Do you know the latest trend in children's gifts?

Question

This is truly interesting. Do you think it would work? Somehow,I think my Grands would be disapointed without a gift at gift giving time. Please share your thoughts.

According to a recent New York Times article, it’s charity donations. In an effort to reduce the clutter of unused toys and to teach altruism in children, some parents are now requesting “no gifts” for their children’s birthday parties. Instead, guests are encouraged to make a donation to a charity in the child’s name. While it may not be as much fun for the child, it does have a good lesson behind it. Kids need to learn at an early age the value of giving to others. So help your child stay other-focused...and remember...
remember your family first....

Answer 1

My personal thoughts are as follows.
I truly think it is a wonderful idea for children to learn tio give to others. Children sometimes think only of themselves, because a childs world revolves areound them. Perhaps these children will say "no" to designer clothes, the latest electronic equipement and other disposable, materialistic things.
This lesson teaches children to look at the world around them, be considerate of others, that they CAN make a difference, they can be APPRECIATED, they can show PRIDE for doing something kind for someone else. It may just jump start a career in a charitable organization where they can touch many lives

I saw the most beautiful thing happen after Katrina. The children collected money in their schools for those children affected by the storm. They had competitions to see which class could raise the most and do the most good. We had pallets and pallets of coin banks come in from thee wonderful children. We went to the Navy Credit Union so the money could be counted in the machines. Way to go kids! We are all proud of you.

I would think it would be a long lasting lesson for the children, By the following year, these kids will not remember what they received from someone on their birthday, but the feeling of giving will remain with them forever.

I gave my allowance to American Red Cross starting in 1956, I got a little pin in return and a red feather It started a lifetime of giving and volunteer work.

I say amen to these parents. Many kids have too many toys as it is, there is no happiness in marterialistic things, but in satisfaction of doing the right thing, the feeling lasts forever


**My kids loved the birthday parties themselves, all their friends, cake ice cream, games, sometimes we would have pony rides, or take them all to the zoo, something special. They do rememebr those times, but can't remember any gifts they received

Answer 2

Do you remember Christmas/birthdays when you were a kid? The excitement of presents! All the bright colours and the surprises... Yes, it takes very little to please a child, but a charity donation won't do the trick. I think that most children would only notice the absence of presents, they wouldn't understand about charity. Birthday parties are for the child. They want a rocking horse or a doll's house. They won't appreciate a well for a family in India. But one thing you can do is take them to a toy shop and let them pick a toy to send to a charity around Christmas time. I'm sure that would be fun, and you aren't taking away the experience of getting presents at giving time.

Answer 3

My girls are quite well adjusted & have been taught since early on, that it is important to see the world as it actually is, not how you would like it to be.
Although, this year they are attending boarding school, they are requested by me to volunteer at least 3 hours a week to those less fortunate. So they have decided to visit homeless shelters and provide a story hour to children there. They do this 3 times a week.
As far as the holidays coming up, we have Mabon, a celebrate of the autumn equinox, the Samhaim on the 31st of October, then on the 22nd of December is The Winter Soltice.
I ask everyone to make a list at the beginning of our new year, Samhaim of 3 things that they really want. Then when the Yuletide arrives on the longest night of the year, we exchange gifts. The rule at our house is: Gifts have to be from the heart, something you've made yourself. It can be edible, jewelry, knitted whatever.

Answer 4

I think it is very altruistic of the adults to do this...but what about the child? Does he/she even know what is going on ? I always liked to take my kids shopping at Christmas time and they'd purchase a gift for a less fortunate child. And we sponsored a child in a 3rd World country. But this trend sounds a bit, well, "trendy" to me. I'd rather have the little kids get their presents, and for the adults to have "no gift" events.

My neighbours just invited us to their joint 60th birthday party, and asked for guests to donate to a "treasure chest", the contents of which will be donated to a needy country school. I thought this was a lovely idea.

Answer 5

I've started giving charitable gifts at Christmas. I usually do it as a family gift and get something small for kids to open. I figure they get enough of what they really want from their parents. Everyone seems to appreciate this more than any token gift I give to express my affection.
(I don't have grandchildren yet, that might change my attitude.)

Answer 6

When children are old enough to understand the difference between getting and giving, it should be their choice. I enjoy reading stories about young people of any age who understand the difference and make the choice to give to someone else. Often they make that decision on their own, giving up their allowance or birthday money or just money they have saved, because they want to make a difference in someone else's life. That's truly commendable.

Answer 7

My little grandson has every toy in the world stuffed or moving, videos, DVDs and all the 'perk' stuff. My gift to him is time, and love and laughs. We play catch and he seldom misses. He tries to get me to ride his razor scooter, not on your life. He is so smart and cute and gets little on present days. He gets love and care more than the material things---many sets of grandparents buy the 'stuff'. Not me. He would empty his piggy bank for anyone that asked. Giving has not set in yet.

Answer 8

mornin kay, i belive that your right,the earier ,the better, i think and do,a small gift for the little ones will also help, cause their too little to know ,what you did 4 them,my oldest son has been profile as autistic and retardation,hes 40 now ,but happy as can be,sat. is his b-day and we're taking him to wal-mart and turn him loose,,he goes ever day to a school, they need all the help can be had

Answer 9

we paid for a course of swimming lessons for our grand daughter for her birthday, she is too young at 4 to understand good causes in her name

Answer 10

That is pretty altruistic of parents. I wonder what the child thinks of it?