20-40-60 Etiquette---How can I coordinate gifts?

YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!

By Callie Gordon, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Helen Ford Wallace

QUESTION: It is probably too late for this year, but is there a way to coordinate children’s holiday gifts so that my daughter does not get four of the same toys from family members? We are a family with several stepparents, and step in-laws, and lots of aunt and uncles who don’t communicate about gift giving. How can I politely “suggest” ideas or “help” with gift selections?

CALLIE’S ANSWER: I think it is OK to give suggestions. “Jane said she would really like a new Barbie doll, if you need some ideas about what she wants for Christmas.” I always love suggestions and ideas!

LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: Good question, and I’m sure people struggle with this in all kinds of family situations — grandparents as well as stepparents. It certainly helps if people approach any solution to this dilemma with the idea that the gift-giving is not a competition but a way to help loved ones or brighten their lives at this time of year. If everyone is trying to do what’s best for the recipient, then the situation is easier to work out with less tension.