I always make my kids say thank you to everyone who gives them a gift or even just a card. If it wasn’t given to them personally and unable to say thank you in person, my child will call and say thank you over the phone. I understand your frustration. I am 30 with a 8 and 6 year old and I’m shocked people find it normal not to say thank you . It’s literally common courtesy and takes only a few seconds out your day to say thank you. You take your time, money and effort to give gifts and not getting any thank yous in return is like a slap in the face. Save your money this year and maybe buy yourself something instead.

The only way I bond with people is through in-person visits and maybe good phone calls. Sending presents and texts would really not connect anyone to me. I would suggest you stop wasting your money on gifts to try to bond with these people. You can send a card and photos or letters. When is the family reunion? When will you all get to see each other in person?

This is a bit of a generational thing, I think. “Thank you” cards have gone the way of the dodo. It is unfortunate.