Choosing a gift for the Christmas tree is not just a waste of money, but an important message to the child. How not to disappoint him and maintain the New Year's magic, says child psychologist Natalya Naumova.
As the New Year approaches, all parents are overwhelmed by the pre-holiday bustle. And the main question needs to be resolved: what to put under the Christmas tree to make the child sincerely happy?
Child psychologist Natalya Naumova warns: an incorrectly chosen gift can not only disappoint, but also disrupt the very magic of the holiday.
On the pages of the online publication sportkp.ru (18+), the expert explained how to avoid mistakes and please both kids and rebellious teenagers.
Surprise for a child
The psychologist’s key advice is to never tell your child the exact details of the gift in advance. “Mystery and anticipation will create 50% of the magic. Heated interest and mystery create the very emotional uplift for which the holiday exists,” explains Naumova.
The ideal way to find out your child’s wishes and maintain the intrigue is to write a letter to Santa Claus together. This is not just a list of requirements, but a ritual that strengthens faith in miracles among preschoolers and primary schoolchildren.
What to give to kids
For children under 10-12 years old, it is critically important that Santa Claus “brings” the gift. The psychologist advises paying attention to the packaging and “evidence”: marks on the windowsill, an accidentally dropped mitten.
It is important that the gift corresponds to the child’s hobby, and not to abstract stereotypes.
What to give a teenager for New Year
It's different with teenagers. They no longer believe in a grandfather with a bag, but they urgently need respect for their personality and independence.
“Often the best gift for a teenager will be money for a specific, desired item that they choose themselves. Or a certificate to their favorite store. This is a sign of trust and recognition of their taste,” says Natalya Naumova.
Gift options:
- Gadgets and accessories (headphones, speakers, power bank, stylish mouse).
- High-quality cosmetics.
- Clothes or shoes from a brand they respect.
- Certificate for a quest, master class or concert of your favorite band.
The Three C Rule
The psychologist summarizes: a successful gift must meet 3 criteria:
- Advice – you need to take into account the child's wishes.
- Surprise – keep the mystery and intrigue.
- The point is to support the child’s hobbies or steps towards independence.
Remember that underneath the beautiful packaging, the most important thing is attention and understanding of your child’s inner world. This is precisely the most valuable New Year's miracle.
