Kids asking for really expensive gifts this year? Here's why

A lot of parents have been telling me this year that their kids' Christmas wishlists are completely over the top.

They're filled with expensive designer items and adult products that leave parents wondering: How did we get here? When did kids stop asking for toys and start begging for $700 skincare sets and designer handbags?

The answer lies in how drastically the way kids discover products has changed. Instead of circling toys in catalogs, they're sending screenshots from TikTok hauls and influencer videos.

Their wish lists are shaped by sophisticated algorithms that know exactly how to catch their attention, and influence their wants.

Let's look at what's changed:

Then vs. Now: The Evolution of Kids' Wish lists

It's not just about kids being spoiled. Today's children are growing up in a digital world where they're constantly exposed to luxury products through social media, gaming platforms, and YouTube videos. When they watch their favourite content creators, they're also watching carefully targeted ads for adult products. They're targeted for one reason only- kids are highly vulnerable to advertising! That's why they banned junk food ads on TV years ago.

The scary part? These algorithms create an echo chamber. Once a kid shows interest in one luxury item, they're shown more and more similar products. Add in peer pressure (when some kids actually get these items) and influencer culture (making luxury seem normal), and you've got a perfect storm of expensive wants.

This isn't just about saying no to expensive gifts

It's about understanding why our kids want these things in the first place. The best approach is talking to them about how social media works, why certain products keep showing up in their feeds, and the difference between wanting something because it's genuinely useful versus wanting it because an influencer made it look cool.

Remember: this new reality isn't going anywhere, but understanding it can help us guide our kids toward better choices.