Holiday Gifts as a Co-Parent

Holiday gifts for your child are something you and your ex should discuss if possible, so that you can coordinate and work together. Follow these tips to have a harmonious holiday.

Set spending limits. To avoid the holiday becoming a giant one-ups-man event, it can be useful to set spending limits with your co-parent. If you can agree about how much you will each spend, you will reduce the competition that can sometimes arise as each parent tries to buy bigger and better gifts.

Give gifts together. Some parents are able to cooperate and purchase big gifts together for their child, so they can both be involved. This can reinforce the message to your child that you are still a family. It’s important to be together when you give the joint gift to your child so both parents can enjoy the moment.

Set realistic expectations. It can be tempting to promise your child a spectacular holiday, but this can lead to disappointment. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Instead, be honest about the way time will be shared and keep your child grounded in reality. Kids need to dream, but they should be prepared for a realistic holiday.

Avoid duplicates. It can pay to compare notes with the other parent so your child doesn’t get two of the same item.

Help your child shop. One very special thing you can do is help your child select a gift for the other parent. This is a truly selfless act and one that will give your child much pleasure and be seen as a lovely gesture by your ex.

Emphasize the true meaning of holidays. It’s easy for the holidays to turn into a retail festival, but if you remind your child of the true meaning and the joys of family, you’ll find that everyone can be happy.

The Sampair Group represents clients in divorce and family law cases in Maricopa County. Our attorneys are ready to listen to your concerns and work for your goals.