Angel Tree Scams: Parents Ask for PS5s for Toddlers
So I just tried doing an angel tree donation for the first time. Let me tell you – I’m completely disgusted with what I found. Parents are literally scamming a charity meant to help kids have Christmas gifts.
The whole point of angel tree programs is simple. Kids who can’t afford presents get their wishes granted by generous strangers. You pick a child’s list from the tree. Then you buy exactly what they asked for. It’s supposed to be heartwarming, right?
When Angel Tree Scams Go Too Far
Well, apparently some parents didn’t get that memo. I’m scrolling through these wish lists looking for actual kid requests. You know, like dolls or toy cars or books. Instead, I’m seeing lists that are obviously written by greedy adults.
The worst one? A list supposedly from “Lily, age 2.5 years old.” This toddler allegedly wants a VR headset and a PlayStation 5. Are you kidding me? A two-year-old can barely work a sippy cup. She definitely doesn’t need a $500 gaming console.
But wait, it gets worse. Other “kids” were asking for Apple Watches and iPads. Even if your actual child wants expensive electronics, why would you let them ask for that? Times are tough for everyone right now. The people trying to help often can’t even afford those gifts for themselves.
Here’s the thing that really bothers me. When you put unrealistic items on these lists, nobody picks them. Your kid ends up with nothing under the tree. How is that helping anyone?
The Reality Behind Charity Programs
One person who runs an angel tree program commented on this. They said the most ambitious request they usually get is a bike. Even that might be too expensive for most donors. Meanwhile, other programs are dealing with this same nonsense.
Someone doing Operation Santa shared their horror stories too. They saw letters asking for Timberland boots, Marc Jacobs purses, Stanley cups, and expensive perfume. For kids who are supposed to be in need. Right.
But the most heartbreaking story came from someone whose ex-wife managed a clothing store. They started a back-to-school program for disadvantaged kids. Each child got a certain amount to spend on clothes they needed.
Two things happened every single year. First, the kids would try to buy things for their siblings instead of themselves. They’d pick out blankets and pillows instead of clothes. These children were thinking of everyone but themselves.
Second, parents would show up the next day trying to return everything for cash. When the store stopped giving receipts, parents tried exchanging the kids’ clothes for adult items. The program had to shut down after four years because of these scammers.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Stories like these remind me of other choosing beggars situations where people abuse generosity. But this feels different. This is stealing Christmas from actual kids in need.
Every fake request takes away from a real child who needs help. When donors see ridiculous lists, they get discouraged. Some probably stop participating altogether. The kids who genuinely need a simple toy or warm coat suffer because of their parents’ greed.
I did find one legitimate list, thankfully. A child asking for age-appropriate toys that I could actually afford. That kid is getting exactly what they wanted. But how many other real requests got buried under all the scam lists?
The worst part is knowing those greedy parents will probably blame the system when their kids don’t get anything. They’ll never admit they sabotaged their own children’s Christmas. These entitled people have no shame.
Next year, I’m definitely participating again. But I’ll be even more careful about spotting the obvious fakes. Real kids deserve real Christmas magic. Their parents’ greed shouldn’t ruin that.
If you’re thinking about doing angel tree donations, don’t let this discourage you. Just use common sense when picking lists. A genuine child’s request usually sounds like something a kid would actually want and use.
From r/ChoosingBeggars (1,015 upvotes)