The Excess of Gifts in Children: How to Handle It Intelligently

I’m always amazed at how many gifts a child can accumulate throughout the year. It’s not just Christmas—we’re talking birthdays, Children’s Day, graduations, and countless other celebrations. Between family traditions, gifts from relatives and friends, kids can end up with a mountain of toys and stuff they barely have time to enjoy.

The excess of gifts in children will only cause them to play less with each toy instead of enjoying them to the fullest

And while receiving gifts is wonderful, too much of it can backfire. Having too many options makes it easy for kids to lose interest and stops them from truly valuing what they have. It also encourages a culture of unnecessary consumerism. That’s why I’d like to share a few tips for managing the number of gifts kids receive—without taking away the joy of giving.

1. Set limits on gifts for Christmas and other holidays

In our family, for instance, we decided Santa only brings one main present, and the Three Wise Men bring something small. This helps keep things simple and lets the kids really enjoy what they get. We also talk to relatives and friends to ask that their gifts be modest in size and price—we’ve set some healthy boundaries.

2. Create a gift list

A wish list—on Amazon or elsewhere—can be super helpful. It lets you include options like age-appropriate toys, books, clothes, or practical items. Family members can choose something from the list and be confident it’s something the child actually wants or needs. They don’t have to buy it on Amazon—it’s just a clear guide.

3. Choose useful gifts

Not every gift has to be a toy. Clothes, shoes, school supplies, art or hobby materials, sports gear, or even experiences like music, language, or art classes can be amazing gifts. These kinds of presents support your child’s growth and interests.

4. Reuse and save gifts for later

After a birthday party, kids can be overwhelmed by the number of gifts they receive. If your child is under five, you can set aside a few to save for later—maybe for Christmas or another special occasion. That way, the joy is spread out and nothing goes to waste.

5. Teach them to share and donate

Try the “one in, one out” rule. For every new toy they receive, they donate one they no longer use. This helps them understand the value of what they own, prevents clutter, and brings joy to another child in need.

6. Quality over quantity

It’s better for kids to have fewer toys they truly enjoy than tons of options they barely touch. Too many choices can be overwhelming. When toys are well-chosen, kids tend to play more creatively and use their imagination.

7. Emphasize experiences and the meaning behind gifts

Gifts don’t always have to be physical things. Experiences count too. A family outing, a trip to a museum, a fun day together, or even just an afternoon of games can be more meaningful than any toy. What matters most is creating happy memories, not collecting more stuff.

In the end, every family does what works for them—but these ideas can help you strike a balance between making your kids happy and helping them appreciate what they have. It’s not about how many gifts they get, but the thought and meaning behind each one. Yes, we should take care of what we have—everything costs money and effort—but the real value doesn’t lie in the object itself. It lies in what we do with it.

A toy isn’t special just because it’s new or expensive—it’s special because it becomes the bridge to something bigger: a fun afternoon with family, laughter with friends, or a story that sparks imagination. Material things aren’t the goal—they’re a way to connect, share, and enjoy each other’s company.

At the end of the day, what our kids will remember most won’t be how many presents they got. It’ll be the experiences they had and the joy they felt. Because what really leaves a mark aren’t the things we own—it’s the moments that touch our hearts.