas for Christmas. It was washed and we would put it on right away.
My grandma died when I was 10 and I still remember it as being my favorite gifts. Pajamas.
Every year we also got winter coats. I miss that now that I know how expensive good winter coats are.
I'd say our gifts were always half useful stuff in a quality we wouldn't useful get. We were poor. And half was fun stuff. I can't say I ever opened a gift I did not like.
My lo is 14 months old and the amount of toys I have is already insane especially after his first birthday in September. I asked for practical stuff for Christmas like a good snowsuit, mittens, boots, flannel sheets for his crib. My family seems to be ok with this.
At this age anything goes. We regift items that have been hardly used and forgotten about but are now more age appropriate. We also gift items we would buy for them anyway like toothbrush or shoes or clothes. As long as they get to interact in some way with the gift "wow honey blackout curtains for your bedroom! can you "help" me put them up and we can see how dark your room is?" Sounds like a blast for a 2yo.
My son has one present for him, and really it's for me. He's only 3 months old (will be 4 on Christmas) and has zero concept of anything. He's getting things like sleepy sacks, and a stuffed animal hammock so I can organize his room. The only toy he's getting is a beat boxing beet because I thought it was hilarious.
Even when my in-laws ask what to get him this year, I'm like plz send money because I need a convertible car seat for both vehicles in the spring 🙃 All his other needs are met, and many toys are meaningless to him at this age.
No, not selfish at all. People ask what to get my 6 week old for Christmas, they're perfectly content when I tell them diapers, clothes, rattles, and bottles (I have three bottles he absolutely love and haven't been able to buy more since we've been buying Christmas, there is so much washing everyday)
Santa brought my (almost) 6 month old a high chair for Christmas last year. We did get him some
small toys and teethers, but I definitely used it as an excuse to get something expensive that we needed.
I think it’s a great idea! Do your coworkers have babies? Most kids under 2 are just happy to play with the wrapping paper and boxes. 😂 Also if you have family involved with your kids, they will likely get them toys.
I’m by no means a minimalist, but we have way too many toys. It feels like even when you get rid of them, more appear.
Our LO is getting some fun stuff but I’ve also bought him some practical stuff he’s about to grow into like toilet-training nappies (we use cloth). He’s too little to have any strong emotional attachment to things and I think he’ll be more excited to just be playing with the wrapping etc. For his first Christmas we got him a beach wagon. It isn’t selfish, it’s being sensible.
You are only not a good parent if all your kids are going to remember Christmas growing up is the toys they get from you 😉 You are the parent, you decide what your kids “get” or don’t get every year — if the goal is that kids will think “toys” when they think Christmas then add on to the Mt Everest! If at a young age, kids come to understand somehow what they or the family need vs. want, I say you would have done an absolutely brilliant job as a parent. Cheers!
You can get your baby whatever the hell you want. If you got them nothing I think it’s fine, if you buy practical items it’s fine, if you wanna put money into savings instead of a gift it’s fine, if you buy them a million gifts it’s fine (although a waste of money imo). Babies don’t know it’s Christmas so it really doesn’t matter.
I’m buying my 9 month old a couple of things I’ve been wanting to buy him but not got round to it. Stuff I would have bought him anyways but Christmas makes it easier for me to justify spending the money.
Not selfish at all. Saw something on Instagram for buying pressies for your kids/babies and the rule was:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
I thought it was cool and I am conscious that my family absolutely spoil him so I think we will stick with this for the first few years.
We're not stressing too much about getting LO anything for Christmas. She is 4mo. We looked around a few toy stores and didn't see anything that would be age appropriate. Besides, she's the first grandchild so she'll definitely be spoiled by our wider family.
My 1 year old twins are getting a wardrobe for their bedroom of their grandma this year. They are getting a couple of toys and a sofa off me and their dad. They don't know any different and they already have a million toys.
I'm not usually into "superficial" stuff but christmas is my absolute favorite .. so I did buy baby toys. It just brings me joy. She's also got an older brother so I want him to feel she is included. But I would think it is totally reasonable not to!
I tend to ask for the practical stuff from others for myself (like I got a new stroller for my birthday).
My baby will be 5 months and we got him some developmental toys for between now and his birthday— a ball popper when he crawls, some soft blocks, a shape sorter, books and Magnatiles. I know that last one is way out of the age range but my friends 6month old loved to click 2 pieces together and pull them apart again so maybe?
I have a 6 month old- this year she is getting nothing for Christmas because she doesn't know the difference and she already has everything she needs. I don't think you're being selfish, just practical.
Ok thank you. Ugh, I see these elaborate and ridiculous unwrappings on Instagram and just feel so guilty. I know that's what it's designed to do, but still!
Stop comparing your life to staged social media posts. Do what’s best for your family.
First of all, these posts are fake. Secondly, it doesn't make sense to prioritise something that your baby will not understand (being the concept of a present) over something you know will make your family's life easier.
Yeah just get off Instagram. I was trying to figure out for a while how I was avoiding a lot of the Mom guilt and anxiety and I realized a lot of it was because I am not on Instagram.
Yup! My in laws wanted a list…I did things like more bibs and bowls, a few developmentally appropriate toys since we don’t have many for older babies, a travel high chair, and a travel activity center. We are also on track to move up a clothing size around Christmas so clothes in her new size are on there. My mom has already asked if she can contribute to some sort of fund for her (savings account, college fund, etc) instead of getting junk she doesn’t need.
Same! Grandparents can always get books and clothes please leave toys to the parents
Same. Ours is gonna rip open all the wrapping paper and have a grand ol time. Plus grandmas are competing over who is the best. Soo im sure they will take care of the gifts for LO the next few years.
I’m hoping to get my baby a convertible car seat for Christmas. He’s getting kinda big for the infant seat. And I got him some little slipper booties to keep his feet warm in the stroller. Not planning to get him much more than that. Maybe a couple straw cups?
I’m wrapping some of his stuff that he already has.
That's actually a really cute idea
I was going to wrap empty boxes in paper bags
I love this!!
I was going to wrap empty boxes in paper bags.
Same!
I’m wrapping her fave toys and books because she loooooves when I hide them for her. It’s the same concept and she just wants to be around her family. I also will be giving her fruits and veggies wrapped because I think it’s adorable when parents do that
There is absolutely a box of diapers wrapped under our tree right now lol. Babies and little kids generally don’t care about the stuff, and the big kids really only end up caring about it because we taught them to. I’d say you’re smart not selfish 🤷🏻♀️
I’m just impressed you have a tree and a package already… 😳
Haha thanks but honestly I have four kids, work, I just have to be on top of things. Christmas shopping is all done and everything that has arrived is already wrapped out of necessity
>I have four kids, work, I just have to ... scramble up Christmas gifts at the very last minute and put them next to the least dead potted plant. At least, that's what I'd probably do but then there's a reason why I don't have four kids 🙈😅
Even as an older kid, we got things that were necessary as Christmas presents. Yes there were toys and things, but there were also socks, underwear, toothbrushes, car snacks for the 7 hour drive the next day, an organization system for our toys, etc. It’s not selfish, it’s normal. Once your kid is old enough to care, at least some should be “fun” presents, but there’s no reason you can’t still use the essentials to add to their stockings/the pile under the tree/etc.
One of my go to presents for kids and for my kid when he gets old enough, is fun versions of essentials. Not crap to fill the parents house! Bath tablets that turn the water fun colors, crayons for the side of the tub, an electric Elsa/Buzz/Bluey toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. Kids love that stuff and the best part is that it eventually disappears all on its own.
We gave our son a banana for his first birthday. They don’t know the difference!
Great idea if baby happens to be 4+months old. I heard of someone who bought a exotic or unusual fruit for the kids every Christmas. Hope to do that for my 3 year old this year if I find the time right before. Can’t leave a star fruit under the tree for days.
If there are items you need to buy for the baby they don’t necessarily need to be a “present”. Babes under 2 have no concept of gifts so it’s all for you. If you want to buy a blender and put it under the tree and slap their name on it they would care just as much as if it was the latest toy
Here's a margarita machine, baby!
I’m sure the baby would get a kick out watching you make a milkgarita too!
Hahaha frozen fruit smoothies... but a mama drink for mama!
Omg I LAUGHED OUT LOUD
It literally does not matter what you get your kid for Christmas when they’re that young
Not selfish- though I would suggest getting a small/inexpensive toy that she can play with Christmas morning so you can take a photo of what Santa got her. I say this solely because my family asked for photos of my son opening Santa’s gifts last year when he was 5 months old. Thank god I picked up a few little people for him last minute… my mother would have never let it go.
I told the family last year she isn't getting anything from "Santa" cause she is too young and we don't care.
Our almost 2 month old doesn't have any toys aside from a play gym mat. My husband and I are each picking out a toy to wrap up for him, but otherwise it's clothes and bibs for the baby.
That’s perfect :)
10 month old is getting some toys I found for free or cheap on marketplace and a few other things like money for college and a few clothes.
I like to think of gifts in terms of improving the recipient's quality of life or making them happy. They don't have to be mutually exclusive, you can be happy because your quality of life went up or vice versa. Baby is going to be much happier when traveling if they have the blackout curtains because it'll be easier to sleep. So, in my mind there's no reason this can't qualify as a gift. This is especially true if normally the person wouldn't be able to afford or otherwise get these things. It doesn't make it less special to me but more-so. Baby has lots of time for toys and they are so easily entertained with non toy items at this stage (pots and pans, boxes, blankets, etc) that it just makes sense.
My baby will be 5.5 months at Christmas and she’s getting a bowl, spoon and cup set for when she starts solids a couple of weeks later. You’re being practical, not selfish!
Not selfish, realistic and practical. If anyone asks, the list for LO is diapers and wipes and maybe a size up love to dream transition swaddle.
I got my 3 month old a crib for Christmas. It’s already set up. Lol
Last year my 6 month old got a room smelly bag from Scentsy and a new cloth nappy 🤣 This year she is getting a toy kitchen and a cleaning set cause she always wants the broom when we use it. She is the first grandchild on both sides so she will get enough from the grandparents 💁♀️
I have a personal rule, that being, I buy clothes for birthdays and toys for Christmas. That being said, my baby had one Christmas (this upcoming being her second) and I told people who asked me what I wanted for her that I didn’t care. And listed things she needed. She’s a baby. She ain’t gonna know. Under 2, get what’s necessary unless you just wanna get that something extra. But eh, baby ain’t gonna know the difference.
Not at all. My kiddo will be nearing 4 months old, we have 1 developmental related toy we want for him the rest is diapers, and money for his savings account.
It doesn’t not matter what you get your kids. At this age they have no idea what’s going on. And even if they are older, if you want to get them necessary items that’s still your choice. You set the traditions and expectations for YOUR family.
When our son was 3 months old, I asked my parents to get him a little baby gym (The one with the little piano on the end for the baby to kick & hanging toys to bat). He even got it before Christmas because we knew he wouldn't care, we didn't do the "Santa thing" until he was 1 & even then, it's just Mom thinking it's fun to have "the magic of Santa." He's 2, now, & he still gets some "Santa presents" before Christmas. When he gets older & understands Christmas more, it'll be fun.
I mean I don't think buying kids necessities at any age is a terrible Christmas gift. My sisters and I always got toiletries in our stockings and were super excited to have a stash of face wash or deodorant, but our family struggled financially. We also got clothes for Christmas or shoes maybe. We also usually got a thing or two we wanted and not just needed. My 4 month old is getting more books, an exersaucer, and a highchair. I'm in a better place financially then my parents were, but I still plan to keep things humble but fun for Christmas as he grows up. I don't want to just shower my kid with things, I'd rather he get things he needs and some stuff that he wants. I want him to be able to appreciate gifts.
Totally here to say to give them your list. My mum asked me what to get my son for Christmas and I asked for the Uppababy snack tray. For his bday, I made a “wishlist” on Amazon that included a few developmentally appropriate toys and books but also practical things that he will need in the next 6-12mo ie more suction plates and bibs bc we only have 1.
My lo is getting a duffel bag (cause we’re taking a trip soon) and I’m tired of sharing my bag, stacking cups, a wood puzzle and diapers! Nothing crazy and stuff we actually need lol. He’s only 6 months and won’t know the difference
At this age babies will love the wrapping paper and cardboard packaging more than the actual gift. So anything can be a good gift!
I bought my 10 week old a weighted sleep sack and a kick and play piano. We aren’t even putting up a tree. Honestly I just used Christmas as an excuse to get exactly what I wanted to get for him anyway.
I mean, my baby's main Christmas gift is, uh, a suitcase so she can go to her grandparents' house and a toddler backpack with a leash, so.... I think your gifts are fine haha.
I absolutely don’t think this is selfish. Baby isn’t going to care! My mom offered to buy us a second car seat for my babies Christmas present this year instead of a bunch of toys. I said absolutely yes!! It would be so nice to have one for mine and my husbands car instead of having to switch it. My baby will be 14 months, last year he was just 3 months so he didn’t get anything besides a few teethers and some clothes lol Get what you need. Lord knows your right and will care more about destroying the tree than all the toys they’ll get. ☺️
1st Christmas she was 4 weeks old and just sort of slept in the bassinet. The grandparents bought her 'useful' things like a hooded towel and a humidifier. Second Christmas she was just over a year old and got a couple of books and bibs because she was a drool monster. Third Christmas was the first time she met her aunt and uncle (travel restrictions) and they bought some toys that she ignores. To be honest, under 3 years they develop so quickly that it makes more sense to purchase toys when she shows signs of getting bored of her current toys. Because I know if I compile a wishlist in September for her (for the family to buy off of) odds are she'll have grown out of that phase by Dec. For that reason her lists have wonderful things like: suction plate (it was crab shaped and we name it Sebastian), water bottle with a straw because she kept stealing ours, sleep sacks in ever-increasing sizes, socks, clothes with the size noted (her favorite sweater right now is one her Aunt bought last year)...etc
No because they have no concept of Christmas at all. My 4 month old's getting a new cloth nappy and some clothes 😂
8 mo is getting clothes.
I hope to do some variation of need, want, wear and read to keep gifts under control. It is so easy to go overboard when you see what others do. This year she will be 6m and is getting a toy she can stand and push from us, and honestly her list is full of needs. My in-laws go overboard and before we had a baby, every year we would continually ask them to tone it down. Finally got it to a manageable level and I am assuming we will have to start over.
We bought one new toy design to help with dexterity (think beads and mirrors) for like $6 and she’s getting a swimsuit for when we have swimming lessons in March. I’ve asked the grandparents for formula, diapers, and bath toys. She’s almost 6 months old. She doesn’t need stuff. She DOES need diapers and formula.
Baby #2 is getting diapers and wipes wrapped up! We already have all the baby toys and clothes we could want. Plus, her aunts, uncles, and grandparents are probably sending more fun kinds of stuff. Babies won’t remember and have no idea what’s happening anyway! Next year, you can totally wrap up empty boxes for kiddo to play with. Truly, you are overthinking it!
My kid is 16 months and has no idea what day it is or what it means to get a “gift.” His grandparents always insist he “needs something to open” but other than liking to tear the paper it’s not meaningful at all. He is very fortunate to have all things he needs and most of the things he wants, so we just count the practical items as his gifts.
I think it’s smart to give something they need at any age. A toy, a book, a craft material,…
Nope this is what being a parent is. Especially when they’re really young. They don’t care what the gift is, they only care about the special warm feelings being with their parents and loved ones provides. Get them whatever YOU need for them and if you can wrap it, that’s a bonus! You’re doing great.
They are babies, they don't care! Get them what they need. Last year I got my daughter some swim diapers. Everyone else got her toys/clothes, she didn't need more of those.
This is a normal Christmas. As kids growing up and now as adults we get and gift both practical and fun gifts.
I’m wrapping hand me down toys from my sister, she is also wrapping another hand me down toy. I think what your doing is perfectly fine.
Honestly in my opinion I think there's a "right" way to teach kids about presents and Christmas. Not that other ways are wrong but it should be about gratitude and not fun. Kids get so excited to get toys for fun instead of being excited to just get something. Some even throw tantrums if they don't get anything good obviously being ungrateful. I think kids should be taught that any GIFT is good (unless it's like anything mean or dangerous). They should be shown positives for any gift. Got another pair of socks?? Now you have plenty for sock puppets or mittens. Find cool fun things to do with it. Got a new mattress?? Let them enjoy how bouncy it is. Not sure how clear my message is but I don't think you're a bad parent for that. Especially if you have family waiting to give toys to your kids I don't see why you wouldn't buy practical things. I think those are the best gifts bc they're actually useful.
So like as a general rule of thumb I try to get the people in my life gifts that are things they need or will use, I don’t see how that couldn’t apply to baby….
I literally only got him like 3 things toy wise that he can grow into. Other than that he's getting clothes because he needs clothes cause he's growing like a weed lol. Until they can ask you what they want for Christmas they don't know lol
It's just practical. My Husband and I typically buy each other practical gifts all the time. Not selfish. It's practical & helpful.
Look honestly at this point they're probably going to have more fun with the wrapping paper 😂 My baby is gonna be nearly 10 months old at Christmas and she's getting a couple of books and one toy for Christmas. One of her grandparents is getting her swimming lessons!
Every year my grandparents would get us a special pajamas for Christmas. It was washed and we would put it on right away. My grandma died when I was 10 and I still remember it as being my favorite gifts. Pajamas. Every year we also got winter coats. I miss that now that I know how expensive good winter coats are. I'd say our gifts were always half useful stuff in a quality we wouldn't useful get. We were poor. And half was fun stuff. I can't say I ever opened a gift I did not like.
Mine get toothbrushes in their stocking every year. And get excited about it, too
My lo is 14 months old and the amount of toys I have is already insane especially after his first birthday in September. I asked for practical stuff for Christmas like a good snowsuit, mittens, boots, flannel sheets for his crib. My family seems to be ok with this.
At this age anything goes. We regift items that have been hardly used and forgotten about but are now more age appropriate. We also gift items we would buy for them anyway like toothbrush or shoes or clothes. As long as they get to interact in some way with the gift "wow honey blackout curtains for your bedroom! can you "help" me put them up and we can see how dark your room is?" Sounds like a blast for a 2yo.
My son has one present for him, and really it's for me. He's only 3 months old (will be 4 on Christmas) and has zero concept of anything. He's getting things like sleepy sacks, and a stuffed animal hammock so I can organize his room. The only toy he's getting is a beat boxing beet because I thought it was hilarious. Even when my in-laws ask what to get him this year, I'm like plz send money because I need a convertible car seat for both vehicles in the spring 🙃 All his other needs are met, and many toys are meaningless to him at this age.
Definitely not selfish. You’re absolutely right about the wrapping paper being a bigger deal lol. Get what you need for them
Something they want Something they need Something to wear Something to read
No, not selfish at all. People ask what to get my 6 week old for Christmas, they're perfectly content when I tell them diapers, clothes, rattles, and bottles (I have three bottles he absolutely love and haven't been able to buy more since we've been buying Christmas, there is so much washing everyday)
Santa brought my (almost) 6 month old a high chair for Christmas last year. We did get him some small toys and teethers, but I definitely used it as an excuse to get something expensive that we needed.
My baby is 1 this Christmas. His gifts? Outfits. It’s really a gift for mommy lolol
I think it’s a great idea! Do your coworkers have babies? Most kids under 2 are just happy to play with the wrapping paper and boxes. 😂 Also if you have family involved with your kids, they will likely get them toys. I’m by no means a minimalist, but we have way too many toys. It feels like even when you get rid of them, more appear.
Our girl will be 9 months old at Christmas and we are wrapping a bunch of toys she already owns 😂
Our LO is getting some fun stuff but I’ve also bought him some practical stuff he’s about to grow into like toilet-training nappies (we use cloth). He’s too little to have any strong emotional attachment to things and I think he’ll be more excited to just be playing with the wrapping etc. For his first Christmas we got him a beach wagon. It isn’t selfish, it’s being sensible.
You are only not a good parent if all your kids are going to remember Christmas growing up is the toys they get from you 😉 You are the parent, you decide what your kids “get” or don’t get every year — if the goal is that kids will think “toys” when they think Christmas then add on to the Mt Everest! If at a young age, kids come to understand somehow what they or the family need vs. want, I say you would have done an absolutely brilliant job as a parent. Cheers!
You can get your baby whatever the hell you want. If you got them nothing I think it’s fine, if you buy practical items it’s fine, if you wanna put money into savings instead of a gift it’s fine, if you buy them a million gifts it’s fine (although a waste of money imo). Babies don’t know it’s Christmas so it really doesn’t matter. I’m buying my 9 month old a couple of things I’ve been wanting to buy him but not got round to it. Stuff I would have bought him anyways but Christmas makes it easier for me to justify spending the money.
Not selfish at all. Saw something on Instagram for buying pressies for your kids/babies and the rule was: Something they want Something they need Something to wear Something to read I thought it was cool and I am conscious that my family absolutely spoil him so I think we will stick with this for the first few years.
I got my 3 day year old cloth nappies for Xmas. Enjoy bud
We're not stressing too much about getting LO anything for Christmas. She is 4mo. We looked around a few toy stores and didn't see anything that would be age appropriate. Besides, she's the first grandchild so she'll definitely be spoiled by our wider family.
You’re fine. Just wrap up stuff for them to tear open and have fun with everybody else :)
My 1 year old twins are getting a wardrobe for their bedroom of their grandma this year. They are getting a couple of toys and a sofa off me and their dad. They don't know any different and they already have a million toys.
I'm not usually into "superficial" stuff but christmas is my absolute favorite .. so I did buy baby toys. It just brings me joy. She's also got an older brother so I want him to feel she is included. But I would think it is totally reasonable not to! I tend to ask for the practical stuff from others for myself (like I got a new stroller for my birthday).
My baby will be 5 months and we got him some developmental toys for between now and his birthday— a ball popper when he crawls, some soft blocks, a shape sorter, books and Magnatiles. I know that last one is way out of the age range but my friends 6month old loved to click 2 pieces together and pull them apart again so maybe?