Holiday gift giving should be thoughtful and should not lead to conflict for divorced parents - but it often does. When putting together your holiday gift list, we encourage you to consider the impact the gifts you purchase for your children may have on your ex-spouse as well as on the children.

If there are gifts which you know or feel may cause conflict between you and your ex, we encourage you to speak with your ex in advance. Some common gifts which can cause conflict because one parent may approve while the other disapproves include:

If your ex-spouse has already made a gift purchase that you are not comfortable with, it is best to have a discussion prior to your child receiving the gift. Additionally, if you or your ex knows that someone else, perhaps a grandparent, is making a purchase for your child that you may not be comfortable with, its best to address it as soon as possible. We are not always in control, but what’s most important is that you do not put your child in an awkward position if they receive a gift you are not comfortable with. Take the issue up separately with the adult who made the purchase, and work towards a solution that can then be communicated with the child.