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"It’s not kind of on the list of priorities.”

IT’S Christmas day and you’re watching your little ones opening the gifts placed underneath the decorated tree.

One by one, their tiny hands remove the wrapping paper and you watch their faces lit up, as they discover a brand new iPhone hiding inside – or perhaps it’s the skincare set the tween has been going on about for months.

Getty

With the manic Christmas shopping upon us, many parents will be racing to snap up the perfect pressie for their kids[/caption]

Not known, clear with picture desk

One expert, Kirsty Ketley, has spilled the beans on what your kid’s gift says about YOU, the parent[/caption]

After all, this is exactly what they wanted and wouldn’t stop pestering you about in the run-up to the manic Christmas shopping.

But while the kids are sure to be thrilled with their pressies, have you ever wondered what these gifts tell about YOU, the parent behind them?

Well, one expert in the field – and mum-of-two – Kirsty Ketley has spilled the beans on it all – so if you’re yet to head to the stores, you may want to listen up.

From high-end tech to the viral sell-out Aldi wooden toys, here’s what the parenting guru has to say about your gifts this year – and why it’s bad news if you’re considering buying iPads…

Skincare for tweens and teens

Getty

Skincare seems to have become all the rage amongst tweens – and it’s a good way to instill skincare habits[/caption]

Buying into the marketing around these brands and trends, is very dangerous.

It’s so important that parents understand the damage they can be doing to their kids by buying expensive creams and lotions, not just their skin, but to their self-esteem and self-perception.

Also, the notion that the parents feel they need this stuff, can lead kids to feel unworthy or not good enough in the skin they are in, because if their parents don’t see them good enough, how can they feel good enough in themselves?

I think it’s important to teach kids how to look after their skin, for sure, but the GRWM [Get Ready With Me] trends and buying into the marketing of these brands, needs very careful consideration as to how these will impact their child further down the line. 

iPads or other expensive tech

Alamy

Those treating their kids to iPads and other high-end tech ‘see digital literacy as essential’[/caption]

Parents might be grappling with finding offline entertainment options for their kids or is inclined toward high-tech engagement, seeing technology as both a practical solution and a status symbol.

They may also like being up-to-date with tech, themselves and be very tech savvy, perhaps implying that they see digital literacy as essential.

While we are living in a highly digitalised world, I think tech should be heavily monitored and boundaries put in place on its usage.

Allowing kids to spend the festive period glued to screens is irresponsible and takes kids away from spending proper, quality, time with the family.

It’s prevents forming and keeping close bonds with family members and means they are missing out on doing or experiencing other important aspects of childhood. 

It also helps encourage screen addiction and a reliance on screens to pacify themselves. Moderation is key. 

Aldi/Lidl toys

Aldi

If you’re buying the sell-out toys when your kid doesn’t need them, parents who do will miss out[/caption]

A trend-savvy parent might love these toys and see them as quality, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable and shows they want the “best” without breaking the bank.

They are usually good value compared to the bigger brands, but these could be a regretful buy if the mums are buying them just because they are ‘‘trendy’’ and to make their Instagram feed look cool because if their kids aren’t interested in them – which is possible, they will be a waste of money, plus they will have stopped someone else buying, who has a child who genuinely wants one.

You could say the mums are selfish – for putting their own needs (social media validation) before those of others.

Latest clothing brands/trends

Nike

Buying fashionable gear suggests parents ‘want for their child to fit’, said Kirsty[/caption]

Parents who are highly fashion-conscious and eager to pass that onto their child, possibly projecting the idea of a mini-fashionista.

This can also suggest a want for their child to fit in, stay on-trend, or even stand out in a stylish way.

Perhaps they never felt they had anything “trendy” as a child, and so are reliving their own childhoods, or perhaps they did and feel they should do the same as their parents did for them. 

This could also reflect a parent’s desire to project status, or provide their children with a sense of belonging in certain social circles.

A term to describe this phenomenon could be “brand-centric parenting”.

Books

Aldi

Book-giving parents often see reading as a fundamental part of children’s development.

They see the merit in kids enjoying books and could also be a book-lover themselves.

It may also suggest a preference for “wholesome” or screen-free activities.

STEM kits

Parents choosing these gifts might be STEM enthusiasts themselves and might prioritise educational play, also hoping their child will grow up with a strong foundation in science and technology, perhaps even hinting at aspirations of raising a “future innovator.”

Sports equipment

Not known, clear with picture desk

If you’re a gym bunny, chances are you’ll buy your kid a sports kit too[/caption]

Parents who pick sports equipment might prioritise physical activity in their kids.

They may also be sporty and want to give their child opportunities to try sports themselves.

Arts and crafts

Choosing art-related gifts suggests parents who values creativity, self-expression, and perhaps even the mental health benefits of artistic hobbies.

This is likely a parent who doesn’t mind kids getting messy and also enjoys crafting.

Collectibles – Squishmallows, Pokémon cards

These parents might like keeping up with the latest toy trends and want their child to feel a sense of belonging by having what’s “in.” 

Instilling in kids that they have to have the latest fad, isn’t a great thing.

While it can be harmless and a bit of fun collecting things, like Squismallows, it can teach kids that it’s more important to have material things over anything else. 

Experience gifts

Parents might want to prioritise memories and bonding over material items.

It suggests a love for quality time and trying new experiences and giving a child the opportunity to to have a go at new things. 

A BELOVED make up artist has died following a “courageous” battle with bowel cancer.

Irene Roozbayani, 41, passed away on November 7 after being diagnosed with the disease at the start of the year.

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani

Irene Roozbayani tragically died after a ‘courageous’ bowel cancer battle[/caption]

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani

Tributes have flooded in for the make up artist[/caption]

Tragically, the stage four cancer had already spread by the time she received a diagnosis, Chronicle Live reports.

Irene underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and bravely continued working even as her condition worsened as she didn’t want to let her customers down.

Tributes have now flooded in for the make up artist, who was known to pals as the “Persian Cheryl Cole” due to her resemblance to the singer.

Her dad Yousef Rouzbayani said: “Irene was very generous and happy, and she always liked to make people laugh. Everybody loved her and she was so friendly, always introducing me to new friends that she had made as she grew up.

“She had expensive taste, I remember that, but I think this really helped her in her career. I have lost the person that was always in my heart, and I will never forget her.

“On her last night, I cuddled her and spoke to her, and even though she couldn’t speak back to me, I saw a tear in her eye.

“I want the people who knew here to remember her for the person that she was, and I miss her so much.”

Irene was born in Scotland to Iranian parents and moved to South Shields when she was five.

She began her career working with MAC before leaving to join Charlotte Tilbury at Fenwick in Newcastle.

Irene also did make-up for high-end fashion houses – including Vivienne Westwood.

Speaking about her cancer battle, Friend Helena Ganley said: “She was so positive throughout, taking everything in her stride, and she is the bravest person for dealing with it all.

“Her big thing was that she didn’t want to upset people, she was still doing everything that she possibly could not to let people down.

“Right at the end, she spent eight days at Marie Curie, and even there she remained positive, and the staff were amazing with her.”

In a moving post announcing her death on Instagram, Irene’s loved ones said she passed away after a “courageous battle with cancer”.

They added: “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Irene’s journey, she loved each one of you and would appreciate all of the love.

“Sleep tight Roozy, we love you.”

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani

Irene was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year[/caption]

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani

The make up artist pictured with Charlotte Tilbury[/caption]

Instagram/@irene_roozbayani