A TikTok video has ignited a lively discussion among parents regarding the appropriate age to reduce giving Christmas gifts to their children.
By age 10, you may have discovered that Santa isn’t real—apologies if this revelation is news to you—but that realization didn’t necessarily stop the tradition of receiving a stocking.
But what happens when you turn 30 or even 45? Should your parents continue spending on numerous Christmas presents for you? You might still be their child, but does the holiday excitement remain the same?
Marty and Nikki reached out to their TikTok audience to seek the opinions of other parents with adult children.
In the video, the parents pose the question: “Parents of adult children: At what age did you guys start slowing down on Xmas gifts for them?”
Marty mentions that their children are 29, 23, and 22, and they also have several children-in-law, in addition to a “couple of grandbabies” added to the mix in recent years.
With such a large family, they decided to continue buying presents for all the kids. However, when the children proposed a Secret Santa among the adults for the first time this year, they accepted the idea, Nikki shared with TODAY.com.
As a result, this means they will not be purchasing gifts for every child for the first time, Nikki explains.
Marty points out that they have always supported their children and the additional family members, and haven’t suddenly stopped their support.
From contributing to weddings and houses to engagement parties and baby showers, these parents have ensured their children are not left empty-handed.
Nonetheless, Nikki expresses that it still feels strange to not buy gifts for each child individually.
“And it makes me really happy to see them open, you know, 10 things each. I love to buy them things,” Nikki continues. “But how long can I really continue to do this?”
It didn’t take long for other parents to share their perspectives on the issue. Warning: Explicit language
@martyandnikki What’s everyone doing for their adult kids this Christmas? #martyandnikki #adultkids #adultkidschristmas #parenting #parentingquestion
One commenter stated, “I will buy for my kids till I die lol,” while another shared, “I just give my kids 500 each. They are 25 and 28 both in college.”
A third noted, “Mine are in their 30s and we still spend as much as we did when they were little.”
Another pointed out, “Mine are 29, 27, 22 and 20. This year we are playing games and winning gifts. It’s time to scale back.”
A fifth shared, “My mom still gives us gifts and stockings at 53, 50 and 48. We are all very self-sufficient but it makes her happy.”
Lastly, one user concluded, “Experiences are better. Do something special. Make a memory.”