When it comes time for birthdays, holidays, and other special celebrations, children tend to look forward to one thing: the gifts. Some kids don't expect many presents or are already familiar with proper gift-giving etiquette, but those kids are few and far between, and it's up to parents and guardians to teach kids how to give and receive graciously. It's never to early to start, as kids will pick up examples from people they admire starting from a very young age.
Don't Expect Gifts
Teach kids that gifts are special surprises that should never be taken for granted. It's always a mark of generosity to give someone else a gift, especially if the giver is facing financial trouble or must stretch to find the resources to give a present. Etiquette expert Anna Post points out that the gift of time is equally if not more valuable than a material gift and should be appreciated in the same way. Be an example in showing that not all gifts are wrapped in boxes and tied with bows. If a child doesn't expect a gift from someone, he is more likely to enjoy just being with that person and consider any present to be an extra perk.
Give Generously
Teach kids about all kinds of gifts by explaining what you do when you wrap birthday presents, prepare baked goods for a holiday party, or donate money to a charitable cause. A young child might believe that the only definition of a gift is a wrapped present, so it's good to point out that gifts can come in many forms. If your kids' express interest in giving gifts to people they love, remind them that they don't have to spend money if they don't have a lot. They can cook or bake something to share, make a card, or spend an afternoon with a special person.
Be Considerate
Encourage kids to give gifts to people they love who celebrate differently from the way they do. If your family celebrates Christian holidays but your child has a close friend who is Jewish, she may enjoy making hamentaschen for Purim to share with that friend or creating a special Hanukkah card to give. 1-800-Flowers recommends giving cards with general sayings such as "Happy Holidays" to friends who celebrate different traditions. Another idea is inviting a friend with different beliefs to experience your own holiday routines.
An important part of being considerate is being grateful. Let children know that if they receive a gift they don't like, they should still thank the giver. The Family Education Network suggests reminding the child that the giver liked and respected him enough to give a gift in the first place.
Thank-You Notes
Most kids dread writing thank-you notes, but it's a gesture they should learn as early as possible so that they can get in the habit of doing it whenever they receive a generous gift. Act as an example by writing your own thank-you notes when you receive gifts and explaining to your child what you are doing. It's OK to help her along by suggesting what to write or showing how long the note should be. Some children who like to write might prefer to think of a thank-you note as a friendly letter that mentions the gift they received.
