Top Ten Things Kids Say That Ruin a Holiday Gift

(Especially when spoken in a whiny voice)

I already have this.
I had one of these before and it didn’t work.
I don’t like this.
How much did this cost?
But I wanted (something else).
I want what (someone else) got.
This is for babies.
My present is better than yours.
Can we take this back and get something else?
Is this all I get?

How to Help Your Child Say the Right Thing So He or She Won’t Ruin a Gift
(or stop getting them in the future)

Remind your child that a gift is free to him or her. Therefore it should be appreciated no matter what it is. That said, if a gift is a duplicate or if it is unwanted, encourage your child to recycle it by trading it or re-gifting it.
Explain to your child that negative comments about any gift is offensive and can result in the gift giver not wanting to give future gifts.
Explain to your child what people mean when they say, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth.”
Encourage your child to give a kind, yet honest response to any undesirable gift he or she receives by saying, “Thank you for the gift. It was so kind of you to give it to me.” (This response puts the focus on the kind gesture rather than the unwanted gift.)
It is important to encourage your child to be thankful for whatever he or she receives, and not want or ask for more.
Explain to your child that comparing what he or she receives with what someone else receives is a pointless exercise that can only lead to disappointment.
Explain to your child that it is inappropriate to ask a person how much a gift costs.
Explain to your child why “It is better to give rather than receive.”
Encourage your child to give gifts so that he or she can experience first hand the joy of giving as well as the disappointment one feels when a gift is not well received or appreciated.
Help your child develop a healthy perspective regarding gift-giving by providing experiences in which he or she can give to people who are less fortunate.