Why Gifts Are Always Part of Family Life
Gifts are an interesting topic because they are constantly part of life. When you have children, there are always invitations – birthday parties, visits, celebrations, and family gatherings. And of course, we also host events ourselves.
Recently the biggest event in our life has been moving into a new home. In our culture, that usually means housewarming visits. Since our home is not very large, we invite friends and acquaintances in small groups of three or four people at a time. That means we will probably have at least five separate gatherings.
I have been to many housewarming parties myself. I usually bring something simple but traditional: bread, salt, wine, sweets, or something similar. Honestly, I expected something like that for our own housewarming visits too – although right now, because I am pregnant and will soon be breastfeeding, wine is not something I can enjoy.
Still, thoughtful gifts are always appreciated.
When a Gift Becomes a Wonderful Surprise
Today some people from our village came to visit. The children played together and we had a very fun afternoon.
The gifts they brought were amazing.
One neighbor had asked earlier what we needed. I assumed she might bring something used if she had extra items at home. But instead she arrived with completely new things:
- a brand-new electric kettle
- a full set of forks, knives, and spoons
- oven mitts
- kitchen towels
- a kitchen apron
- a baking dish
I honestly did not expect such generous gifts. Everything went into use immediately the same day, which is the best possible outcome for a present.
That is exactly what makes a gift feel thoughtful – it is useful and practical.
When Gifts Miss the Point
Not all gifts are like that.
Some visitors have brought things like strong room fragrances and scented candles, which I simply cannot tolerate. I already had this problem during my earlier pregnancies, and the smell still makes me nauseous. Now I have to figure out what to do with them.
Someone also brought half-price strawberries that were already starting to grow mold. Others have offered old, musty furniture that had been stored for decades in unheated houses.
Fortunately those pieces never arrived at our home, and I was able to politely decline.
In my opinion, these kinds of “gifts” are actually quite rude. If someone truly does not know what to bring, it would honestly be better to give a simple envelope with money.
Practical things would also be wonderful gifts:
- hygiene products
- dry foods
- homemade preserves
- toilet paper or paper towels
- tissues or wet wipes
- pasta
- jars of pickles
- pumpkin or vegetable preserves
- jam or juice
All of these would be very welcome in a family with small children.
Gifts at Children’s Birthdays
Birthdays are another gift-giving moment in our family.
Our children are four and two years old, and we have created a tradition of celebrating one shared birthday party with a small concert. Guests often bring surprisingly generous gifts.
Some of the best presents we have received include:
- handmade cards
- art supplies
- clothes
- sweets
Handmade cards are especially heartwarming.
When we give gifts to other children, I often ask my daughter to draw a card herself. Then we usually add clothes or something edible as the actual present.
Thinking About Gifts for a New Baby
Soon another gift-related moment will arrive: visits to see our third baby.
After some strange housewarming gifts, I admit I almost feel like not inviting anyone to visit the baby at all. Preparing food and hosting visitors can be exhausting with a newborn.
Still, I will not forbid anyone from coming. Whoever wants to visit is welcome.
If I am honest, the most helpful gifts for a newborn would be:
- baby clothes
- diapers
- wet wipes
- saline solution ampoules
- nasal aspirator tips
Families with babies use these things constantly, and they never go to waste.
Choosing Gifts for Other Families
Soon I will visit a childhood friend who just had a baby boy. I prepared a large gift package because it is a special day for their whole family.
The baby’s father also has a birthday on the same day, and their daughter deserves something too. I also wanted something for the new mother.
So the gifts include:
For the father
- a humorous book with a personal dedication
For the mother
- chocolate, nuts, and raisins to support breastfeeding energy
- juice without gas or additives
For the daughter
- a coloring book
- markers
- candy with her name on it
For the newborn
- baby bodysuits
- wet wipes
- saline solution ampoules
It is exactly the kind of gift package I would personally love to receive.
Christmas Gifts in Our Family
Our last Christmas was very simple. We spent it at my childhood home and exchanged only small presents.
- My partner’s parents received a good new carpet.
- The children got art supplies and clothes.
- My partner received clothes and sparklers.
- I received sweets.
That was more than enough.
What Gifts Really Say About Us
In the end, gifts are a beautiful gesture, but they are not the most important thing.
Still, they say a lot about the person giving them.
A good gift should be:
- useful
- thoughtful
- suited to the person receiving it
Otherwise, it might be better not to give a gift at all.
For children, gifts matter much more than they do for adults. Until about seven or eight years old, children are happiest with tangible things like toys, art supplies, and colorful clothes. Teenagers probably prefer money so they can save for something bigger.
Supporting the Next Generation
There is one more thought I often have about gifts.
Older parents could sometimes support their adult children financially when they start families of their own. Starting an independent life is expensive, and support at that stage can make a huge difference.
Personally, when my daughter grows up and begins her adult life, I would love to give her a significant financial gift to help her start.
The Most Important Thing
In the end, the most important thing is simple:
A gift should come from the heart.
When we organize our children’s shared birthday concert, we even tell guests that the best possible gift is a musical performance – if they want to participate and have the skills.
Because sometimes the most meaningful gift is not an object at all, but a moment shared together. 🎁
You are not alone.
If this story resonated with you and you’d like to go deeper, you can explore my e-book Our Journey – A Different Path. It offers honest reflections and lived experience beyond this post.
If you’re looking for practical support, I’ve created Routine Templates to help parents and children navigate daily life with more clarity, structure, and understanding.
You can also read my previous posts or follow along on Instagram @parentguidancehub, where I share everyday reflections on parenting, family life, and finding balance.
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