Imagine a world where everyone could give every child in their life the perfect gift. One that both the kid — and their parents — would love to have around the house for the next 365 days. Does such a gift exist?
While it's not hard to think of a million things kids would want, we also need to consider what’s on their moms' allowed — and forbidden — gift list. There's no point in spending money on something their mom’s going to disassemble or conveniently "lose" in a month. Moms may love Christmas but they definitely don't love the gifts that lead to more work, more noise, more garbage under their feet. So listen up, because we've asked a bunch of moms to share the lowdown on the Christmas gifts they never want anyone to buy their kids — like, ever.
Live Gifts
“A live creature of any sort. Taking on a new pet is a very big decision (yes, even for a fish) so it’s just not something that someone outside of the immediate family should offer as a gift, unless it’s very much pre-approved by the parents.” — Tiffany M.
Toys
"I actually don’t like toys. I find it’s such a waste of money. I'd rather people gift them books, art supplies, games, or even experiences." — Gemarla B.
Sugary Candy
"I would not want sugary candy gifts … especially those giant-sized lollipops or candy bars!" — Samantha N.
Gifts That Require Parent Participation
"I’ve had health issues for years, so whenever the kids got something that required a lot of oversight or cleanup — like a major craft — I’d be so bummed. So now I have a very hard time buying gifts for kids from other families because I’m constantly overthinking what hell it might possibly create for the parents." — Tammy S.
Gender-Specific Gifts
"I never want anyone to buy my kids anything that promotes a specific ideology as the best or 'right' one. I have a nonbinary child and anything that says 'princess' or 'girly girl' in order to make them feel like their identity is wrong, is NOT allowed." — Annie W.
No Off Switch
"Anything without an off switch." — Beth M.
Batteries Required
"When my kids were preschool and younger, I had a 'nothing that takes batteries' rule. It kept my house free of noise, lights, and annoying, repetitive music." — Angela F.
Nerf Guns
"Nerf guns. I don’t allow them, but they got into our house because of gifts." — Dagmar B.
Musical Instruments
"Any musical instrument of any kind." — Jennifer E.
Dominoes
"DOMINOES!!!! I bought my kid dominoes (not the game but sets to the build cool things) and it is the worst! Frustrating when they fall over, especially if it’s 90% done because now it’s ALL done. And there’s no good way to store them — I find them everywhere, and they make such a mess!" — Alex I.
Violent Games
"My brother always gets my kids things I don't want them to have like violent video games. My other brother once got my boys a sand mold science thing. The sand was everywhere. I think he was trying to get back at me for something." — Yvonne C.
Gifts That Die
"Please do not buy my child anything that requires $20 worth of batteries that last a few days." — Sidney S.
One-Trick Pony Toys
"I prefer open-ended toys, so it grinds my gears when someone buys my kids toys that don’t require any type of thought for play. Toys that only serve one type of play also drive me crazy, like Hot Wheels tracks. They’re so big and annoying to organize." — Jessica D.
Non Age-Appropriate Gifts
"I don't want toys that make my kid have questions about things they aren't ready to know yet or I'm not ready to discuss with them. We don't need dolls that have babies or video games where people die given to our kids. We'll give them what they need when they need it." — Bertha T.
Dolls That Objectify Girls
"Dolls that sexualize, objectify or create an unrealistic or unhealthy self-image for my girls. Examples include Barbies, Bratz dolls, LOL dolls, etc." — Natalie V.
