Is it rude to share a kids’ Christmas wishlist?

Is it rude to send family a Christmas wish list for your kid?

I don’t think it’s rude to answer a request for ideas. The important difference is between “Here are some things they’re into” and “This is what you need to buy.” One helps; the other can feel like an instruction.

If nobody has asked, I’d offer first: “Would a few ideas help?” Some relatives love a list. Others enjoy choosing their own surprise. You can make suggestions without taking that pleasure away.

When I looked at parenting discussions, I found both sides: a parent wondering about sending a list after family asked, and parents discussing what suggestions to give relatives. Those are individual experiences, not a vote on what every family should do. Knowing your own family matters more.

Family asking for Christmas ideas already? Here’s what to say

This is the sort of reply I’d send. It answers their question and keeps the choice with them:

“Thanks for asking! I’ve put a few ideas together — things they would really love and use. No need to stick to the list; it’s just there if it helps. Here’s the link.”

For someone who isn’t used to wish lists, I’d keep the explanation even simpler:

“It’s the same sort of ideas I’d normally send as screenshots, just together in one place. You can have a look whenever you’re ready.”

There’s no need to announce it to everyone or chase people to use it. Send it to the person who asked, then let them decide.

Dreading the Christmas toy clutter? What to ask for instead

I’d start with two questions: What are they actually using now? And what do they need next? Not every idea has to be another toy.

You might be surprised how helpful your kids can be here. They know exactly what they’re into — especially when it comes to gift cards, favourite treats and a genuinely wanted toy. Ask about a backpack or water bottle and they’ll often tell you which one they’d love most. Let them help you build the list, rather than trying to guess it all yourself.

With My Gift Hint, you can give them profile access so they can add the gift hints themselves. You can then review and approve the ideas you agree with before family see them. They get to show you what they would really love and use, and you still have a say in what goes on the shared list.

• Everyday things: pyjamas in the next size, the right water bottle, or supplies for a hobby they already enjoy.
• Books and activities: the next book in a favourite series, a craft refill, or a local outing you’ve checked will suit them.
• Gift cards and favourite treats: a shop they actually use or a small treat, with any allergies made clear.
• A genuinely wanted toy: it’s fine to include one. Less clutter doesn’t mean no toys; it means being thoughtful about what will get used.
• Teach kids to give back with one charity donation: let your kid choose a cause they care about — a local animal rescue or a global charity — and add a small donation link as a gift hint. It balances the list, and relatives who prefer giving back over plastic toys love picking it.

Include affordable choices too. For example, you might have ideas around US$10–20, or A$15–30 in Australia, alongside a larger option. These are example budgets, not what anyone is expected to spend. A relative’s budget is theirs to choose.

For each gift hint, add the exact product link, a matching photo, and any size or colour that matters. “Pink scooter” can still leave someone choosing between ten different ones.

When grandparents live far away: delivery or store pickup

Living in Australia with relatives far away makes the practical side important too. A list can show them the right product, but the shop still handles payment, delivery and collection — not My Gift Hint.

In the US, Target’s Order Pickup guidance lets the buyer add an alternate pickup person. Drive Up has different shopping-partner rules, so check the chosen service rather than assuming they’re the same.

Here in Australia, another mum’s BIG W list gave me an idea: grandparents could open the exact BIG W links from a My Gift Hint list and choose delivery to the family’s address, where available, or arrange local collection with their daughter.

I don’t know the details of that family’s collection arrangement, so I wouldn’t promise it works automatically. BIG W’s in-store pickup page explains waiting for the ready notification and collecting at the Service Desk, but doesn’t settle who can collect on someone else’s behalf. Check with the store first.

• Agree on the delivery address or nearest suitable store before ordering.
• Check that the item is available for that delivery or pickup option.
• Confirm the collector’s name, required ID, ready notification and collection deadline.
• Mark the gift as claimed on the wish list separately — buying at the shop doesn’t update the list automatically.