Stepfather Reprimands Older Stepdaughter For Gifting Her Sister SpongeBob Charms, Thinks She's Encouraging Childish Behavior

The sister is a passionate Taylor Swift and SpongeBob fan.

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• Published in Interesting
• January 19, 2024

Grown men and women collect toys and action figures of their favorite anime and cartoon characters. But that doesn't mean they're childish.

These days, it's totally cool for adults to dive into the world of toys, whether it's playing around with them or building up a collection. Ever felt that urge to snag a cool action figure, a soft plushie, or a LEGO set inspired by your favorite movies or shows?

Well, you're not alone! Turns out, buying toys for ourselves has become a big thing among grown-ups.

CNBC reports that adults treating themselves to toys has become a key factor in keeping the industry thriving. The pandemic even took things to the next level, with toy purchases hitting the roof and helping keep the industry afloat.

Some adults just want a collection, while others are just looking to relive those childhood memories. Sadly, not all people understand the joy and nostalgia that come with it.

Over at the "Am I The A**hole?" (AITA) subreddit, a teenager asks the online community if giving a SpongeBob SquarePants charm to her sister on her birthday makes her an a-hole. According to the original poster (OP), her stepfather reprimanded her for it.

For the younger sister's birthday, the OP got her pink Crocs (something she's been wanting) and some Taylor and SpongeBob charms. While it sounds like a thoughtful gift, the stepfather wasn't too thrilled.

He thinks it's encouraging the young teen's "childish" SpongeBob obsession and making her act like a baby. The OP just wanted to make her sister happy on her special day.

OP's question:

Her stepdad's reaction over what she gifted her sister made her wonder if she's the a-hole. The stepdad calls it encouraging childish behavior.

The OP tells the community what her sister is passionate about.

For their stepfather, SpongeBob is a childish hobby. He think that teens at that age shouldn't be collecting items featuring cartoon characters.

Although the stepfather generally doesn't mind the sister's love for Taylor Swift, he isn't particularly fond of the singer.

The OP got her sister Taylor Swift and SpongeBob charms.

The OP got her sister more items related to her hobbies.

Other parents would even buy their sons and daughters SpongeBob items despite them being adults already.

You love what you love, and being childish has nothing to do with it.

Other adults would still gift cartoon character-related items despite the recipient being over 40.

A 49-year-old Redditor still enjoys wearing a SpongeBob hoodie.

The stepdad is just being a Squidward.

People shouldn't be belittling other people's harmless hobbies.

A mom admits to watching the cartoon character with her teenager.

Even adults still enjoy SpongeBob.

The OP shouldn't feel bad about giving those gifts, especially since it's making her sister happy. She doesn't have to listen to his stepfather whining about the hobbies being childish.

A sister loving a cartoon character enough to have their merchandise doesn't make her childish. The stepdad should learn how to respect other people's tastes, especially if it's harmless and it makes them happy.

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