A childless woman is growing frustrated with the pressure to buy gifts for other people’s children.
She shared her feelings on the U.K.-based forum Mumsnet, explaining that she has an 8-year-old goddaughter for whom she buys gifts every birthday and Christmas. However, she rarely sees her goddaughter or the girl’s mother, her longtime friend, except when dropping off presents. To manage this, she now waits to give the gifts until they meet for lunch.
The woman also has two nieces, two other goddaughters, and a close cousin who recently had a baby. She says it’s expected within her family that cousins buy gifts for the children, a tradition established when her cousin was childless and helped spoil her nieces.
Altogether, she is buying gifts for eight children, and more are expected soon. She says the cost is becoming overwhelming and asked the Mumsnet community for advice.
Some users encouraged her to be honest with family about the financial strain. Others suggested stopping gift-giving once children turn two, as adult friends or godparents are typically not expected to give gifts after that age.
Many agreed that it is fair for her to prioritize buying gifts for her nieces as family members. Others recommended alternative ways to show care, such as taking the children on free outings to parks or playgrounds instead of giving presents.
The woman’s post highlights the common challenge of managing gift expectations in extended families and friend groups, especially for those without children of their own.
