US girl's Christmas wishlist with iPhone, Macbook, Airpods sparks controversy

The wishlist by the child listing expensive items for Christmas. (Image: u/Phillyphan08/Reddit)

A Reddit post has cast a spotlight on a seemingly innocent glimpse into a little girl's extravagant Christmas wish list has ignited a heated debate about the evolving nature of children's expectations during the holiday season.

The wish list, facilitated by Project Santa under the United States Postal Service, featured a litany of high-ticket electronic items, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Airpods Pro, Airpods Max, iPad Pro, a Drawing projector, a Polaroid camera, and a Macbook. What made this revelation particularly striking was the assertion by the Reddit user that a significant number of these wish lists carried expectations of receiving gifts exceeding $500.

The user wrote a caption: “My GF was looking through these wanting to send a gift to some kid and I assumed these letters that get posted in here are families that can't afford to get the kids something so they use this so their Christmas doesn’t s*ck. I'd say 90% of these kids are expecting $500+ gifts and my gf can't afford to send something like that and I assume 90% of the population can't either. I feel like if I was asking for help I'd ask for something reasonable there's no way all these ps5s, iPhone/ iPads and Jordans are being bought and sent out. How do these parents not get their kids to write something reasonable so they aren't super disappointed when they don't get $500-$2000 of electronics?”

Letters it Santa USPS
byu/Phillyphan08 inmildlyinfuriating

The discussion on the post exposed a spectrum of opinions. Some expressed dismay, labelling today's children as overly indulged, while others deemed the wish lists unreasonable and infuriating. The overarching concern centered around the economic feasibility of fulfilling these extravagant wishes.

“Growing up without a lot of money to go around is rough. Wishing for things that may make you feel like you’re on top of the world are rarely “practical” items, especially when you’re a kid. Give what you can or feel comfortable with, either way you’re doing a great thing!” one user wrote.

“Not hard to decipher this. They’re kids. They’re writing a letter to a man they believe delivers toys all around the world made by elves. They aren’t thinking about the cost, as they believe the cost is free. Now you mentioned parents asking for things like cars, that’s unacceptable,” a third user said. “Just send some batteries,” a fourth joked.

Amid the debate, a crucial aspect emerged – the enduring belief among children that Santa Claus, not their parents, is the ultimate gift-giver. A dichotomy unfolded, with some reminiscing about their own childhood wish lists, acknowledging the fine line between youthful innocence and societal expectations.

“This comment makes me feel old. By the time the PS4 came out I was old enough that I stopped getting gifts and just got Christmas cards with money in it instead,” one wrote.

“Jesus, and I was happy when I got Legos,” another wrote.