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“They Are So Ungrateful”: Mom Films Son’s Reaction To Angel Tree Gifts, Gets 2M Views And A Lot Of Opinions
For many of us, one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season is gift time—the tearing of wrapping paper, the little rush of excitement, and the anticipation of seeing what’s inside. It’s a moment filled with joy, surprise, and sometimes big expectations. But as we all know, not every gift is going to be a perfect match, especially for kids who wear their emotions right on their sleeves.
That’s exactly what happened in a now-viral video shared by a mom who wanted her children to learn gratitude for the Angel Tree gifts they received. In the clip, she films both her son and daughter opening their presents but it’s her son’s reaction that caught everyone’s attention. He doesn’t hide his disappointment after unwrapping a pair of Skechers, and the moment quickly sparks debate online. Keep scrolling to see how the internet reacted and where opinions landed.
RELATED:
A mom shared that she wanted her kids to truly appreciate the gifts they received through an Angel Tree program this Christmas
Image credits: Matej/Pexels (not the actual photo)
She decided to film her son and daughter as they opened their presents, hoping it would be a sweet holiday moment
Image credits: justmookiiee
Image credits: justmookiiee
Image credits: justmookiiee
Image credits: justmookiiee
Image credits: justmookiiee
Image credits: justmookiiee
The full video quickly made its way online, where viewers could watch their unfiltered reactions
@justmookiiee Angel tree program from incarcerated parents #angeltreeprogram#angeltree#incarceratedlivesmatter#fyp♬ original sound – JustMookiiee
Buying Christmas presents can be a costly affair, and not everyone has the means to go all out during the holidays
Christmas is often called the season of joy, love, and togetherness but let’s be real, it’s also the season of spending. Between gifts, decorations, food, and last-minute extras, costs can pile up fast. According to a Gallup report, Americans in 2025 expect to spend an average of $1,007 on holiday gifts alone. That’s a lot of wrapping paper and receipts. Even when people try to budget, the pressure to make the holidays “special” often wins. It’s no wonder wallets feel lighter by December’s end.
The holidays are also a huge moment for the economy, and gift-giving plays a big role in that. Around 86% of consumers say they plan to buy gifts this season, whether it’s for family, friends, coworkers, or even neighbors. From Secret Santa exchanges to thoughtful presents for loved ones, most people are participating in some way. Even those who claim they’re “keeping it simple” usually end up buying at least a few gifts. The spirit of giving is hard to escape during the holidays.
When it comes to how much people expect to spend, the numbers vary widely. About 31% say they’ll spend up to $499, while 18% plan to spend between $500 and $999. Another 37% predict they’ll spend $1,000 or more, which shows just how big the season can get. Meanwhile, 8% say they won’t spend anything or don’t celebrate, and 5% are still unsure. Holiday budgets really do look different for everyone.
Spending habits also change depending on income, and that’s becoming more noticeable. Americans in households earning less than $50,000 now expect to spend about $651 on gifts, which is over $100 less than last year’s average of $776. Rising costs have made many people rethink how much they can realistically afford. For these families, the holidays are still meaningful but often require tougher financial choices.
Parents often feel a lot of pressure during the holidays, especially when it comes to the financial strain of buying gifts for their children
Parents, in particular, often feel the pressure around Christmas spending. A YouGov survey found that among parents buying gifts for their children, 45% plan to spend up to £100 per child, while 49% say they’ll spend even more. Many parents admit they worry about meeting expectations, especially with kids comparing gifts with friends or siblings. The desire to create magical memories can quickly clash with financial reality.
Looking closer at those numbers, only 6% of parents say they typically spend less than £30 per child, while 15% spend between £31 and £50. On the other end, one in five parents, about 20%, say they usually spend more than £200 per child. That’s a huge range, showing how different families approach holiday gifting. No matter the amount, most parents agree the emotional weight of gift-giving can be heavy.
That’s why programs like Angel Tree are so meaningful during the holidays. Angel Tree is a holiday charity program run by various organizations that provides new toys, clothes, and gifts for children, seniors, and families in need. Local donors pick paper “angel” tags from decorated trees in stores or churches, each listing a child’s or senior’s wish. These programs help bring joy and essentials to people who might otherwise go without. They also allow incarcerated parents to send gifts “from” them, helping maintain an emotional connection during a difficult time.
In this particular case, the woman’s son didn’t seem too thrilled with his Angel Tree gift at first. And honestly, as a kid, it’s not unusual to feel disappointed when a present doesn’t match what you imagined. Still, as the mother mentioned at the start of the video, the moment was meant to be a lesson in gratitude and understanding the bigger picture. What do you think—was this a teachable moment or just a normal kid reaction?
Many people felt the son’s response came across as ungrateful and were quick to call it out
Others were more understanding, pointing out that kids don’t always get excited about practical gifts like shoes
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What do you think ?
Daisydaisy 3 days ago
Can we just go back to a time where nobody films their kids doing anything ever? We can discuss social issues without shaming kids or displaying them like trophies. Put your phone away and leave them alone to lead their own authentic lives!
Bookworm 2 days ago
Thank you. I detest parents who use their kids like this. Let them just be in the moment.
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Tyranamar Seuss 3 days ago
I son't think you should have to act grateful for something you don't want just bc you're poor. It's fine to express disappointment. Especially in a safe place with your family. If he'd been opening it in front of the people who gave it to him, that would be something totally different. What makes this suck is that a parental figure showed their faces. And then posted this for all of eternity to know a) the kids needed angel gifts. And b) that the kids weren't happy with their gifts. Way to make yourself no longer a safe space and push this into the realm of exploitation.
E Menendez 2 days ago
Yes, the problem here is the parent. They have not only done a disservice to their kids, but it will turn people off from donating gifts. All for their own desire to go viral.
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TruthoftheHeart 3 days ago
I'm a bit with the kid, if nothing else they might think this gift is from Santa still, they won't understand why they only got clothes while someone else in the family got toys.
Nikole 3 days ago
I don't think either kid thinks they're from santa... But yeah, he was reacting to getting dowdy shoes and a pair of jeans instead of something he'd actually enjoy, like his sister received.
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Motivated sloth 3 days ago
My 73 year old father loves his sketchers. Who do people buying gifts for angel tree think they’re buying for? These are kids! His reaction was completely normal.
ID 3 days ago
Thank you for this comment. Where an adult might think that sketchers arejust shoes, the kid might be bullied when they wear the wrong shoes
Load More Replies...
FlagCityDiva 3 days ago (edited)
People need to read the tags. Many of the lists aren't in my budget. i.e. PlayStations, iPhones, tablets, etc. Lately, though, I've been picking from trees that are for seniors. I can't imagine what kind of situation one is in when they ask for toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries. There's also Angel Trees for animal shelters/rescues.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 3 days ago
Good on you ^.^ People are always fawning over spawn, but never think of the elderly.
Load More Replies...
Jenna Kay 3 days ago
I am quite sure this was what happened when my nephews got their things. I asked both parents what their boys wanted and needed. I was told older one needs clothes, and younger one likes Legos. I bought the older one clothes - ones that would be cool for middle school, with subtle but recognizable logos, I asked a LOT of people, including middle schoolers what was "IN" before I got them. The other nephew received a Lego set. I tried really hard, though!!
BoredPangolin 3 days ago
Why do we make this about the kids when it's actually about the mother? She is filming, she is sharing, and by the tone of her voice she is conveying despise for the kids.
Pheebs 3 days ago
So, a lot of people are asking why the kid didn’t get a toy - have any of you actually filled an angel gift? The tags come prefilled with what the child (or parent on behalf of the child) asked for. Did he ask for a toy? Did he ask for something the person couldn’t fill? Angel tags generally have a wish item, and an indication of needs. Clothing is frequently there, along with sizes, but in my experience not specific brands. So it’s a c**p shoot on the clothing. For the wants, hard to say what was asked for. A lot of game systems come up - understandable, but not always feasible. And I know the argument if you can’t afford everything asked for pick another kid. That attitude gets a lot of those kids NOTHING. He’s a kid, he’s allowed to be disappointed id the gift totally missed the mark. This is one video, and no telling how mom’s conversation with the kid went after.
C M 2 days ago
The only thing I know is when my late mother was given anything as a child she was so grateful. But that was in 1930s England and because her father didn't return from WW1 they really had nothing. She told me receiving anything was so rare, whatever they got, even 2nd hand clothes, was such a blessing. Different times, I guess.
Jon Cunningham 2 days ago
Wow. Poor manners, poor attitude and poor parenting. The worst part... This parent made this just to get likes on social. These people shouldn't get a thing. Beggars can't be picky... This shows total lack of any appreciation
Jon Cunningham 2 days ago
Wow. Entitlement bat it's best. This is poor mannors, poor parenting, and it's sad. Sorry, but beggars shouldn't be picky... And you could have received zero!!!! Have some manners for christ sake!
Littlemiss 3 days ago
It seems like the card would have been filled out by an adult. Maybe he needed shoes? I don't follow latest fashion and go on what my son asks for. I can see both sides of it.
Emilu 3 days ago
I went with "kids react honestly" 'cos... well, they do. Most kids don't understand the art of pretending to be grateful even if you're not. I agree with people that say that this shouldn't have been posted. The kid's allowed to want toys -- he's a *kid* -- and he's allowed to be disappointed, yet showing it in response to an Angel Tree donation makes him seem like an ungrateful brat and that isn't necessarily fair.
Ge Po 3 days ago
Teaching a kid to pretend is teaching it to lie. Teaching it to think about the situation and try to find a positive way to approach it, is teaching a kid something about consideration and mental health. So, first reaction is simple and honest? Perfectly fine by me. The second reaction should shows some gratitude and/or consideration for the effort that was put into the gift.
Load More Replies...
Jesha 3 days ago
Exactly. Also those aren't like Spider-Man light up shoes or something, they're just... Shoes. Please show me the kid that is going to be all OH HELL YES over shoes that are identical to the orthopedic ones I wear. It's hard to have to struggle, and I'm guessing this stuff was gassed up as being some mind blowing gifts. Watching your friends from school get bikes and stuff while you get nurse slip ons doesn't exactly tickle especially when you don't really grasp what's going on with finances yet.
Load More Replies...
Roberta Surprenant 2 days ago
He probably asked for jeans and shoes from pricey designer labels, instead he got "standard" brands. People buy from lists the kids write.
Roberta Surprenant 2 days ago
What was on his wish list? Did he ask for shoes or for absurdly expensive designer shoes? I always try to get what is asked for, have gifted anything from Barbie to skateboards to a violin and a ukulele.
StrangeOne 2 days ago (edited)
Kids don't understand the full scale plight of their parent's finances, what "hard-earned money" is about and they may not have known what an Angel Tree is actually about, or how it works. They probably know the presents came from somewhere and have put some ideas down. I think the mom decided what her kids got. Perhaps her son really needed new shoes and jeans. But he might not have found anything wrong with his old pants and shoes. His sister got 2 toys. He got no toys. To him, that's the equivalent of a lump of coal. He's being a normal kids. But shame on the mother for putting this on social media and shaming her kids like that.
Binky Melnik 2 days ago
Kids aren’t interested in comfort, obviously. They’re interested in Nike Jordans (unless someone else has risen to wear the mantle nowadays).
Load More Replies...
Kari Lynn 2 days ago
Those shoes don't have to be for school. They can be worn to practice soccer in the back yard, mowing the yard, touch football with friends in a nearby field, walking the dog for potty in the morning, working on his bike, going to the gym to run/workout, etc. Those are all activities he wouldn't wear his school Nikes to do. Don't say socks and slides are appropriate for any of that, especially in the soggy cold winter.
Deborah B 2 days ago
So he's supposed to be "grateful"? For shoes and jeans that he didn't choose, doesn't like, and may not even need, instead of a toy? This should have been his safe space, with his mum sympathising with his disappointment, not posting him online to be criticized for "ingratitude". This was supposed to be something to give him joy, not basic necessities.
Tara Noe 2 days ago
How many people head straight to Vinted after Christmas to sell their unwanted gifts? Gifts someone spent money on, and gave with the best of intentions. The kid is entitled to dislike what he received. This isn't wartime any more, or the third world, where he's grateful to have anything on his feet. The mother is the problem, posting this. She's validating an insult to a charitable donation instead of using this to teach a valuable lesson on how to handle something you don't like, because THAT matters as much as his personal preferences.
Morgan Owens 1 day ago
I absolutely understand his reaction, let's be real kids are cruel and he can't wear that because kids will tease him, having that been said it's still ungrateful behavior and the parent should have shut down. Lastly after having do several angel trees they are very specific what the kids ask for so he probably asked for exactly that but looking for other brands.
Annett Nyrud 1 day ago
I thought Angel tree was when people buy something that a kid had written that they wish for (?)
The Other Guest 2 days ago
It's OK to be disappointed at any age, and it's OK to express that disappointment. What's not OK is for the parent to film what should have been a private moment & post it for all the world to see. And no, I didn't watch it; why would I want to see a kid get a gift they didn't want & then get scolded for being "ungrateful"?
Binky Melnik 2 days ago
Just so you know, the mom did no scolding at all. She seemed okay with everything that was happening. As she’s likely the reason he received clothes, I imagine she was a bit worried about that ending up in the video.
Load More Replies...
Calane E. Vanya 2 days ago
A long time ago, my father took (and put in an album) a photo of me crying. I remember it as a humiliating moment, a mockery of my emotions. I wasn't allowed to destroy the photo. I'm angry to see how often people post their children's private moments. Posting children e.g. acting out will eventually backfire on these idiotic parents.
Libby King 2 days ago
Back in 1986 when I was 4 or so, my family had one of those huge, bulky video cameras and recorded my tap show and my utter hissy fit meltdown when my friend got a tap medal and I didn’t. Oh the dramatics, the crying, all set to the staccato of my tap shoes as I ran around the house. As an adult, it is HILARIOUS to watch, but thank god it was never posted on the internet for everyone to see and comment on.
Load More Replies...
Lori Beauchamp 2 days ago
It's a dodgy organization/charity. Consider local shelters, aged care and refuges.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 3 days ago (edited)
This is why I absolutely refuse to donate a single cent ever to anything to do with cro.tch goblins. I donate as much and as often as I can manage to the local cat rescue.
Daisydaisy 3 days ago
Can we just go back to a time where nobody films their kids doing anything ever? We can discuss social issues without shaming kids or displaying them like trophies. Put your phone away and leave them alone to lead their own authentic lives!
Bookworm 2 days ago
Thank you. I detest parents who use their kids like this. Let them just be in the moment.
Load More Replies... Tyranamar Seuss 3 days ago
I son't think you should have to act grateful for something you don't want just bc you're poor. It's fine to express disappointment. Especially in a safe place with your family. If he'd been opening it in front of the people who gave it to him, that would be something totally different. What makes this suck is that a parental figure showed their faces. And then posted this for all of eternity to know a) the kids needed angel gifts. And b) that the kids weren't happy with their gifts. Way to make yourself no longer a safe space and push this into the realm of exploitation.
E Menendez 2 days ago
Yes, the problem here is the parent. They have not only done a disservice to their kids, but it will turn people off from donating gifts. All for their own desire to go viral.
Load More Replies... TruthoftheHeart 3 days ago
I'm a bit with the kid, if nothing else they might think this gift is from Santa still, they won't understand why they only got clothes while someone else in the family got toys.
Nikole 3 days ago
I don't think either kid thinks they're from santa... But yeah, he was reacting to getting dowdy shoes and a pair of jeans instead of something he'd actually enjoy, like his sister received.
Load More Replies... Motivated sloth 3 days ago
My 73 year old father loves his sketchers. Who do people buying gifts for angel tree think they’re buying for? These are kids! His reaction was completely normal.
ID 3 days ago
Thank you for this comment. Where an adult might think that sketchers arejust shoes, the kid might be bullied when they wear the wrong shoes
Load More Replies... FlagCityDiva 3 days ago (edited)
People need to read the tags. Many of the lists aren't in my budget. i.e. PlayStations, iPhones, tablets, etc. Lately, though, I've been picking from trees that are for seniors. I can't imagine what kind of situation one is in when they ask for toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries. There's also Angel Trees for animal shelters/rescues.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 3 days ago
Good on you ^.^ People are always fawning over spawn, but never think of the elderly.
Load More Replies... Jenna Kay 3 days ago
I am quite sure this was what happened when my nephews got their things. I asked both parents what their boys wanted and needed. I was told older one needs clothes, and younger one likes Legos. I bought the older one clothes - ones that would be cool for middle school, with subtle but recognizable logos, I asked a LOT of people, including middle schoolers what was "IN" before I got them. The other nephew received a Lego set. I tried really hard, though!!
BoredPangolin 3 days ago
Why do we make this about the kids when it's actually about the mother? She is filming, she is sharing, and by the tone of her voice she is conveying despise for the kids.
Pheebs 3 days ago
So, a lot of people are asking why the kid didn’t get a toy - have any of you actually filled an angel gift? The tags come prefilled with what the child (or parent on behalf of the child) asked for. Did he ask for a toy? Did he ask for something the person couldn’t fill? Angel tags generally have a wish item, and an indication of needs. Clothing is frequently there, along with sizes, but in my experience not specific brands. So it’s a c**p shoot on the clothing. For the wants, hard to say what was asked for. A lot of game systems come up - understandable, but not always feasible. And I know the argument if you can’t afford everything asked for pick another kid. That attitude gets a lot of those kids NOTHING. He’s a kid, he’s allowed to be disappointed id the gift totally missed the mark. This is one video, and no telling how mom’s conversation with the kid went after.
C M 2 days ago
The only thing I know is when my late mother was given anything as a child she was so grateful. But that was in 1930s England and because her father didn't return from WW1 they really had nothing. She told me receiving anything was so rare, whatever they got, even 2nd hand clothes, was such a blessing. Different times, I guess.
Jon Cunningham 2 days ago
Wow. Poor manners, poor attitude and poor parenting. The worst part... This parent made this just to get likes on social. These people shouldn't get a thing. Beggars can't be picky... This shows total lack of any appreciation
Jon Cunningham 2 days ago
Wow. Entitlement bat it's best. This is poor mannors, poor parenting, and it's sad. Sorry, but beggars shouldn't be picky... And you could have received zero!!!! Have some manners for christ sake!
Littlemiss 3 days ago
It seems like the card would have been filled out by an adult. Maybe he needed shoes? I don't follow latest fashion and go on what my son asks for. I can see both sides of it.
Emilu 3 days ago
I went with "kids react honestly" 'cos... well, they do. Most kids don't understand the art of pretending to be grateful even if you're not. I agree with people that say that this shouldn't have been posted. The kid's allowed to want toys -- he's a *kid* -- and he's allowed to be disappointed, yet showing it in response to an Angel Tree donation makes him seem like an ungrateful brat and that isn't necessarily fair.
Ge Po 3 days ago
Teaching a kid to pretend is teaching it to lie. Teaching it to think about the situation and try to find a positive way to approach it, is teaching a kid something about consideration and mental health. So, first reaction is simple and honest? Perfectly fine by me. The second reaction should shows some gratitude and/or consideration for the effort that was put into the gift.
Load More Replies... Jesha 3 days ago
Exactly. Also those aren't like Spider-Man light up shoes or something, they're just... Shoes. Please show me the kid that is going to be all OH HELL YES over shoes that are identical to the orthopedic ones I wear. It's hard to have to struggle, and I'm guessing this stuff was gassed up as being some mind blowing gifts. Watching your friends from school get bikes and stuff while you get nurse slip ons doesn't exactly tickle especially when you don't really grasp what's going on with finances yet.
Load More Replies... Roberta Surprenant 2 days ago
He probably asked for jeans and shoes from pricey designer labels, instead he got "standard" brands. People buy from lists the kids write.
Roberta Surprenant 2 days ago
What was on his wish list? Did he ask for shoes or for absurdly expensive designer shoes? I always try to get what is asked for, have gifted anything from Barbie to skateboards to a violin and a ukulele.
StrangeOne 2 days ago (edited)
Kids don't understand the full scale plight of their parent's finances, what "hard-earned money" is about and they may not have known what an Angel Tree is actually about, or how it works. They probably know the presents came from somewhere and have put some ideas down. I think the mom decided what her kids got. Perhaps her son really needed new shoes and jeans. But he might not have found anything wrong with his old pants and shoes. His sister got 2 toys. He got no toys. To him, that's the equivalent of a lump of coal. He's being a normal kids. But shame on the mother for putting this on social media and shaming her kids like that.
Binky Melnik 2 days ago
Kids aren’t interested in comfort, obviously. They’re interested in Nike Jordans (unless someone else has risen to wear the mantle nowadays).
Load More Replies... Kari Lynn 2 days ago
Those shoes don't have to be for school. They can be worn to practice soccer in the back yard, mowing the yard, touch football with friends in a nearby field, walking the dog for potty in the morning, working on his bike, going to the gym to run/workout, etc. Those are all activities he wouldn't wear his school Nikes to do. Don't say socks and slides are appropriate for any of that, especially in the soggy cold winter.
Deborah B 2 days ago
So he's supposed to be "grateful"? For shoes and jeans that he didn't choose, doesn't like, and may not even need, instead of a toy? This should have been his safe space, with his mum sympathising with his disappointment, not posting him online to be criticized for "ingratitude". This was supposed to be something to give him joy, not basic necessities.
Tara Noe 2 days ago
How many people head straight to Vinted after Christmas to sell their unwanted gifts? Gifts someone spent money on, and gave with the best of intentions. The kid is entitled to dislike what he received. This isn't wartime any more, or the third world, where he's grateful to have anything on his feet. The mother is the problem, posting this. She's validating an insult to a charitable donation instead of using this to teach a valuable lesson on how to handle something you don't like, because THAT matters as much as his personal preferences.
Morgan Owens 1 day ago
I absolutely understand his reaction, let's be real kids are cruel and he can't wear that because kids will tease him, having that been said it's still ungrateful behavior and the parent should have shut down. Lastly after having do several angel trees they are very specific what the kids ask for so he probably asked for exactly that but looking for other brands.
Annett Nyrud 1 day ago
I thought Angel tree was when people buy something that a kid had written that they wish for (?)
The Other Guest 2 days ago
It's OK to be disappointed at any age, and it's OK to express that disappointment. What's not OK is for the parent to film what should have been a private moment & post it for all the world to see. And no, I didn't watch it; why would I want to see a kid get a gift they didn't want & then get scolded for being "ungrateful"?
Binky Melnik 2 days ago
Just so you know, the mom did no scolding at all. She seemed okay with everything that was happening. As she’s likely the reason he received clothes, I imagine she was a bit worried about that ending up in the video.
Load More Replies... Calane E. Vanya 2 days ago
A long time ago, my father took (and put in an album) a photo of me crying. I remember it as a humiliating moment, a mockery of my emotions. I wasn't allowed to destroy the photo. I'm angry to see how often people post their children's private moments. Posting children e.g. acting out will eventually backfire on these idiotic parents.
Libby King 2 days ago
Back in 1986 when I was 4 or so, my family had one of those huge, bulky video cameras and recorded my tap show and my utter hissy fit meltdown when my friend got a tap medal and I didn’t. Oh the dramatics, the crying, all set to the staccato of my tap shoes as I ran around the house. As an adult, it is HILARIOUS to watch, but thank god it was never posted on the internet for everyone to see and comment on.
Load More Replies... Lori Beauchamp 2 days ago
It's a dodgy organization/charity. Consider local shelters, aged care and refuges.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 3 days ago (edited)
This is why I absolutely refuse to donate a single cent ever to anything to do with cro.tch goblins. I donate as much and as often as I can manage to the local cat rescue.
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