09.12.2024 Christin Müller 13129

The right gift: 9 tips from the pme parent advice service

Every year at Christmas, we go to great lengths to buy or make presents and drape them lovingly under the Christmas tree. In many German households, however, you can no longer see the Christmas tree for all the presents. Gifts are no longer just more expensive, but also much more. The more the better? This is not always the case with Christmas presents.

Our pme parenting advice shows you what really matters when giving gifts and how to give them properly.

1. a personal gift

Of course, this doesn't just apply to gifts for the children. Gifts are also always a form of indirect communication and reveal a lot about your relationship with each other. Does your gift convey "You are important to me and I know what YOU are happy about"? Then (almost) nothing can go wrong!

2. it's the packaging that counts!

A beautiful box with a big bow or colorful wrapping paper increase the excitement and anticipation of unwrapping (especially if the presents are already under the Christmas tree).

3. one, two or ten gifts?

Preschool children in particular are often not yet able to accurately estimate the value of a gift and tend to focus on the quantity of presents. So even if there is a big expensive present, a second small gift such as stickers or a hair clip can quickly save the day.

4. sibling love knows boundaries

It's easy to see who has received more presents. However, siblings don't always have to get the same thing. They are much happier when their different preferences and wishes are recognized and appreciated and the gift suits them.

5. beware of gift exchange

If your children just open the presents at random without really noticing them, there were too many. It's better to agree with the family who will give what and pool larger gifts, for example. This also helps to avoid competition between the gift-giving grandparents.

6. contemplative gift-giving

Establish a schedule for unwrapping presents. It will be much more relaxed if the presents are unwrapped individually and each family member has a turn. Smaller children in particular will enjoy distributing the presents to the family members (don't forget the name tags!).

7. gifts of money and vouchers

When in doubt, gifts of value are perhaps not so personal. But if your teenage grandson is saving up for a skateboard, for example, he will probably be happier to receive a financial contribution than a sweater he knitted himself.

8. the wish list is not an order form

The following applies: Not every wish has to be fulfilled at Christmas. Instead, try to recognize which wishes are really important to your child and which things they would simply like to have. This also includes accepting that children's wishes do not necessarily have to match those of their parents.

9. gifts for all

Don't just give gifts to the children, but also to each other, because loving gifts are materialized feelings. Children learn best from their parents' example how nice it is to give joy. And they feel that their parents like each other when they think about a gift and surprise each other with it.

Maternity protection, child benefit & co.: The pme parent advice service 

Our parent counselors support parents in all matters from pregnancy to the child's adulthood. Personal and confidential: we are there for you online, by phone or on site.

You can find more information about our parent counseling service here.