Children born in January may be celebrating their birthdays with fewer gifts than their peers, according to recent research that highlights a surprising seasonal trend in family gifting habits.
The study found that January-born children receive the lowest average number of birthday presents across the year. Researchers suggest that the timing of birthdays immediately after the festive holiday season plays a significant role in this disparity.
Experts point to post-Christmas financial strain, gift fatigue, and general burnout following year-end celebrations as contributing factors. Many families, having already spent heavily during December on Christmas and New Year festivities, tend to scale back when January birthdays arrive.
Another factor identified is the overlap of gifts, where some families combine Christmas and birthday presents into a single gesture, unintentionally reducing the sense of a distinct celebration for January-born children.
Child psychologists note that while the number of gifts may seem trivial, birthdays play an important role in a child’s emotional development and sense of being valued. They recommend families make birthdays feel special through experiences, quality time, or personalized celebrations—regardless of the size or cost of gifts.
The findings have sparked conversations online, with many January-born adults sharing similar childhood experiences, reinforcing how seasonal timing can quietly shape personal memories.
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