Ask Kari: Should I continue to buy holiday gifts for my grown nieces and nephews?
Dear Kari,
I am getting ready to do my holiday shopping and I am confused about when to stop buying gifts for my extended family. I have many nieces and nephews, and I feel that now that they are adults (over 18), I should stop buying them gifts. Is this correct, or will they think I love them less because the gifts have stopped coming?--Good Auntie/Bad Auntie
Dear Good Auntie/Bad Auntie,
I feel that this is a personal choice. I know it can be hard to navigate gift giving around the holidays, but I suggest that you consider how close you are to your nieces and nephews and if you genuinely want to give them a thoughtful gift (no matter how small), or if your feel a connection at the holidays in person is enough. I do feel that after ones’ nieces and nephews are adults, the gift giving concept transitions into more of an adult connection based on communication. One additional suggestion would be to bring a lovely food item to share with everyone at the family gathering and move away from your concerns about individual gift giving for your family.
–Kari
About Kari:
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the owner and Clinical Director of Issaquah Highlands Counseling Group (IHCG), which is now Kari O’Neill Counseling.
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