The Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Buying — According to Australian Parents

Buying gifts for kids sounds easy — until you’re standing in Kmart, Big W or scrolling late at night wondering if this will be a hit… or end up in the cupboard.

Most parents don’t regret spending money.
They regret spending it on things that don’t get used.

As an adult when we buy for kids, we often don't put ourselves in the kids shoes (even though we think we do). A Lego set is a great idea because we think "this will keep them busy for hours" but in reality, for most kids, something complex wont keep them busy. Kids are simple little humans that want simple and instant gifts.

Before we get into what parents actually regret buying, here are the do’s and don’ts of gift buying for kids, based on what Australian families say works (and what absolutely doesn’t).

🎁 The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Gifts for Kids

✅ DO buy for everyday life

The best gifts are the ones kids naturally reach for:

• after school

• before bed

• on the couch

• when they’re tired or overwhelmed

If it only works on “special occasions”, it won’t last.

❌ DON’T buy for the first five minutes

If the excitement peaks during unwrapping, it usually drops fast.

Parents often regret gifts that:

• look exciting but don’t hold attention

• need constant supervision

• are novelty-based rather than practical

✅ DO think about where it will be used

Ask one simple question:

“Where will this actually live?”

If the answer is:

• “only outside”

• “only with adults”

• “only if it’s set up”

…it probably won’t be used often.

 

❌ DON’T underestimate noise, mess, and clutter

What seems harmless in the shop can feel very different at 6:30am on a Sunday.

Which brings us to the regrets.

🚫 What Parents Regret Buying

🚫 1. Toys With a Million Pieces

These are some of the most commonly regretted purchases.

Popular Australian examples parents mention:

• large LEGO sets (especially advanced builds for young kids)

• marble runs

• craft kits with tiny parts

• magnetic tile sets without storage

Why parents regret them:

• pieces everywhere

• constant clean-up

• kids lose interest once it’s pulled apart

They’re not bad toys — they’re just high effort.

🚫 2. Loud, Battery-Powered Toys

These usually come from well-meaning relatives.

Common Australian regret buys:

• toy microphones

• musical drum kits

• talking dolls

• electronic learning toys with no volume control

Parents admit these toys:

• mysteriously “stop working”

• lose batteries very quickly

• disappear into cupboards

• drive them absolutely mad after a long day at work

Kids love them loudly. Parents don’t.

🚫 3. Trend Toys That Fade Fast

Every year has that toy.

Australian trend examples over the years:

• fidget spinners

• slime kits

• pop-it toys

• light-up novelty gadgets

They’re exciting — until they’re not.

Parents don’t regret the money as much as they regret the clutter left behind.

🚫 4. Clothes That Look Cute But Don’t Get Worn

This one surprises gift-givers.

Common regrets include:

• “special occasion” outfits

• stiff or scratchy fabrics

• impractical sizing

Parents say kids end up wearing:

• soft

• oversized

• comfortable clothes

If it’s not comfy, it’s not worn.

🚫 5. Overstimulating Bedtime Toys

This is a big one.

Examples parents mention:

• bright night lights

• flashing bedtime toys

• tablets or screens before bed

Parents often realise too late that these:

• delay sleep

• increase wake-ups

• turn bedtime into a struggle

✅ What Parents Don’t Regret Buying

After all that trial and error, parents notice a pattern.

Parents consistently say the most valuable items are the ones kids can use without asking for help that also supports their independence.

 These are things children:

• reach for on their own

• use to self-soothe

• associate with safety and familiarity

They don’t require instructions, batteries, or supervision — and they often become part of a child’s bedtime or wind-down routine.

✔ Comfort Items That Kids Choose Themselves

These are the quiet winners:

• favourite soft bedtime blanket with a friendly pattern

• favourite soft and plush teddies with happy or neutral facial expressions

• favourite pillows, these often carry familiar and calming smells

They’re not flashy — but they’re used every day.

Some parents mention glow-in-the-dark comfort items here because they:

• help kids feel safe at night

• reduce fear without bright lights

• support calm routines
  

Familiar patterns from these glow items such as glow in the dark blankets can really put kids at ease when they get over-stimulated, especially close to bedtime.

No hype. Just comfort.

✔ Simple Gifts That Support Routine

Parents don’t want more “things”.
They want smoother mornings and calmer nights.

Items that help with:

• winding down

• independence

• predictability

are almost never regretted.

There are some great gift ideas available that can help with this, but the most unique has to be Glowee's range of glow in the dark blankets.

🧠 What Parents Realise Too Late

Most parents say the same thing:

“The stuff we stressed over buying wasn’t the stuff that mattered.”

The gifts that last are:

• easy to use

• comforting

• part of daily life

They don’t shout for attention — they quietly help.

When considering what to buy for kids next time, consider getting them a premium glow in the dark blanket from Glowee.

Glowee is the original and Australian glow in the dark blanket with heaps of amazing patterns that kids instantly love and snuggle up with.

Over 5,000 Aussie families and kids absolutely love their Glowee blankets, its no wonder why Glowee is so popular.