I now have several nieces and nephews and they are all under age three. One is 6 months, another is 14 months. There’s a two-year-old and one turning three. There’s also another addition on the way. Several have summer birthdays and I’ve been wracking my brains for what sort of a gift to buy each one.
Then the thought occurred to me: can I get them a joint birthday gift?
When I think of the gifts my kids have loved most, one particular item comes to mind—our backyard bouncy castle. They used it all summer when they were little and could entertain themselves on it for hours. It was the best purchase I’d ever made. Now they are too big for the bouncy castle, and it’s not a great hand-me-down. After so many years of use, it has tiny holes in it from all the wear and tear.
But it might be great to buy one for my nieces and nephews.
There are a few problems with my plan. My siblings don’t have the storage space for all my baby books, never mind big ticket items, like all the bikes and cars I have in my garage from when my kids were little. It’s also rather pricey for a gift, even if I buy it online and on sale.
Since nobody has room for their own bouncy castle, and since this would be an expensive gift, would it be ok if I got my nieces and nephews a castle to share? They could keep it at my parents’ house, which has a garage perfect for storage and a backyard that’s perfect for playing.
I wouldn’t want my siblings to think I’m cheap or impersonal. I was hoping they might find my gesture thoughtful, instead. Still, it feels a little wrong.
Can I get my siblings’ kids a joint birthday gift under these circumstances? What do you think?
