When thinking about what to get my kids for the holidays I always try to put myself in their shoes and remember the gifts I received and how I felt about them when I was their age.  As kids grow up, the things that constitute a good gift may change dramatically, and as parents we should be cognizant of this and do our best to align the karma of our gift giving with the delicate state of our children’s gift receiving mojo.  After all, there are few things more annoying than giving a kid a gift that is clearly not appreciated.  They are KIDS, and even though you may have trained them well to smile and politely say “thanks,” you will instantly know if you hit the mark or struck out with your gift choice.  Been there, done that!

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SPEND, IT’S WHAT YOU SPEND IT ON

I’ll never forget being about 11 and getting a gift from my Grandmother that was clearly aimed for a 9 year old!  Even worse, it was clothing for a 9 year old!  As my younger sister played with her age appropriate TOY, I sat in the corner and moped (until my grandfather had the clever idea of offering me one of the old classic book editions – MOBY DICK – that I had always admired on their bookshelf…)  Thinking back on this experience, I am inspired to share with you some simple guidelines for gifting kids.

5 TIPS FOR “GIVING GOOD GIFT” TO KIDS OF ALL AGES:

• TIP #1: IGNORE THE AGE GUIDELINES ON PACKAGING – the “For Ages blah blah blah…” that is printed on the packages of toys and games has no bearing on the habits and desires of actual human children.  It is determined by marketers and lawyers, mostly to prevent you from suing the toy company when your kid finds some creative, non-traditional, unexpected use for the item.  SOLUTION: Know your kid and what they like.

• TIP #2: FOR INFANTS TO CHILDREN UP TO AGE 2 – get whatever you want.  They could care less and will be more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes it came in.  Good time to buy them clothes and stuff they will hate when they are older.  HINT: Don’t let them eat the wrapping paper. The bright holiday colors have no correlation to the taste or nutritional value.

• TIP # 3: FOR AGES 3 to 11 – Get them anything that is geared for a kid at least 2 years older than they are provided it is gender appropriate and NOT CLOTHING or anything remotely useful or practical.  A new shirt is not a gift.  A Nintendo DS game is.

• TIP # 4:  FOR AGES 12 to 18 – At the mid to high end of this range, you may actually get away with clothing and accessories as gifts, especially if the child in question has discovered the opposite sex and desires to impress them by looking and smelling somewhat stylish and presentable.  At the low end of this age group music, video games, sports equipment, and gadgets may be your best bet.  HINT: Ask!  They know what they want.  Get a few ideas so you can still surprise them (but from a pool of good choices).

• TIP # 5: FOR AGES 18 AND ABOVE – Give them cash, and hope they will use some of it to buy you a gift for a change!

Whether you follow these tips or not, good luck with your holiday shopping and have fun (and keep a few books around as backup gifts!)

What do you think?  Any gift giving tips you would like to add?  Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 20, Ethan, 18 and Olivia, 17).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab.

Photo Credit: © ioannis kounadeas – Fotolia.com

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