Wish list for a children’s birthday? It gives me the creeps’

You see it more and more often: parents who send a wish list for a children’s birthday. Handy, because this way a child gets something he wants and you prevent duplicate gifts. But not everyone is enthusiastic about the wish lists, according to our statement on social media.

A selection of the – rather diverse – reactions.

Wish list for a children’s birthday: yes or no?

• Jessica: “Nope, pre-imposed something. It’s about the gesture, the initiative someone takes for you. A list is stressful. You can always indicate wishes if asked. A child’s hand is quickly filled!”
• Denise: “Yes, otherwise your child will get those nonsensical things that will not be used. A shame anyway.”
• Lisa: “I get it, but I think they should be happy with what they get.”
• Steph: “I think that by making a list you expect to get something. That always gives me the creeps. And those lists sometimes contain stuff with prices that you say to! I like it when people buy something (if they want to buy something at all, because in my opinion that is not mandatory at all) that they themselves like to give.”
• Anita: “Ideal such a list. Then you know for sure that they like it and play with it”
• Karita: “If there is something on it for all kinds of prizes; useful!”
• Alexandra: “I find a digital list super handy! Because sometimes you just don’t know what to buy for a child. When I send a list I say here a list of ideas for gifts. Doesn’t mean you have to buy from the list. Don’t want to force anything on anyone.”

Read also: ‘Those over-the-top children’s parties; I’m done with it’

• Brenda: “Yes! I hate it when I don’t get any tips or wishes, such a waste of my time (because: searching randomly) and often a disappointment with my child who gave the present (‘he already had it’).”
• Lieke: “I find it super handy, both ways. Gifts that are not on the list are just as welcome, but at least that way everyone has an idea!”
• Margo: “As long as it is not an obligation to use it, fine.”
• Nicole: “I didn’t want to do it, but then everyone suddenly asked me what they wanted. I then chose to make a list of gifts up to €10 and only share it if someone asked for it.”
• Kim: “It works very well here, no more double legos and disappointed child! The downside is that he is less flexible for gifts that are slightly different than on his list…”
• Michelle: “No, I even think it’s rude. Let everyone choose for themselves what they want to buy and what they want to spend.”
• Anne-Karen: “I think I’m very old-fashioned. Find it incredibly annoying when my kids get a card for a party with gift tips on it. I think it looks so greedy. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally getting something you don’t like. Then you give it to someone who likes it and you immediately learn how to deal with disappointments. And it is also good for children to put themselves in the shoes of others: what would… want?”

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