“While I appreciate the kind thoughts when it comes to Christmas gifting, I wish my close friends and family members would ask for my wishlist before they go shopping. I’ve received many well-intentioned presents gone wrong – too-tight or not-my-style clothes for my kids, stationery that they already have 10 times excess of, family games that would take another decade for my kids to appreciate, tote bags (enough tote bags!) – that I’d rather forgo the surprise of unboxing, to have gifts that I actually desire and will put to use. That would help me save money too.”

– Charlotte, mum of a 7-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy

“Why is it that gifts often come in a physical form? In this day and age, our material wants can be easily satisfied. I’d like to teach my son about the value of learning and trying something new. How about gifting experiences like a craft workshop, or indoor skydiving? That would be more meaningful and memorable than giving yet another toy.”

– Shi Hui, mum of a 9-year-old boy

“We got some kinetic sand toys once that purportedly creates no mess. But omg, it’s so sticky and hard to clean. I let my kids play once, just once and then I threw the whole mess away. Real sand is easier to clean than that rubbish. Don’t open it, at least not in your own home.”

– Diana, mum of 6 year old boy

“We have two below 3 and I really don’t understand the need for people to be effusive in their gifting at such a young age. They’re not going to remember or appreciate it, so save it for when they’re older. We got one of those battery-operated cars they can ride in last year and now it just sits “parked” in my in-laws place.”

– Li Yuan, mum of a 3 year-old boy and 9 month-old girl

“Cheap toys that don’t last really bothers me. It just plays into the “more is more” idea and really, it’s not. Some people are really proud of themselves for buying something cheap online, and then when it inevitably breaks down they just agree to buy another! I try to tell people to buy things that will last or grow with the kids”

– Christina, mum of 1 year-old and 3 year-old girls

“Ideally the gift should be something the kids can play by themselves without much help from parents. That’s the whole point of toys, right? So parents can get some respite. Some art and craft toys are not age appropriate and parents need to handhold throughout the process. Such a pain.”

– Erica, mum of 4 year-old and 7 year-old boys

“Get something that can be exchanged for something else! Kids have very specific likes or dislikes. So including a gift receipt definitely helps.”

– Smita, mum of a 6 year-old girl

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