A debatable question from work

A debatable question from work. For those not familiar with The Giving Tree concept, there are tags with Christmas wishes from children of families who would likely go through the year without a gift. The concept is to fulfill the wish and wrap the gift which will be presented to the child by the Giving Tree organization.

The question came about if getting what they asked for is giving too much if the gift cost a little more than usual. (just over $30) Some people thought it would make them think they can get whatever they ask for when they want it. Buying too nice a present would spoil them. I think the opposite. I believe because it is something they normally wouldn't get, it's a nice surprise and they will cherish and take better care of it as opposed to the spoiled rich kid who takes for granted what they have. Say for example the 'Paris Hilton' mentality when kids grow up with no regard for the dollar value. Am I being naive for thinking that because these children receive something nice for Christmas, they will cherish it more and take better care of it? I believe a child who normally gets what they want will toss aside an item from boredom after probably a week. But the child who grows up with little will appreciate the nice item they received for Christmas and will take proper care of the item. I truly believe that ONE nice present is enough to make an impact and potentially brighten one child's outlook on life.

I think it depends on the kids...

I don't think buying them something expensive is going to make them ask for more expensive items next time...

But it depends on the kid whether or not they would cherish that one gift more than the others...

All in all it's still a very nice gesture for you to buy them a gift in the first place and isn't that the whole point??

Kristen Krepich

EY,

Having grown up in a household where my Father was a police officer and my Mother was a homemaker we seemed to be perpetually "on a tight budget". However, we always had a tree, and the three of us children always had multiple gifts. Granted, my sister and I would get sneakers from Sears, but of true poverty, we knew nothing. Children don't get to choose their parents. I am continually amazed by the fact that to operate a piece of machinery one must take a written exam and pass a driving test and yet anyone who can reproduce can have a baby. The sheer number world wide of children who through no fault of theirs are abused or abandoned is heart wrenching.

That said, the contention that spending $40 on a child in a bad situation might possibly "spoil" them really saddens me. That's taking the stance that because a child is impoverished they are in some way underserving of a nice gift and should be greatful for whatever comes their way. What these children desperately need,is to know in their hearts that someone cares and the world isn't all bad. Remember, these children will grow up and comprise a portion of our society someday. Besides, what's 30-40 dollars? In the end, it's the person giving that gets the most out of the deal anyway!