https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:53:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806611 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:18:11 +0000 theotherstark 2806611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to suggest you top his cupcake with a new hot wheels car, but I see that you already celebrated, so never mind :silly: Hope he had a fun birthday!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806513 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 10:34:39 +0000 snowjewelz 2806513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Yay, glad it all went well. Happy birthday to him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806471 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 07:53:46 +0000 Adira 2806471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: @LadyDi: @Mamaof2: @crazydoglady: @Truth Bombs: @MrsBucky: @gingerbebe: @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: @Mamatimes3: @looch: @ALV91711: @hummusgirl: @misolee: @ShootingStar: @Purpledaisy: Thanks ladies!!</p> <p>I ended up getting him a small balloon and he was thrilled with that. Then I offered to make him whatever he wanted (pasta) and we sang happy birthday with a cupcake. I think he was happy. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806410 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 19:36:34 +0000 Purpledaisy 2806410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's such a hard one! I definitely don't think he's spoiled, he's just acting like a kid🤷‍♀️. We have avoided this by never having physical presents from us, her party has been her gift and this years she picked to go to DL instead of a party. </p> <p>I think in this scenario I would stick by what I said... BUT I think the "right" way to handle this situation can vary greatly from child to child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806396 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:23:41 +0000 ShootingStar 2806396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @Mamatimes3:. I think he’s too young to understand and um... I do kinda think it’s mean to say no gifts from friends plus no gifts on his actual birthday. 🤷🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806348 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:34:12 +0000 misolee 2806348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't get him anything. He already knows he got a gift for his bday and at 5 years old, they are old enough to understand (my daughter is 5). With that being said, I don't think he's spoiled. He probably wants his bday to feel special...so like others suggested....cake or cupcakes/balloons/ and a special dinner and lots of hugs and bday kisses :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806345 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:26:01 +0000 hummusgirl 2806345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't get him anything, just let him know it's ok to feel disappointed. And maybe ask if he wants to go play with his present that he already got! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806340 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:16:07 +0000 ALV91711 2806340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think a balloon, special dinner picked by him and cupcakes sound great! </p> <p>I wouldn't buy another something for him. Just make the night fun. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806338 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:08:18 +0000 Mamatimes3 2806338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I would get him something small to open on his birthday. That’s pretty hard for a young kid to understand that he got his present early and therefore no present on his actual birthday. And also no presents from friends :sad: I also don’t think he sounds spoiled - he sounds like a normal kid! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806333 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:57:48 +0000 Adira 2806333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806329 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:48:12 +0000 looch 2806329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no illusions about my son being spoiled, and I am an enabler. I would have said no, and then gone and got something to give to him later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806324 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:33:03 +0000 Adira 2806324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: Yeah, he was melting down about his friends not bringing him gifts and I was just like "Yup, this is why we made that decision." Maybe I'm too mean!</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Yeah, Xander is turning 5 so definitely knows you get gifts at Christmas and your birthday. Apparently the distinction of an early gift negates the day-of gift was too confusing though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806323 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:20:04 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2806323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I see. We are not quite at the stage yet where LO expects gifts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806322 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:19:50 +0000 MrsBucky 2806322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I went back and forth on that SO MUCH!!! I am having anxiety that I didn’t. I mostly decided not to because ALL my in laws assumed/ decided we would so It was a contrarian reaction, haha! Also that he knows we bring gifts for his friends. Ugh it’s so hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806320 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:11:28 +0000 Adira 2806320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: It probably doesn't help that we're also having Xander's first friend party and I said no gifts on the invite, so Xander's ALSO upset none of his friends are giving him a gift! Gahh!</p> <p>@Mamaof2: hahahaha, I'll slap a bow on it and say "Happy Birthday!" :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806319 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:07:19 +0000 Mamaof2 2806319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: maybe you could wrap the hot wheels garage again??? hahahaha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806318 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:06:34 +0000 MrsBucky 2806318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I empathize because my kiddos bday is coming up, and we are having his first friend party. He has also started asking “where’s my present” in situations which makes me nervous. But also, he’s only about to turn three and of course loves to get presents! I try to remember that he is allowed to have feelings of disappointment when he realizes / learns he doesn’t always get a present when it occurs to him he might, and that doesn’t make him spoiled- it WILL make him spoiled if I let his feelings sway me to “fix” them by giving him more and more! I’m also taking a cue from a friend who spaced out friend gifts by saying her girls couldn’t open another present until they “wrote” a thank you note for the one they just opened/ played with (they didn’t open gifts at their party). I’m hoping that will encourage gratitude and allow him to enjoy each gift rather than just ripping through them all and wanting more! We will see how that goes.... 😬 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806317 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:05:12 +0000 Adira 2806317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Well, I warned him because he was saying that he was so excited for his birthday the next day and opening all his presents! So I was like "Uhh... you already got your present from us. You're not getting anymore tomorrow (on your birthday)."</p> <p>@Mamaof2: Yeah, I was wondering if because he's 5, he just doesn't get that he got his gift early instead of ON his birthday! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806313 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:57:46 +0000 Mamaof2 2806313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: well in the future I would not give him a gift early - I'm sure he did not comprehend the fact that he would not get a gift on his birthday.</p> <p>If you don't want to give a gift from his brother how about a new car for the top of the cupcakes?</p> <p>I wouldn't give in to my 9yr old but at 5 I think he should get a little something on his actual birthday! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806309 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:53:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2806309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: do you think if you had not warned him there would be no present today he would have been upset?</p> <p>Special dinner or dessert and a balloon sound good to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806308 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:53:37 +0000 Adira 2806308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: haha, yeah, I was like "I'm sorry that you feel that way - in the future would you prefer I not give you your gift early and only give it to you ON your birthday?"</p> <p>@gingerbebe: I think balloon and special dinner might be a winner! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806304 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:52:25 +0000 Adira 2806304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LadyDi: @crazydoglady: I'm encouraged you ladies don't think he's spoiled yet! Phew!</p> <p>@Truth Bombs: Yeah, that was definitely my concern about doing it - I don't want him to think a meltdown will get him what he wants!</p> <p>@Mamaof2: @crazydoglady: @Truth Bombs: I love the idea of a little gift from his brother, except that we've never done that, so I think he'd know it was from us?? Logan just had a birthday and we didn't have a gift from Xander to him, so to now have one from Logan to Xander might be bizarre.</p> <p>I'm thinking the balloon idea might be my best bet of not going back on what I said last night, while still doing something special to acknowledge his birthday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806302 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:49:51 +0000 gingerbebe 2806302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah nope, no present. I do like the balloon and special dinner idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806299 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:47:52 +0000 MrsBucky 2806299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t think it means he is spoiled but I also wouldn’t get him another gift, since you did tell him that you weren’t going to. I also would make a policy of only giving your birthday gift on his birthday in the future. Live and learn! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806294 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:44:01 +0000 Truth Bombs 2806294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have planned to give him a present so he had something to open on his actual birthday... but that being said, now that you've specifically told him he won't be getting one, I wouldn't give him one. In my mind, that just reinforces that having a melt down gets you what you want and I try to be really careful about that. I like the idea of getting him a little something from his brother. It means he gets to open something on his actual birthday, and you don't contradict what you told him the night before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806271 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:54:43 +0000 crazydoglady 2806271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Shoot. I remember crying because my sister's friend got a toy on her birthday (of course) and I didn't! I definitely wasn't spoiled...just didn't understand. I like the idea of a matchbox car from little brother. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806265 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:30:17 +0000 Mamaof2 2806265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I would have his brother give him a small gift to open tonight - we always do sibling gifts </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806258 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:05:33 +0000 LadyDi 2806258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree, I don't think it's a sign that he's spoiled at all. I think the balloon idea is a great one! My 2.5 yo loooooves balloons and because he associates them with special occasions he gets really excited when he has one (and honestly, they keep him occupied longer than most of his toys anyway) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806256 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:59:10 +0000 Adira 2806256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: A balloon is a really good idea!! Thank you!!</p> <p>And yes, I'm planning on asking him what he wants for dinner and either picking it up or making it, and we also have cupcakes for tonight too so we can sing happy birthday and have a treat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-gift-on-birthday-or-hes-already-spoiled#post-2806255 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:58:02 +0000 erinbaderin 2806255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think the meltdown is a sign that he's already spoiled, but I also don't think you need to get him another present. Are you doing a special dinner or dessert or something? Or maybe you could get a balloon - something that's not a present (especially since you already told him he wouldn't be getting a present) but that does highlight that it's a special day. </p>