Sometimes, people try to save money by presenting families with one, communal gift. Because a gift is something that is given out of kindness and should never be expected, adults understand that the communal gift must be shared. Children, particularly younger ones who my not be able to comprehend this concept, may see the gift as their own and not want to share. If knowing a communal gift is coming, parents may wish to unpack the gift and divide it while their children are sleeping. Those wishing to teach their children the joy of sharing can unpack it together and “have fun” counting candies and assembling bags for each family member.
Other types of communal gifts may not require sharing. Some specialty gift baskets, like those containing pastas and sauces, may require cooking and can be distributed as a family meal. Even better, older children can utilize the family gift before meal time and assist mom or dad with the meal’s preparation.
Creative thinking may be necessary to share some types of gifts. If one kid gift basket arrives with a stuffed animal, parents can create a daily or weekly rotation chart that shows which child gets to sleep with the stuffed animal. Alternatively, the animal can be displayed in a communal location like a bookshelf or couch. Because it is new, most children will want to try it out and after the item’s novelty has worn off, there should be less of a dispute.
Parents can also use communal gift baskets to teach other life lessons. Meat and cheese gift baskets can be divided at the family table and be used as part of a math lesson. Teaching fractions, this tasty lesson can be educational and help instill the values of sharing and equality. Regardless of how these snack gift baskets are used, “thank you” greetings should come from each family member in the form of a communal letter or phone call.
