Don't Give Your Toddler What He Wants for His Birthday

on February 8, 2012 at 6:30 PM

My two-year-old is about to be a three-year-old in a matter of weeks. In addition to wondering how that many years passed without me knowing it, I'm pondering the toddler birthday gift. I have yet to ask him what it is he wants for his birthday, and quite frankly, I'm thinking about not asking him at all.

Not unlike Halloween, when you can dress them up however they like, you can really pick and choose a toddler birthday present up until around age five. Sometimes four if you have an avid television watcher (read: commercial watcher). So why should I give up that power just yet?

Somehow it was different when he sat on Santa's lap and put in his request for a light saber, which we promptly ordered from Amazon. Probably because I get no credit in that arrangement. Before long though, he's going to have very specific requests for each and every holiday that requires a present. But as of today, I could pick out my favorite kid lit book and give it to him and he'll be super stoked to get it.

Of course, on the other hand, there's something very cute about asking a two-year-old what he wants for his birthday, then seeing his excitement when the "sparkle horse" or "skate board" magically appear. No matter which way we go, it's all cute. Toddlers opening presents are adorable, since they love everything they get. So it really doesn't matter what I get the little guy. If he's anything like his sister, every present he opens for his third birthday will be followed by an awe-filled exclamation, "It's just what I always wanted!"

Do you let your toddler make requests on his birthday?

About the author April Peveteaux

writes about anything that gets stuck in her craw. A mom of two in Los Angeles, she can't believe she practically lives in the country now after attempting to raise kids in Brooklyn.

Filed Under: birthday parties, fun & games, toddler activities

Comments (15)

RhondaVeggie

on Feb 8, 2012 at 7:23 PM

When my son was two he made it quite clear that he wanted trains for his birthday. When he came downstairs and saw that train table he was rendered speechless for several minutes until he was able to say "trains? In my house?" and actually approach the table. He is now six and a half and still plays with those trains just about every day. I am so glad I listened to him because those things were worth every penny.

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Nonmember comment from Kathryn

on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:26 PM

My little guy will be four in a few weeks, He's very very specific about what he wants, and he's been telling everyone for weeks: A big black monster truck and a watch with lots of buttons that will take him to the moon. So far, I've only been able to satisfy one of these requests!

jalaz77

on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:44 PM

I do. I even let them pick out a theme when they are old enough and you know what? They are so greatful. It's been a few months since their bdays and they still talk about them!

TAG_ur_it

on Feb 8, 2012 at 9:08 PM

my daughter turns 4 next week. she's been asking for My Little Ponys. i tell her she has to wait til her bday. well, her nana sent her a card w/ $20, so i took her to go spend it. she ended up with 4 pony packs. and LOVES them. not what i would have picked out for her, but i'm not the one playing with it either.

Nonmember comment from Tara

on Feb 8, 2012 at 9:14 PM

I've let my daughter pick her gifts since she turned 3, and she has always picked well. She is the type who would not be so excited with gifts she didn't want, so it's been important. And, yes, she always knew exactly what she wanted. :)

BriLee

on Feb 8, 2012 at 9:18 PM

Of course I ask them. How silly not to. During Chris I asked my newly 4 year old what he wanted. He wanted Star Wars Books. Books? Yes! That's what he wanted so he got several, including picture books, Lego comics and early readers. I'm glad we asked.

arliss123

on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:57 PM

My older daughter turns three in May; she doesn't really watch TV, so she's not exposed to commercials. She's never asked for a particular gift, and I know what she likes, so I don't plan on bringing it up. It's easier that way! If she ever makes a request on her own, though, that's fine too.

Kiwismommy19

on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:31 PM

I get her to tell me a few things she wants then I pick some from what she says. I also keep an ear out all year for things she gets into or says "now That is awesome!". She rarely requests specific gifts, never has. This year for example, she did ask for tinkerbell jammies, and other tink stuff and art stuff. So she'll get some tink art stuff, the jammies, and other things I've picked up since last year that she's shown interest in.

Butterflysky_24

on Feb 9, 2012 at 12:11 AM

When my son turned 3 I asked him what he wanted but he didn't know. I am glad he's not a spoiled kid raised in the toy aisle knowing exactly what he wants. So he was happy with anything. Every present he opened, even when he didn't know what it was, his eyes were huge with excitement just at the thought of opening presents. But if he asked for something specific within reason i would get it. I have memories of getting exactly what I wanted for Christmas or birthdays. My husband has memories of asking for something and one of his 7 siblings always getting it and him not getting much. So it's important to me for my son to look back on his child hood with fond memories. Even if he probably won't remember his 3rd birthday

Deweymom

on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:25 AM

My daughter asked for a Hello Kitty alarm clock with ceiling projection for her 3rd birthday. We have NO IDEA where she learned it existed. Took us a while to track it down, but she went nuts when she opened it. Win/win.