—
Our kids mean the world to us. If possible we’d give them the world. So, when an occasion comes up when you can show your kid a little love and appreciation, it’s natural to want to go all out. A birthday, good report card, graduation, or even the holidays are the perfect excuse to “spoil” your kids just a little bit.
There’s just one thing. If your kids are anything like mine, they change their minds about what they like all the time. One minute they are all into Marvel’s Avengers and so you think you can surprise them with a few posters or novelty tees. The next thing you know they’re into Star Wars and you’re exchanging your poster for two combat-ready lightsabers, such as those offered at UltraSabers, for a duel!
If you’ve found yourself in a bit of a pickle while trying to purchase a gift for your “always changing” kid, these tips should help you out.
Communicate More
The older your kids get, the less it will appear they want to talk to you. However, I’ve found the opposite to be quite true. If you make the time to have a conversation with your kids, they’re more than willing to talk your head off. Start bringing up some of their favorite things during dinner or on the weekends when you’re hanging around the house. You’ll be surprised what they’re willing to share.
Ask Their Friends (or Siblings)
You’re not the only person your kid spends time with throughout a day, and certainly not the only one they share their biggest wishes with. If there’s a special occasion coming up and there’s a gift your child really wants, chances are their best friends know what that is. Briefly ask them if your son or daughter has brought something up in conversation or if they have any ideas. If not, try asking your other children. Sometimes siblings open up to each other. (You’ll want to be careful with asking kids, however, they often can’t hold water and may spill your secret.)
Check Their Browser History
Do you have children who love being online? It’s quite possible that you could find out what to get them as a gift by checking their internet browser history. The browser history will give you some insight on the types of things your child searches online. If they frequent certain sites and look at certain items, you may be able to pick up on what to get them.
Throw Hints
If you’re not able to get any ideas on what you’d like to buy for your kid, you’re going to have to dig a bit deeper. This will require you to be a smooth talker, but it can work out in your favor. While talking to your kid one day, start slipping hints about what you think they’d like. Chances are they’ll open up after awhile and let you know exactly what they want.
Just Ask
Sometimes, we try so hard to make something special for our kids that we go overboard. If your child is older and you really want to get them that ultimate gift, your best and only option may be to ask them. They will likely catch on to your antics anyway and wonder why you’re asking weird questions. At least in asking them upfront, you won’t have to make a guess on what they’d like.
Your children will continue to change. Their ideas, interests, personalities, will evolve as they get older. As their parent, making them smile is something we yearn for. If you’re thinking of giving your kid a gift for a special occasion, or simply because you want to show them you appreciate and love them, there are a lot of ways to make sure you do it right. Using the above ideas will certainly give you some ideas on what that ultimate gift is.
—
This is a featured post by site supporter Anne Davis
Photo: Getty Images