Do you do early Christmas presents?

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I have tween DC and this year they are both negotiating hard for certain Christmas presents to be available early, ie now.

One of these makes sense - it’s a pricey winter jacket so would get more use given now. The other not so much, but if I’m giving one early I guess I need to do the same for the other.

The trouble is of course that this will reduce what is left to open on Christmas day especially as it’s the favourite items they want early (of course). We haven’t done early gifts before so I’m wondering how much the DC will take account of the fact they got stuff 1/2 months ago and expect less.

They are not generally ones to make a fuss about what they get so think it will probably be fine but just wondering if anyone has experience of doing this or any suggestions to share? Like do I wrap a bit of paper saying “your jacket” to remind them that was a Christmas gift 😆

I remember a few times when I was a teenager that my birthday present was substantial enough that it was to cover Christmas as well, then I just got the stocking fillers at Christmas. I never felt aggrieved, and my birthday was in May!

My stocking fillers were great though - my mum was really good at small thoughtful things that I'd never think of, so the excitement of unwrapping wasn't really connected to the present that (by that age!) I knew I was getting.

Thanks. Yes mine would be just as excited by something small but fun too. I think I need to get better at stocking fillers/small gifts (I actually started a separate thread for ideas!)

I think I’d say no to this. I understand the point of the coat getting more use but I think delayed gratification is all part of Christmas 🎄

If they need the coat now then it shouldn't really have been a christmas present. If it's more they want it now and have a perfectly good winter coat for the next 6 weeks then make them wait I think

Yes, one of mine's phone broke recently, we had already agreed to get a new one for Christmas so we did it early. So the other has had something early too just because really. So less on the day but that's fine.

Interesting to have mixed views!

I think I’m leaning on the side of giving the gifts early (just one each). They don’t technically need them, but will get better value from them given now, more use before they are outgrown. Plus the y7 child is very conscious of wanting a “cool” coat to wear to her new school rather than her serviceable but uncool one.

We are fairly unsentimental about Christmas as a family so I think getting value for money will win out over deferred gratification and opening on the day. Although I will definitely try to think of some fun little surprises for the day so it isn’t a damp squib.

Thank you all.

While I get the delayed gratification thing, mine aren't grabby and it certainly isn't an expectation every year, there won't be disappointment at getting less on the day (and I wouldn't do the "your jacket" thing).

Here's a best of both worlds....
A few years ago, around October/November time I needed a new bag. DH bought one I'd been lusting after but couldn't justify as an early Christmas present.
Christmas morning I opened a present to find my bag that I'd been using for weeks, including all its contents 😆

If they need the coat now, I'd say give it now, and wrap it up Christmas Eve

That's a great idea. Give it now then wrap it on Christmas Eve
You could fill the pockets with some small gifts.. or even just pockets full of sweets

😆 like this idea!! Funny… although might backfire if they think it’s some large exciting new thing!

We got our early December birthday teen a new bike last week under the "this is you main birthday present you understand"

He needs the bike now.

Their winter cycling gloves are arriving tomorrow they are also part of the early birthday present.

As long as they absolutely understand it's their main present you are handing over so there's nothing big left, they know what it is, so less of a surprise.