Presents for unappreciative children

[simonsayss]

Im a nanny and I love the kids I look after, I really do. I buy them a gift on their birthday and at Christmas. Their parents are work long hours so they overcompensate for lost time by buying them whatever they want. If they go to M&S they’ll get a toy even if it’s to nip in for milk after tennis.

The problem is that because of this, they don’t appreciate anything. They are always wanting something new for their attention, they’re so used to it and even the thought out gifts I get them specific to their interests get disregarded a day later for the new toy.

So what do I buy for them? I’m not well off at all and I’m sick of seeing how their toys are treated and I begrudge buying them decent gifts. What would be something that is inexpensive but seems relatively substantial ? Both birthdays and Christmas coming up. Children 4 & 8 now

Books?

Tried that last Christmas. I’ve not even seen them in the home let alone that we could sit and read them. I can barely get them to do homework as WFH parent says they don’t have to the second they hear children protest to reading or maths.

Do they like art/crafty stuff?
Look at www.bakerross.co.uk
Nice quality, decent prices.
They list suitable ages for the items.

Buy them the first thing you can think of.

If what you say is true, then it doesn't matter and isn't worth stressing over 🤷‍♂️

You’re right to be honest.

Ive done books - couldn’t see them in the home to even read with children and they wouldn’t want to anyway.
craft packs - came back the next day and children had opened and just lost all the pieces and drew on every piece of card so we couldn’t make anything.
dolls - all the clothes and shoes were lost after a few days
Selection boxes - the children told me the parents wouldn’t let them eat them even though they are allowed sweets etc

Rather than 'things' or material items what about an experience instead? Trip to the zoo/theme park/theatre obviously depending on age.

Voucher for an experience.

That would cost me about £70/£80 Atleast!

Gratitude journals?! A bit pointed maybe- lol

I wouldn't bother getting them anything to be honest, if that's how they behave!

Would a shared gift work? Like a home laser tag set? Play dough set with all the fun stuff? My kid absolutely loves his Dad's pocket torch at the moment - might have to get him one for his stocking 😆

I'd do books again with a message written inside from you. At least they might appreciate it when they are older. Maybe...

A game to play together?

Otherwise just say ‘I’m not doing presents this year’ and shrug. They’ll get over it.

actually a fantastic idea for the older child! Thank you! I have seen Childrens ones before

Something like magnetic darts? My two were given a set and adored it. And it was pretty robust.

This with bells on

Why get them anything?

Something involving glitter, lots of it.
Encourage them to open it as you leave for the evening.

I know I’m petty. This attitude is awful and the parents deserve all the hassle they get for permitting it.
If you must get something, a bag of sweets each from the pound shop. Nothing you buy will be appreciated so don’t bother with any effort or value.

A colouring book and a set if pens each. A magazine or 2. A jumper or fun tee shirt. Pajamas, bath stuff.

I can't link but maybe a "back and forth" memory book. Google, "Just between you and me, kid". Amazon £5.99

I used to have a step son like this. He'd want for nothing, spoilt, bratty, and got a "toy" ay the drop of a hat (and the sulk he'd pull on the rare occasions he was told no were disgusting). So at Christmas he'd get a small gift from me and that was it, he'd never "look" or "play" with it anyway so I never felt guilty.

I’m not being purposely obtuse with suggestions but they’d lose the darts within the week and it’d never be used again. I’m not joking they have so many toys and they just get thrown everywhere that any sort of ‘set’ is just unusable because of missing pieces.

I wouldn't buy them anything. You are under no obligation to. My regular babysitter always bought my children stuff for years. I always felt bad and said she really didnt have to etc She eventually stopped a year or so ago. I am v relieved as I know she couldn't really afford it and I don't think my children have even noticed.
Maybe make Christmas cookies/gingerbread with them before Christmas.

I wouldn’t do this to their poor cleaner who has to tidy up the children’s mess before she can actually clean 😂

Something that isn’t a toy? Bath bombs / bath spray foam stuff. One of those gingerbread house kits they can all decorate. Christmas theme cookie cutters with boxed cookie mix. Or if you need to go more toy ish then a game they can play together that isn’t complicated? hits in our house for ages 5-9 are The Sock Game, Hungry Hippos, Screwball Scramble, Blink…