Buying gifts for people can be fun for some, but can be a headache for many others (looking at you last minute shoppers!). Getting gifts for your family can be relatively easy as you know them. You know what your kids like. They write you a Christmas list and when a commercial pops up with the latest and greatest toy, they tend to tell you about it… over and over and over! At least, they do in my home.
However, shopping for other children is not always so easy. When shopping for Christmas gifts for someone else’s kids, it is important to consider the child’s parents and the living situation.
Size of the home and neighbors do matter
This includes the size of the living area and the proximity to neighbors. Specifically toys which are particularly noisy may not be appropriate for a child who lives in an apartment building with other apartment units nearby. Also, large toys such as a trampoline may not be appropriate for a child who does not have a yard large enough to accommodate such a gift. Similarly large indoor items such as a foosball table would not be appropriate for a child who does not have a dedicated toy room to accommodate such a large item. As a general rule it is best to stick with small items which do not make a great deal of noise when Christmas shopping for kids.
Play it safe when choosing a gift
It is also important to consider the personal beliefs of the parents when shopping for Christmas gifts for their children. Specifically you should not purchase an item for a child if you know their parents are ethically opposed to such as item. Guns and violent video games are a couple of obvious example of Christmas gifts which may offend the parents. There are many parents who do not allow their children to play with these items because they believe they promote violence. If you are not sure about the feelings of the parents, it is best not to select these items.
Finally, when Christmas shopping for a child, it is wise to consult the parents beforehand. This can be helpful for a couple of different reasons. First the parents can give some insight into the child’s hobbies and interests which may make selecting a gift easier. They may even suggest a specific item from the child’s Christmas list ensuring you are giving the child something he really wants for Christmas. Consulting the parents can also prevent you from giving the child a gift he already has. Try calling the parents before you make a purchase to suggest a particular item. They can let you know if they think the child will enjoy the item or if the child already has the item.
Speaking of phone calls
Here’s a great suggestion someone gave me for a very unique and safe gift to give kids who still believe in Santa Clause. How about setting up a phone call to the northpole? Yes, call Santa Clause’s workshop and speak to the elves and even Saint Nick himself! Now, that is a great idea for a gift and think most parents would be just fine with that. See, you don’t always need to go off a list and head out to the busy malls to get a great gift for the kids in your life.
