Would your 3 year old boy like this gift?

[Anonymous]

My 2 year old son’s favorite gift this Christmas is a hooded sweatshirt that looks like his favorite animal. He wants to wear it every day and runs around telling people “Look! I’m a lion!”

We are going to a birthday party for a little boy turning three. We had a zoo playdate once so I know the kid likes lions, although maybe not as passionately as my kid. So I got him the same sweatshirt. However my older kid told me that it’s weird to give toddlers clothes as birthday party gifts.

Would your kid like this gift? Should I run to the store for something else?

[Anonymous]

It’s fine. Usually friends give toys but at 3 they really don’t care; they just like presents. My 4yo got a hooded tiger towel for Christmas that she’s obsessed with.

[Anonymous]

If it were a plain sweatshirt, I’d say no. But a sweatshirt that looks like a lion? And one that matches his friend? Super cool! Kid will love it, mother will be grateful to have one less toy in the house.

[Anonymous]

My only concern is sizing. My DS is 3.5 yo and I don't do pull over hoodies because he has a large head. He also wears 4T tops since he turned 3.

[Anonymous]

Sounds cute!

[Anonymous]

I might throw in some lion stickers or a little lion book something, but I agree that it sounds cute and a 3 year old will love it or move on to the next thing.

[Anonymous]

I would have loved that when my DS was that little. I really appreciate gifts of clothing because I definitely don’t need more toys that they will play with for 5min and discard. And a lion hoodie sounds so adorable.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a fun idea. I would assume anything atypical given as a gift was a recommendation.

If you did have a regular receipt/gift receipt to share, you could put it in an envelope. That way if there was a fit issue, the parents can address it.

Proceed confidently with the knowledge that you were selecting the gift with a thoughtful impulse to share joy.

[Anonymous]

As a parent, anything that isn't another junky toy, especially a toy with flashing lights and annoying noises, is welcome.

[Anonymous]

I’m surprised there’s a three year old birthday party that isn’t “please no gifts” but I would think any gift is fine.

[Anonymous]

Ha, as a parent, I know that stinging feeling when your kid offers critical feedback. How old is the older kid? Wait until they are late teens, it can really crush your spirit. They can make your doubt yourself like no one else. Thankfully they generally don't know the power they wield.

[Anonymous]

I think that’s fine! When you give clothes you just have to be prepared that the kids reaction in the moment might not be like it would be for a toy. But that doesn’t mean they won’t love the item and enjoy it.

My 3 yo got a dinosaur towel for Christmas that he tossed aside like hot garbage but now he runs around every night after bath saying roar, I’m a Dino so it has been a great gift.