Interesting, it is not very common to give kids piles of presents in Central Europe. I remember having to ask my parents to merge my birthday with Christmas when I wanted an average PC, and my parents are certainly not poor.
It is very uncommon for friends or wider family circles to give anything big to a kid. Maybe clothes, a book, a little toy, sweets, ... usually it is more for the parents, especially with kids younger than 4
I knew one or two exceptional kids that got A LOT, and they were from a background where the parents certainly couldn’t afford it, which somehow makes sense.
I really wish we had more of that culture. Unfortunately we've sort of bought (excuse the pun) into the idea that you have to give loads of presents as some sign of affection.
In our case it isn't like the presents are all really expensive, it's literally the number of them that is the problem. I'd actually be happier if our families spent the same money but on fewer things. Like one decent present would be better than three pieces of plastic crap from the same person.
My wife's extended family also really struggle with the idea that I would rather have consumable things (nice beers, a speciality cheese, a treat etc) than some random thing that they think I'll like. I'm no minimalist, but I really don't need or want more stuff in my life and would be far, far happier with something simpler and less permanant.
I've been asked before what I would like for christmas, only to be asked to come up with something "better". So frustrating.
My immediate family and my dad's side of the family have both taken to doing a "secret santa" style exchange, which I appreciate. It's mostly about saving money because the family has grown quite large with in-laws, but I've come to enjoy the experience: everybody takes turns and gets to really appreciate a smaller amount of overall gifts. It helps that my side of the family is done with kids!
My own in-laws still have younger kids, and they also do fall into the mindset of giving lots of lower-quality gifts instead of less higher-quality gifts. I feel like if the kids get less gifts, even if better, they might complain, but I think they could grown accustomed to it.
It is very uncommon for friends or wider family circles to give anything big to a kid. Maybe clothes, a book, a little toy, sweets, ... usually it is more for the parents, especially with kids younger than 4
I knew one or two exceptional kids that got A LOT, and they were from a background where the parents certainly couldn’t afford it, which somehow makes sense.