The seasonal aisle at the grocery store is always chocked full of colorful candy, trinkets, gadgets and whatnots for the upcoming holiday. Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and so on. Each year, the cycle continues. And each year, the kids get a little bit older. It got us to thinking…
At what age do the treats stop?!
So we asked, and you answered: In your family, do parents still give little holiday goodies once kids turn 18?
“Can’t stop. Won’t stop. Life is better with little poofs of happiness, so why not help spread some joy with little goodies that let people know you are thinking about them?!”
-Amanda Ciani, associate editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine
“My parents never really gifted me holiday stuff when I moved out. I don’t blame them or anything, but it definitely felt like being a kid was over and the fun stopped. Even though my son just went to college, I plan on having an Easter basket for him, just like his younger siblings. He will get some Cadbury eggs, some socks since he said he lost some doing laundry, and then gift cards for his favorite restaurants, maybe a gas card. Just because he’s older doesn’t mean he isn’t still my kid.”
-Allison T.
“I think people do too much for holidays. There is a day for everything. Our family will celebrate Easter, Christmas, and birthdays and that’s it. Once they move out, it will almost be their turn to celebrate with their own families.”
-Chad R.
“Our grown kids still get Easter baskets with a little candy and a gift card. We also celebrate half birthdays (Christmas babies) with a small gift (or gift card) and dinner together. When they were in college, we hosted kids who could not get home for Easter and they all have fond memories of Easter egg hunts (with cash and gift cards inside) and lots of food!”
-Alex F.
“My daddy would gift me little goodies every time I saw him before he passed. It didn’t matter if it was a holiday or not, he spoiled me with treats and small gifts. That’s not what I miss most about him though. I just wish I had more time with him on this earth.”
-Maggie P.
“Im 40 years old and it hasn’t stopped yet!”
-Channing L.
“Yes, I am 47, my parents still get myself and my husband little treats for different holidays. I know I will continue to do the same for our kiddos as well!”
-Amy S.
“You’re never too old for treats and gifts! I’ll be doing it for my kids (and their loved ones and grandkids one day) until the day I die.”
-Courtney N.
“Just because they turn 18 doesn’t mean they are too old for surprises or kindness or love. When I surprise my 27 year old daughter with a little something, I still see little her when she smiles.”
-Michael C.
“We do both Christmas stockings and Easter baskets for EVERYONE. When born or joining the family (i.e. marriage, adoption, etc.) each gets a special animal head sock or basket. I custom fill each one with non-food and food items (to overflow). Magazines, books, stuffed animals, jewelry…paying attention to each person individually. Candy is also custom…dark, milk, or white chocolate, favorite bars, etc. My husband and I have the stockings his mom made us when we married that get filled. Mind you ours are not quite as stuffed as the kids and grands but I usually can surprise him with some things. And I fill mine with things I wouldn’t normally splurge on. Our twins are 34 this year. No plans to ever stop. I have 11 baskets to fill this year and already have fillings either bought or on order.”
-Joanie G.
“Unfortunately not everyone has great relationships with their parents when they are adults, and that is my situation. No treats for me from my mom or dad, but I wouldn’t want them anyways. I learned what not to do and will always take care of mine and celebrate them every day.”
-LaToya L.
“I still gift my adult children things for smaller holidays. They work hard, they are doing a good job raising their families, and I want to spoil them with things they like, but would never buy for themselves. Of course the grands get gifts, too. That’s my job as a grandparent.”
-Linda H.
