By Robert Dean
Carter County Times
If my kid has to go to your kid’s thing, I do parents a solid. I don’t buy Roblox cards. You’re never getting clothes from us. (Who does that?) I will never buy you a toy your kid doesn’t want from the aisles of Target, only to find out they don’t like it. No, I buy fast food gift cards, pizza, or if I know you’re like, into health, cards from a smoothie place. Think of it as “thoughtful convenience” for all parties involved. While our lives are streamlined with banking apps and Zoom calls, we’re all swamped with stuff to do. And putting away another random toy is yet another act of “stuff” and likely something you’ll be selling at the garage sale come Spring. So, grab that Wendy’s gift card.
The Power of the Gift Card
Why? Because every parent loves knowing they don’t have to store extra crap they didn’t want in their house, which they likely don’t have room for. And, because no one has any money, it’s always good to have that magical bullet hanging around in the purse or wallet for when the kids are hungry. We’re all broke, and every little win counts; even if it’s $25 to Panera Bread, it lightens the financial burden of feeding a working family. This way, lunch is paid for, there is always a full belly, and there is an appreciative parent. Every time a kid opens a card and it’s $40 to Jersey Mike’s, or Burger King, whatever, it’s one slight nod of respect to the other parent that, hey, this whole deal is hard, but at least you can rip through a drive-thru when you’re wiped out and broke.
It Works Beyond Birthdays
Really, I take this approach to all gift-giving occasions. New parents? DoorDash card. Housewarming? Forget the bottle of wine, give them pizza cards. Everyone’s lives are constantly in flux, and one less thing we don’t have to deal with is a gift in itself. A new parent will happily eat a Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch half asleep in the dark before considering making anything and risking that baby waking up from a microwave beep.
The Big Truth: Food > Stuff
Parenting is rough like that, and what kid is going to complain about a trip to the Golden Arches for a Big Mac or McNuggets? Not one I know of. Even if the parent hates McDonald’s – it’s still one less meal they have to cook, or better yet, plan for in a busy life. Is this minimalism? I don’t think so. It’s realizing kids have enough crap spilling out of their closets, so why not just enjoy lunch – on me. You don’t want more Barbie clothes. Our kids need less screen time, so no Fortnite card. No parent wants to get another Lego set. But everyone likes pizza. Give the people the power of a large cheese. Just don’t dip it in ranch, that’s so weird.
Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com
