The USPS Santa Letters Gift Exchange, why do people complain when kids ask for expensive items like XBox, iPhones, etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people think poor kids should be happy with whatever they get.

The few families that I know in Rockville who were submitting these requests collected gifts from a number of churches and social services agencies. Their kids received A LOT more for Christmas than most kids. In fact, many "poor" parents continue to be poor because they make unwise, frivolous purchases (including for their kids) whenever they get a little money. This attitude is transmitted to their kids. Asking for more basics and more simple toys, books and sports equipment would help their kids a lot more than an X box.

I’ve never met a kid who could decipher “simple” toys from the more elaborate expensive ones. They are determined to ask for what they want. Kids just don’t understand the value of a dollar and virtually all toys cost way more than they used to. Even a simple toy like a Radio Flyer Wagon is $119 now

https://www.radioflyer.com/products/classic-red-wagon?variant=47317208269073¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoruSdGkXdHPrWszEa9jUP4fC1tIPFAJvtvdc7Dp0e_ll1JgRcVdORI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people think poor kids should be happy with whatever they get.

I think all kids should be happy with whatever they get. The holiday gift grab is depressing. None of these gadgets are good for kids and most, if not all, just require that you spend more and more money to actually use them. And then they’re obsolete in no time.

I don’t look at it as a gift grab — rather, as asking for something they are unlikely to ever get. If not asking Santa, then who would they ask? When I can afford it, I will buy that gaming system for them! It brings immense joy to children and offers them the opportunity to participate in conversations with those that have them.

Oh sure. Some day, when you can you’re totally going to do that. Until then you’re going to shame people into doing something you don’t do either.

Sorry, sister — I have done it. I bought an XBoxOne.

Sure. You used future tense but we are supposed to believe you have done this. Did you fall on hard times from making bad financial decisions?

((Sigh). I could afford it then and I can afford it now. I have no idea what the future looks like; however, if I can afford it in the future, I would do it again.

Sigh. Do you not know how the English language works? There is no chance you have ever done this or ever will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get upset, but I’m not going to buy something for a random little kid that wouldn’t give my own (same age) kid.

This, if I’m only spending 50-100 and my child doesn’t have expensive things I’m not buying it for another kid. My teen gets sneakers $25-40. I’m not buying $200+ for another kid when no one in our house has over $40 shoes.

[Anonymous]

Some of it is the parents, foster parents or other adults asking. When I participated as a social worker our form was needs, wants, dishes. It was rare to get wishes. Needs and Wants were clothing, underwear, shoes basic toys and books.

[Anonymous]

If you actually read some of the letters the kids are asking for normal things. It’s not all xBox and iPhones. That’s why if you run across one of the outrageous requests it stands out because it’s not happening that often. Probably some adult is behind it setting a kid up for failure.

https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/letters

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people think poor kids should be happy with whatever they get.

Well, what is wrong with that? It is a charity. It is not really a "gift" but actually comes in the category of "alms". Also, an XBox is not a need but a very expensive want.

The entitlement is pretty audacious.

The kid is writing to Santa, they’ve got no idea it’s random adults paying for the gift with the USPS program.

if they’re old enough to write and ask for a $400+ gift, they’re old enough to know about the “magic” of Santa.

[Anonymous]

This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people think poor kids should be happy with whatever they get.

Well, what is wrong with that? It is a charity. It is not really a "gift" but actually comes in the category of "alms". Also, an XBox is not a need but a very expensive want.

The entitlement is pretty audacious.

The kid is writing to Santa, they’ve got no idea it’s random adults paying for the gift with the USPS program.

if they’re old enough to write and ask for a $400+ gift, they’re old enough to know about the “magic” of Santa.

Kids are allowed to dream and ask for these things. I'm positive your kids have asked for ridicious things too. But it seems totally normal to you that they did, right? Not saying poor kids need an x-box but I certainly don't begrudge them wanting one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

these are kids putting together their wish lists. They aren't thinking about where we are going as a society FFS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people think poor kids should be happy with whatever they get.

Well, what is wrong with that? It is a charity. It is not really a "gift" but actually comes in the category of "alms". Also, an XBox is not a need but a very expensive want.

The entitlement is pretty audacious.

The kid is writing to Santa, they’ve got no idea it’s random adults paying for the gift with the USPS program.

if they’re old enough to write and ask for a $400+ gift, they’re old enough to know about the “magic” of Santa.

Tons of little girls have asked for ponies as kids .. do you know how expensive a pony is?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

You sound fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

these are kids putting together their wish lists. They aren't thinking about where we are going as a society FFS.

Nobody needs an x-box, that is a terrible present

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

these are kids putting together their wish lists. They aren't thinking about where we are going as a society FFS.

Nobody needs an x-box, that is a terrible present

That is beside the point. Nor am I saying they should get it. But I certainly don't think that poor kids who are dreaming of having one are greedy or entitled or can't dream of having one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

these are kids putting together their wish lists. They aren't thinking about where we are going as a society FFS.

Nobody needs an x-box, that is a terrible present

That is beside the point. Nor am I saying they should get it. But I certainly don't think that poor kids who are dreaming of having one are greedy or entitled or can't dream of having one.

Do you have first hand knowledge about the needs of children or families living on less?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a charity, families that qualify for this are needy.
Families in poverty are not going to improve their lot by buying brain drain toys like an x box.
My elderly father grew up in post ww2 Europe and remembers the time he got a book as a Christmas present. He cried because he thought he could have gotten a toy in its place. His parents tried to explain to him that it was a great gift, later on he appreciated it and loved the book.
As a society we are not going anywhere if we value tv sets more than books.
I make it an effort to buy a book as a Xmas present every year.
Sadly many in poverty spend their little resources on big screen tvs instead of something that could improve their lot

these are kids putting together their wish lists. They aren't thinking about where we are going as a society FFS.

Nobody needs an x-box, that is a terrible present

That is beside the point. Nor am I saying they should get it. But I certainly don't think that poor kids who are dreaming of having one are greedy or entitled or can't dream of having one.

Do you have first hand knowledge about the needs of children or families living on less?

1) I absolutely do. I was extremely poor growing up and make it a point to donate every year. I never begrudge kids asking for whatever they want. I can't afford to give them an x-box but they are kids and can dream, as I said before.

2) this has nothing to do with "needs." Rich kids don't NEED Christmas presents either. But all of the kids want them and that's ok.

Do you donate to the families in need? If so, do you judge them for being poor and give them low cost items because "they should be happy with whatever."?