When are kids too old to make Christmas gift lists?

Question

My kids are 12 & 14, and still make "wish" lists for Christmas. I'm thinking they are too old for that. It started when they were little, and wrote to Santa with their lists. Of course, they don't still believe in Santa, but they still write the lists. They put tons of stuff, some expensive, some not. My husband & I usually decide on a set $$ amount to spend on each kid, and we choose 5 things each from their lists. One big (expensive) gift, and the rest less expensive. These are things that go under the tree, and does not include what we put in their stockings.

I guess I'm really thinking about my 14 yr old (15 end of January), when I wonder if 14 is too old for a list. Actually, even though I've asked and reminded her to give us her list multiple times, she still hasn't. My 12 yr old son has. So, should I just go on with shopping for my daughter and not worry about a list from her, and just surprise her?

What do you think?

Answer 1

My children are almost the same ages as yours. I ask them for a list knowing that they will have a variety of items on it. I ask them to put "wish" items as well as realistic items. I use it as a guideline when I shop - also for the relatives when they ask what the kids want.

I find the pre-teen and teen years to be very difficult in terms of shopping. Many of them are label conscious. Heck - they've also played games that I've never heard of at a friend's house.

I also thinks it allows the parent to get them something special that they want with a bit of surprise. My kids will each get one "big surprise" as well as a couple of less expensive gifts. A couple of gifts are items that they need for sports that they already know about -- pads, skates, etc.

Your daughter is old enough to ask why she hasn't given you a list. Maybe she'd like to be surprised. Maybe she doesn't know what she'd like.

Good luck -- happy holidays!

Answer 2

I don't think there's an age limit. I will still make a list (I'm 27) if someone asks me what I want. But freely distributing your list without being asked is rude even for a small child (obviously it's a little different for Santa, but as far as relatives and friends are concerned it's rude to give a list if you're not asked for one).

Ask your daughter if she wants to make a list. Give her a day by which you must have it or you will just choose things for her. If you don't have it by that day, don't bother her about it or anything- just go buy her stuff you think she would like.

It sounds like you might be getting your kids a lot of stuff for Christmas. You might also try something like buying fewer gifts from the list and one thing that you choose for them, too. That way there is a surprise.

Answer 3

I think your worring to much about their age, I for one have 5 children the oldest being 17 and they still make "wish" lists for me, which I am very grateful for.......... if it wasn't for these lists I am afraid I would not get what they really want for christmas. They understand just because they write it down doesn't mean they will get it, which is all you need to do with your own children.
But if it wasn't for a list I would be lost shopping, at there ages it can be difficult to buy for. So for me I am happy with a "wish" list no matter of what the age.

As a matter of fact, their Grandmother still makes us all make out a "wish' list. On Thanksgiving she hands everyone a paper with 5 lines on it, we all know she buys one gift, but she wants to make sure we receive something we would use or want.

I plan on carrying on the same tradition when my children leave and start there own families. I would rather them make me a "wish" list at 50 years old and I get them something they want then them asking for the reciept to exchange it.
I hope this helps make you feel that your children are no different from the rest of the world, they are not being selfish or anything like that, they just want to help give you the right ideas!!

Answer 4

I'm an adult. My parents still like me to make a Christmas list--and my whole family including my husband and kids. They enjoy getting us gifts they know we will like and use. I don't mind writing a list either--while we don't always get what we want it points them in the right direction.

I say if you are uncomfortable with it then stop them from writing the lists. If you don't really care but don't want people to think you are "weird" I say it's not weird. It's perfectly normal to ask for a list--at least you will have direction. The older your kids get the more they realize money does not grow on trees. They will most likely stop writing such expensive lists and be more modest. I hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

Answer 5

I don't think there's anything wrong with a list, as long as they know they don't get everything on the list. Everyone gives lots of ideas for Christmas- that way, you can choose what to get the person based on how much you want to spend, and the person can still be surprised since they don't actually know what you'll pick off the list.

If the list irks you, though, maybe you can make your own list and give it to them. If it's good enough for them, you should do it, too.

Answer 6

Never, how do they tell you what they would like for Christmas? It doesn't mean you have to buy everything on the list, you can stick to your budget, but at least you will be getting them something they want. It really doesn't matter if the things are under the tree or in the stocking. Balance between small and large gifts, and when you spend your budgeted amount stop.

Answer 7

I'm 38 and still write a list! You're never too old. When friends and family request a list because they want to know what to get you for Christmas then help them out a little and give them ideas. They can decide what to get off the list based on their budget.

Answer 8

well do ya want them to give you a list or not?!? You're asking if they are too old and in the same breath, complaining cuz your daughter did not give you her list!!! A list is a good idea. I don't think they are too old. If they still get multiple gifts then a list is good for you to have. At least you know what they want and aren't gonna buy some thing they wouldn't want.

Answer 9

no i dont think them writing a list at that age is too old. If they still believed in santa i think that would be too old as they are old enough now to understand the meaning of money. Giving you a list and expecting whats on it to arrive under the tree would be a bit to much as they would need to start understanding that we cant always have what we want.

My mum still asks me what i would like for xmas and between me and my brother and sister all the hints go around and then we are nicely surprised on xmas day. although we were taught the meaning of money and know our parents worked hard to give us the life we have today.

Answer 10

Is your question wether to shop "listless" for your 14 yr old? I would just ask her for some ideas if she's not going to make a list. My 13 yr old has told me all she wants. I wouldn't shop without knowing b/c I have bought too many things for the kids over the years thinking they would like them and then the toys, etc never got played with - big waste of money!!