Pass the Parcel – I am sure that you are familiar with the de-cluttering experts' advice that if you have anything in your closet that you haven’t worn in one year, you should get rid of it. On TV, they put the unwanted clothing in a black bin bag and that goes straight down to the charity shop. Use the same principle with the kids. If children receive gifts they do not like and will never use, consider giving them to someone else who can get joy out of owning them. Last year my son received three identical Ben10 Omnitrixes because he had an alien-themed party. I suppose I could have tried to exchange two of them at ToysRUs or put them on EBay, but in truth, I find that a time-guzzling nightmare. Just pass the parcel. I believe that it’s what every sane, budget conscious parent should do, as long as you have a good memory about who gave it to you. Oh, please! Tell me that you have never recycled a gift to someone else; you’ll win my raised eyebrow.
A Win-Win Solution - Searching around in the dark for solutions, we sometimes hit on a winner of an idea. We introduced ourselves to the pastor of a local church and joined him and some of his congregation on Christmas Eve wrap up boxes of food and presents from Santa for distribution to low-income families. We brought the children so that they could understand how and why our own contribution would help others. I’m pleased to say that the younger one just about understood, while the older one “got it.” There were a lot of relevant questions; for a few weeks anyway. However, now when I talk to them about sharing, they remind me of the time they played Secret Santa with their extra toys and games. I can’t argue with that.
One Tip - If someone gives your child a gift you don't want him/her to have, explain why you have a problem with it, in terms that a child will understand. Then, offer to replace it with something else on which you can both agree.
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