Holiday Gift Social Skills

When it comes to gift giving and receiving, many kids have a lot to learn. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children socially appropriate ways to act when it comes to gifts. We have come up with a few common areas of awkwardness that happen around the holidays, and ways to get around them.  Role play, talk about these over dinner time and play pretend with these scenarios.

(1) What to do if you don’t like a gift
This happens! Let’s be honest – we have all been given something we don’t like. This is where we teach our kids to use their ‘social filter.’ On some occasions, it is completely OK to stretch the truth.  Explain to your kids that you don’t have to say you love it if you don’t, but have an expectation of at least saying, “thank you.”

(2) What to do if you already have the gift

Our rule of thumb is – if there is a gift receipt, or an offer to exchange the gift, it is totally appropriate to accept the offer. If not, you could teach your kids to say a positive comment about how having more than one of something is great. If you’re concerned that what your child might say next will be inappropriate, ask them to simply say, “thank you,” and not mention that they already have that item. 

(3) What to do if you don’t get a gift

It helps to identify that gifts are undeserved, and given on a completely voluntary basis. You can help your child label their emotion as being, “disappointed,” but in order to teach appropriate social skills, we recommend not to dwell on that disappointment. Shrug it off! Sometimes you get a gift, sometimes you don’t.

(4) What to do if you get a card

When a card is stuck to the front of a present, teach your children to open the card first. Taking the time to read the card shows the giver that you care about them, not just about what you are getting. Also, if there is no gift but there is a card, prep your kids on etiquette when it comes to appreciating a card by itself. Young children are unlikely to care deeply about words on a card, but you can still model appreciation in the moment.

Lastly, don’t feel bad if your child exhibits inappropriate holiday behavior. Believe us, this is very common! All of the excitement about the holidays can lead to a crash once the parties start happening, sugar starts being eaten and tiredness sets in. Ride the wave, stay consistent – January will be here before you know it!