Clothes as gifts for kids

Andrewsgal · December 2013

Okay so this is a spin off and might be my UO for the week, but I don't think clothes are good gifts for kids unless it is something the ask for or are into. DD needs jeans I bought them online Friday and will give them to her when they come in. DS loves starwars so I could see giving him a starwars shirt as a gift. What says the SAHM board? Do you give clothes to your kids as Christmas and birthday gifts? I am meaning more clothes they will need not just something extra they will love?

Andrewsgal · December 2013

letranger said:

I got my husband and m matching Amtrak tshirts for Xmas. Soooo not sure.

but are adults different than kids? DH wanted new Virginia tech polo shirts so I bought him some for Christmas he asked for them. Two weeks ago he wanted new work shoes I would never have thought of saint no honey wait until christmas.

dizzycooks · December 2013

Idk we give one outfit as a gift. I imagine as she gets older the outfit will be something extra she'd like, but for now it's a need. She's also getting socks in her stocking, how awful am I;)

penguingrrl · December 2013

I give clothes as gifts and got clothes as gifts as a kid. In my case it's partially because money is tight but I want packages for them under the tree, so sometimes the packages are needs rather than wants. BUT my girls are really into clothes, so they get super excited about it.

lkm2006 · December 2013

I feel this way when people get their babies diapers for christmas. No, that's not a gift. That's a need.

I don't think adults are the same, though.

Eta: this is clothes strictly that are needed. When I was older, I loved getting clothes because I was obsessed with shopping. I would consider that a want, not a need.

Andrewsgal · December 2013

cjcouple said:

I am pretty much in your line of thought. I think getting a new outfit for the day or special clothes are a gift. I do think it changes with age. As a teen, if my DS wants a $150 pair of shoes - you better believe those are a gift.

This year my oldest DS really wants a Red Sox Baseball hat. So we are giving as a gift.

For his BDay he wanted this god awful ninja turtle sweatshirt that has a mask attached to the hood, we did that as half his gift (it was $30). I would never have bought that for no reason.

LOL I bought my nephew one of those TMNT sweat shirts too they are horrible. See that is something extra that is a perfectly fine gift. I just bought DS three hoodies because he needs them so they are not gifts.

Xtine22 · December 2013

We just got DD a pair of closed toe shoe, pants and a long sleeve shirt, she got them the day we bought them because she needed them and couldn't really wait till Christmas. She doesn't really NEED any more clothes right now so if I find something cute I will buy it and give it to her for Christmas. We will probably go by the if it is something she needs but not right away she will get it for Christmas or her birthday which is right before.

LatteLady5 · December 2013

penguingrrl said:

I give clothes as gifts and got clothes as gifts as a kid. In my case it's partially because money is tight but I want packages for them under the tree, so sometimes the packages are needs rather than wants. BUT my girls are really into clothes, so they get super excited about it.

This is how it was for me growing up too. Also DD loves clothes and shoes. She always wants to try them on right away so right now it's really fun for her. The only clothes she has under the tree right now are her Christmas Eve Pajamas and she'll have socks in her stocking but she doesn't need any more clothes so unless I find an awesome deal she probably won't get any. If she really needed something right now I would just buy it and give it to her. If I find something fun or awesome she'll like but doesn't need at the moment, I'll wrap it up for Christmas. I don't think it matters much either way but I can see how if a kid wasn't into clothes and that's all she got at Christmas that could be disappointing.

notkateanymore · December 2013

Yes, I give her clothes she needs as gifts. Not her only gifts, but I do give them. I see nothi wrong with it...she got jeans and an iPad mini last year. She was equally happy with both.

notkateanymore · December 2013

She's getting a pair of Uggs for Christmas this year...she needs new ones and it's a good gift, what's the harm exactly?

Chapter79 · December 2013

Personal differences in families

We do clothes, but usually just 1-2 items.
Usually it's something she doesn't necessarily need, but has seen in stories and wants. Like this year was a sparkly glitter dress she saw in Target. She totally does not need a new dress, she already has too many. She's asked for it twice, and I've said no. Sooo, we got it for Christmas. No biggie to me She'll be excited to get it!!

We also give new PJ's on Christmas Eve, that's our tradition. She'll be more excited about her 1D PJ's than most of her toys :P

penguingrrl · December 2013

Oh, yes, and we all get PJs from Santa on Christmas Eve. He leaves them while we're at my mom's or ILs having dinner and what paper they're in is the kids clue to which paper is theirs in the morning (our lazy way of avoiding writing tags on everything).

Andrewsgal · December 2013

KateMW said:
She's getting a pair of Uggs for Christmas this year...she needs new ones and it's a good gift, what's the harm exactly?

point out where I said there was harm in it? Oh I didn't. Weird. Uggs are not a necessity so not at all what I was talking about.

alli2672 · December 2013

Yes. I buy them some things they need for Christmas. I am going to buy them anyway, and they have fun unwrapping the gifts.
I also buy DH all of the clothes he needs for the year at Christmas and Father's Day.

Andrewsgal · December 2013

NandaB said:
To me a gift is given to make the receiver happy. If clothes make your kid happy, then I guess its a good gift. My kid would not be excited about new jeans, but he would be thrilled with a Go Diego Go shirt, or some uglyass light up shoes.

And diapers aren't a fucking christmas gift.

Yep this is what I was saying. Jeans he needs nope! Uggs she wants but obviously doesn't need? Yep

2-Step · December 2013

I got my boys matching sherpa fleeces from Quicksilver. It's a gift, but I do it in addition to whatever toys they are getting anyway. It doesn't take the place of another gift, it just gives them something else to open. My kids like clothes, not as much as toys, but they will like them so why not wrap them up? We also always got pajamas, undies and socks for Christmas as a kid. I never felt like I got less toys because I also got clothes too. It was just another fun thing to unwrap.

My kids get so many toys for birthdays and christmas that I don't mind people getting them clothes at all. It's nice to have some functional stuff mixed in with the toys I think.

notkateanymore · December 2013

Well you called it weird in the other thread and felt the need to post another separate thread about it, so obviously it's an issue for you.

Winter boots are a necessity, no matter the brand. But that's an excellent point...who gets to judge what's a necessity and what's extra? I bought DD Stella McCartney Day of the Week undies a couple of years ago and they came in such a cute box, I ended up giving them to her for Christmas. She loved them...they weren't necessary at the time, but had it been a couple of months later she would have grown out of all the other ones she had and they would have been. Can't give them as a gift ever bc they're underwear or just when she doesn't need them?

Andrewsgal · December 2013

I just think it's odd. It is my job to feed, clothe and shelter my kid. I don't consider this stuff gifts. Just like diapers are not gifts. Extra stuff? Sure but stuff they need? Nope. Of course my kids don't love clothes so there is that.

Chapter79 · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

I just think it's odd. It is my job to feed, clothe and shelter my kid. I don't consider this stuff gifts. Just like diapers are not gifts. Extra stuff? Sure but stuff they need? Nope. Of course my kids don't love clothes so there is that.

Again, just differences in people and all that. I grew up receiving clothes at Christmas and TOTALLY loved getting them. I love getting clothes at any age. I used to get socks in my stocking and loved it ::shrugs:: I guess I'm easy to please! :P

CountryMile · December 2013

DS LOVE TMNT.

I would not buy DS clothes. I am always buying him clothes and things he needs.

That being said my niece and two nephews are in a situation that they are constantly in need of clothes. I bought two really nice toys, a couple of small toys, movies, pjs and a few outfits along with gloves, boots. I've done that for the past few years.

Lindsay9911 · December 2013

My kids always get a pair of shoes and pajamas as well as other toys from my grandma every year! Usually a cute pair sparkly toms and some character pajamas!
While I wouldn't give those from Santa, my girls still get equally excited about sparkly shoes as they do a doll!
I love that it kills 2 birds with 1 stone! They are happy to put on their new shoes and it's one less thing I have to buy!

kcisthebombdotcom · December 2013

I don't get my kids clothes as gifts. I ordered dd fleece lined crocs for after swim vs trying to get socks on and I can't imagine making her wait three weeks to use them--seems kind of silly. If my kids ask for uggs or a north face coat when they're older i would get that as a gift. I did get dh a beavis and butthead shirt as a gag gift last year (and he wears it in public, so jokes on me. lol) I do get my niece and nephews both clothes and toys for their birthdays/Christmas though so I guess I'm kind of hypocritical.

bumpuser924057 · December 2013

My kids are still really young, but I would have no problem giving them clothes, even "necessity" clothes as part of their gift. I've certainly received them before and was happy and grateful. I also buy clothes as needed throughout the year without waiting for a special occasion, but this time of year if it can wait a couple weeks I'd rather wrap it up for Christmas. IMO there is nothing wrong with giving someone something they need as a gift. I would prefer that to a bunch of stuff they DON'T need, and I think it is in no way a "bad gift." A bad gift is the set of paper cocktail napkins with rude sayings on them that DH got in his stocking from his mom last year.

maize27 · December 2013

I don't particularly give clothes as gifts yet but I definitely appreciate when my family does! One of my aunts gets the kids all lots of clothes and the parents always appreciate it. My kids are so little that indontgive a ton of gifts because I think st overwhelming. Maybe when we do give more some of those will e clothes.

Socialworkgirl · December 2013

I think I tend to agree with you, AG. I don't think there is any harm in it and I can see doing it if your kids are into clothes. But, for example, at DD's age, she gets overwhelmed with too many packages and at 18 months could care less what she wears. Let's be honest, her clothes are more gifts for me.

KatieKim0815 · December 2013

I do but it's more to fluff up the bottom of the tree. I don't expect it to be something they're excited about. If I get stuff for future use I just stuff it under the tree instead of putting it stored in their closet like I do other times of the year.

zbeesma86 · December 2013

DD is little so she doesn't care. But I don't see an issue in getting cute practical clothes for Christmas. It's not like that is going to factor in my decision to buy her other gifts- 'oh honey, we can't buy that toy/book/pizzle, we just bought her jeans and a sweater.'

I got clothes for Christmas as a kid- it wasn't a wardrobe- a couple sweaters or a nice winter jacket. It's a gift- it's something nice and thoughtful. I don't see how getting clothes as a gift can be misconstrued any other way.

pevila · December 2013

I'm giving DD some hideous Twinkle Toes she loves as one of her presents, but I'm also thinking of wrapping her other new clothes as well, because she loves clothes. So I don't know.

If I didn't have any money, then, yes, her new clothes would count as presents.

eaglesfan700 · December 2013

I have never given my kids clothes as a gift for anything. When they are old enough to be that into clothes where they start requesting specific brands and expensive clothing items (like Uggs) they will definitely qualify as gifts. But at 5 and 4? I buy clothes as needed and they are put in the closet right away

eaglesfan700 · December 2013

I wanted to add that right now they are excited for toys. I don't want it to be a buzzkill on Christmas morning when they open up a pair of pants or something.

honkytonk_kid · December 2013

I don't/haven't (other than Christmas Eve pajamas) first because he is a bit young to get excited about clothes but mostly because we don't want filler presents under the tree for the sake of having more to open. We do 3. With an older kid who requests specific items, I can see clothes/shoes being a great gift, but giving them as filler gifts is not for us.

Andrewsgal · December 2013

I think that is a lot of it too we don't do filler gifts or gifts just to give them something to open.

Andrewsgal · December 2013

DDs birthday is September 4. I am going to wrap all her school supplies next year. Then I won't have to buy anything! Win:win

Andrewsgal · December 2013

hls19 said:
DD is little so she doesn't care. But I don't see an issue in getting cute practical clothes for Christmas. It's not like that is going to factor in my decision to buy her other gifts- 'oh honey, we can't buy that toy/book/pizzle, we just bought her jeans and a sweater.'

I got clothes for Christmas as a kid- it wasn't a wardrobe- a couple sweaters or a nice winter jacket. It's a gift- it's something nice and thoughtful. I don't see how getting clothes as a gift can be misconstrued any other way.

I really don't think this is that hard of a concept but anyway. Because it's not thoughtful if it's not something they enjoy. Our drill just broke we need a new one. If I bought one and gave it to DH for Christmas it would not be thoughtful because he doesn't want or like drills. It is simply a necessity in our house. Giving someone a gift the don't want or like is not thoughtful. We need a new blender for the kids smoothies I guess it would be so thoughtful for me to give my kids one right? I mean it is a gift they will benefit from.

honkytonk_kid · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

DD is little so she doesn't care. But I don't see an issue in getting cute practical clothes for Christmas. It's not like that is going to factor in my decision to buy her other gifts- 'oh honey, we can't buy that toy/book/pizzle, we just bought her jeans and a sweater.'

I got clothes for Christmas as a kid- it wasn't a wardrobe- a couple sweaters or a nice winter jacket. It's a gift- it's something nice and thoughtful. I don't see how getting clothes as a gift can be misconstrued any other way.
I really don't think this is that hard of a concept but anyway. Because it's not thoughtful if it's not something they enjoy. Our drill just broke we need a new one. If I bought one and gave it to DH for Christmas it would not be thoughtful because he doesn't want or like drills. It is simply a necessity in our house. Giving someone a gift the don't want or like is not thoughtful. We need a new blender for the kids smoothies I guess it would be so thoughtful for me to give my kids one right? I mean it is a gift they will benefit from.

I think everyone who replied either said that their kid like/wants clothes (making it a thoughtful gift) or are too little to care (in which case thoughtful is kind of a moot point).

eta: I guess my point is that whether or not it's a good gift depends on the kid...

penguingrrl · December 2013

It must be nice to have something to put under your tree while excluding necessities from the list. My tree would be mostly bare if we only put fun stuff we could afford under it and I'm pretty confident I'm not the only one here for whom that's true.

Each of my kids will get one really fun present (Julia's getting a bike because hers is outgrown, Emma's getting a scooter, Drew is getting something, not sure what yet) but all of those combined will be under $100 because even that's stretching our budget. I would rather wrap up things they need so they have a few packages under the tree than only have one thing under the tree each.

Our parents will get each kid a bunch of gifts, so it's not like they'll go without otherwise, but it feels really shitty to hear that what you can personally afford to do doesn't count as a gift.

zbeesma86 · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

DD is little so she doesn't care. But I don't see an issue in getting cute practical clothes for Christmas. It's not like that is going to factor in my decision to buy her other gifts- 'oh honey, we can't buy that toy/book/pizzle, we just bought her jeans and a sweater.'

I got clothes for Christmas as a kid- it wasn't a wardrobe- a couple sweaters or a nice winter jacket. It's a gift- it's something nice and thoughtful. I don't see how getting clothes as a gift can be misconstrued any other way.
I really don't think this is that hard of a concept but anyway. Because it's not thoughtful if it's not something they enjoy. Our drill just broke we need a new one. If I bought one and gave it to DH for Christmas it would not be thoughtful because he doesn't want or like drills. It is simply a necessity in our house. Giving someone a gift the don't want or like is not thoughtful. We need a new blender for the kids smoothies I guess it would be so thoughtful for me to give my kids one right? I mean it is a gift they will benefit from.

I totally get what you are saying- it's not a hard concept at all. I'm just saying it's a gift! It's the thought behind the gift that is nice. DD is too little to be like, wahhhh clothes for Christmas- but I want her to be grateful for whatever she gets- clothes, toys, books, whatever the gift is- someone put thought, effort, time, and money into it for her.

I'm totally going to buy you a sweater (ornament) if I get you in the gift exchange

Andrewsgal · December 2013

penguingrrl said:
It must be nice to have something to put under your tree while excluding necessities from the list. My tree would be mostly bare if we only put fun stuff we could afford under it and I'm pretty confident I'm not the only one here for whom that's true.

Each of my kids will get one really fun present (Julia's getting a bike because hers is outgrown, Emma's getting a scooter, Drew is getting something, not sure what yet) but all of those combined will be under $100 because even that's stretching our budget. I would rather wrap up things they need so they have a few packages under the tree than only have one thing under the tree each.

Our parents will get each kid a bunch of gifts, so it's not like they'll go without otherwise, but it feels really shitty to hear that what you can personally afford to do doesn't count as a gift.

I have been waiting for this card to get played. If there is a financial reason fine. We are not having a big Christmas for the kids. I don't think gifts are about the amount of gift or the amount you spend. I think it is about putting thought into it and giving your kids things they enjoy. My kids are not into clothes sure when they are older that might change. For some it is financial and if it is then it is, but don't pretend that is everyone's situation on this board.

I don't think there is anything wrong with kids getting one big gift and don't think you need clothes as filler gifts just to give kids more to open.

penguingrrl · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

It must be nice to have something to put under your tree while excluding necessities from the list. My tree would be mostly bare if we only put fun stuff we could afford under it and I'm pretty confident I'm not the only one here for whom that's true.

Each of my kids will get one really fun present (Julia's getting a bike because hers is outgrown, Emma's getting a scooter, Drew is getting something, not sure what yet) but all of those combined will be under $100 because even that's stretching our budget. I would rather wrap up things they need so they have a few packages under the tree than only have one thing under the tree each.

Our parents will get each kid a bunch of gifts, so it's not like they'll go without otherwise, but it feels really shitty to hear that what you can personally afford to do doesn't count as a gift.
I have been waiting for this card to get played. If there is a financial reason fine. We are not having a big Christmas for the kids. I don't think gifts are about the amount of gift or the amount you spend. I think it is about putting thought into it and giving your kids things they enjoy. My kids are not into clothes sure when they are older that might change. For some it is financial and if it is then it is, but don't pretend that is everyone's situation on this board. I don't think there is anything wrong with kids getting one big gift and don't think you need clothes as filler gifts just to give kids more to open.

To each their own. Maybe it's because my kids rarely get clothes outside of gift-giving occasions but they're very excited by it. My mom always wrapped up things we needed. One year I got new bedding. I would have gotten it anyway, but rather than handing it to me she made it a gift. Every family does things differently. I'd rather see lots of packages under the tree even if some are things they would have gotten anyway.

Andrewsgal · December 2013

Well then yes I guess that's where we're different the number of packages doesn't matter to me or the kids. They will appreciate it no matter the number.

Eskimokisses13 · December 2013

I give clothes and I got clothes for Christmas also. I got the kids a few things they "needed" (more like could use more of) last year. In our case, it is something other than more toys because they get inundated with toys from their grandparents this time of year. Now, I would not do it for a birthday present unless they specifically asked for it or were into it (like character clothes because I usually don't buy them otherwise). I don't know why I feel like there is a difference between Christmas and Birthdays, but I do. I don't feel strongly enough about it to judge others for it though.

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