Gifting
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Choose clothing with zippers instead of snaps or buttons for ease of use.
Snaps and buttons are time-consuming to manage during diaper changes.
- Some prefer snaps/poppers because they can be opened from both sides or partially.
3 people, independently
Parents should assume they will be the primary caregivers for their child's pet and only get one if willing to handle all costs and care.
Children cannot pay for these expenses, and parents are realistically responsible for the care.
- This also applies to elderly people living with you.
3 people, independently
Calculate the season the baby will actually wear the clothes, not the current season.
A baby born in June will be wearing 6-9 month clothes in December, making summer items inappropriate for that age.
3 people, independently
Do not surprise people with live animals, especially during holidays like Easter or Christmas.
It involves a long-term commitment of time and money; an unexpected obligation makes for a poor gift.
10 people, independently
- Avoid giving pets as gifts, even if you believe the recipient is ready.4
3 more on this
Wait until January to adopt pets, as shelters are inundated with surrenders after the holidays due to impulse gifts.
Shelters get tons of 'Christmas present' surrenders, creating an influx of puppies and other animals needing homes.
4 people, independently
Avoid giving presents that force the recipient to spend additional money to use them.
3 people, independently
Give pet supplies or a donation to a humane society instead of the animal itself, so the person can choose if they want one.
3 people, independently