In a traditional family and an occasion arises that presents are called for, the other parent steps up to the plate, usually, and takes the child shopping for the celebratory parent. They might also help them to make a gift and/or a pretty card for the event. There is no problem. In a nontraditional family without the mother/father thing happening, the grandparents most likely will take over this responsibility for the absent parent. What happens when there is no other parent or grandparent? What about a friend or another close relative? You might not have that either. What next?
First of all, the best gifts in life are the ones that you create yourself. Teach your child this so that he or she does not grow up thinking that life is all about money and presents. Your child probably knows that it is a special occasion depending on their age. They want to give you something, but they are too young to get it themselves. You could help them make it or buy it, but then that takes something away from the whole idea in a way.
I have found that a really nice thing to do is to create a present box. Throughout the year gifts that the parent picks out for themselves or that the child picks out for his parent while out on various shopping trips are placed into a box. In the meantime, the child is earning money doing jobs around the house and receives his allowance for his normal everyday job duties and responsibilities. When the occasion comes up that a gift is needed for his single parent he can take the box into his room and shut the door. He can then “shop” from this box. His price is $2.00 or whatever you deem appropriate for any item in the box. If he or she selects three items they will owe you $6.00. The child feels as if he or she is shopping by themselves and also paying for it. Include gift bags in this box also so that they can “wrap” it themselves.
You will see just how great this works out when you see the look of joy and pride as they present to you their gift that they chose all by themselves.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.