Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
It’s your child’s birthday, and you want to make it unique. And you want to demonstrate your affection for them by selecting the most thoughtful presents you can give them.
But how many gifts should a child get for their birthday?
Is there a limit to how many presents you may give someone, or should you keep buying until your heart’s content?
We’ll provide details when deciding how many gifts to give your child on their birthday. Keep reading to learn more.
How Many Birthday Gifts Should A Child Get?
Generally, a child should receive at most three or four gifts on their birthday, although giving them fewer or even one special gift is acceptable.
Aside from that, you can use a four-gift rule which consists of something they want, need, wear and read. With that in mind, you can quickly get a perfect present for your child.
But before you go overboard with gift-giving to your kid, there are a few things you need to consider first.
3 Factors To Consider
1. Age Of The Child
Younger children are more likely to be delighted by a more significant number of presents, as they tend to have less experience receiving gifts and may not appreciate the value of a single item.
If a child is a toddler [1], for example, they may be thrilled to receive several items from different categories, such as a toy, a book, and a particular outfit.
On the other hand, an older child, such as a teenager, may be more difficult to please and may prefer to receive fewer, more expensive presents. But what to put in your kid’s 1st birthday party bags?
2. Budget
Consider the amount of money set aside for the birthday celebration, then decide how many presents can be bought for that amount.
Limiting the number of presents may be helpful to ensure that each is of good quality and something the child will truly enjoy.
3. Preferences Of The Child
When planning a celebration, it’s best to keep the child’s preferences in mind.
For example, buying them a new instrument or music-related items might be great if the child is into music. Or a new basketball or soccer ball will be a great gift if the child is into sports.
Considering the child’s interests can help provide ideas on what gifts to get them. But how many Christmas gifts should a child get?
What Exactly Is The Five-Gift Rule?
The five-gift rule is a popular gift-giving strategy in which the giver limits the number of gifts they give to five.
Its goal is to keep gifting simple and to ensure that each recipient receives an appropriate number of gifts.
Each gift should be thoughtful, meaningful, and special, which the recipient will genuinely appreciate.
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
– Denis Waitley, American Motivational Speaker
The gifts can range in price from small items to more expensive and luxurious items, depending on a budget of the giver.
As such, the five-gift rule is a great way to simplify the gift-giving process and ensure that each recipient receives something significant.
How Much Do I Spend On Birthday Gifts For My Child?
It is suggested to spend between $20-$30 on birthday gifts for children.
But with a smaller budget, you can still find meaningful gifts at a fraction of the cost.
Consider purchasing an experience, such as tickets to a show or a museum or a gift card to their favorite store.
If you want to splurge on a more pricey present for your kid, consider something they’d enjoy, like a bike or a video game system. Find out how much to spend on someone’s birthday gift here.
Should Parents Limit the Number Of Gifts They Give?
Yes, parents should limit the number of gifts they give.
Giving too many gifts can lead to a child’s feeling of entitlement, believing they deserve more and more and lead to a lack of appreciation for the sacrifices they receive.
Children may also become ungrateful and take their parents’ generosity for granted.
When parents give too many gifts, children may not learn the value of hard work and the satisfaction of saving for and purchasing things.
Instead, parents should help their children learn to appreciate what they already have and work within a budget to acquire more desirable items.
What Should You Give Instead Of Giving Presents?
There are many other ways to give gifts that don’t involve physical presents. For example, you can share someone’s experiences or quality time.
Experiences like a day out to a museum, a fun class, or tickets to a show can make a lasting impression.
Quality time could involve a special outing or a home-cooked meal together [2].
You can also give someone a thoughtful gesture, such as writing a letter, making a scrapbook, or volunteering together.
Small acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures can be equally meaningful, if not more so, than a physical gift.
Read: What Are The Characteristics of A Great Present?
FAQs
Can gift-giving be seen as manipulative?
Gift-giving can be seen as a form of manipulation if the gift-giver has an ulterior motive.
However, gift-giving can be a meaningful and thoughtful gesture that builds relationships when given from a place of genuine love and appreciation.
What makes accepting a gift difficult?
Accepting a gift can be difficult when it is from someone you have a strained relationship with, as it can be seen as a sign of obligation or indebtedness.
Accepting a gift can also be challenging if you have intense guilt or unworthiness, as the gesture can feel too generous or overbearing.
What gifts shouldn’t be given?
Gifts that are overly personal or inappropriate, such as alcohol, intimate apparel, or expensive items, should not be given.
Final Thoughts
Remember that the quality of the gift and the intention behind it are far more significant than the number of gifts you give, no matter your child’s age.
A birthday is a time to celebrate and make that child feel special and loved.
So, whatever number of gifts a child receives, make sure to include lots of hugs and love to make the day even more meaningful.
References:
- https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/your-toddlers-developmental-milestones-2-years
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/cooking-at-home.htm
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