A video posted to X on June 24, 2026, has reignited one of the internet’s favorite arguments: what’s too much when it comes to spoiling kids?
The clip shows a 13-year-old unboxing a $1,090 Balenciaga Le City Leather Pouch as a birthday gift—a present so luxurious that it prompted one X user to reflect on how different things were just a generation ago.“When I was 13, I was overjoyed to receive a Swatch watch for my birthday,”@JebraFaushay wrote.“This thirteen-year-old, with her nails, hair, and makeup all in place, just got a $1090 luxury Balenciaga LeCity Leather Pouch for her birthday. Times have changed.”
The teen herself seemed genuinely moved by the gift. In the video, she explained that she’d wanted the bag for years and had repeatedly mentioned it to her mom. She turned down both a birthday party and a trip to get it instead.“I’ve literally talked about them for so long to my mom,”she said, visibly emotional.“My mom knows this. I’ve wanted this for so long. I really have. And I cried when I got the bag.”She gushed over the craftsmanship, noting the scent reminded her of a leather car interior, and declared she’d wear it constantly.
The reaction on X was swift and split. Some criticized the sheer excess of the purchase. Others took issue with her makeup application at 13. One commenter made the case for work ethic:“You know what would have made that special? If the kid went out, worked, and saved to buy it. Then she’d learn something about earning what you want instead of mommy buying it.”Another referenced Balenciaga’s own controversial history. In November 2022, the brand faced significant backlash over ad campaigns featuring children in inappropriate imagery, leading the company to pull both campaigns and restructure its image department. The brand also announced a partnership with the National Children’s Alliance in response.
What’s worth noting here: the girl’s reaction felt genuine. She wasn’t blasé about luxury—she was moved. She made a deliberate choice about what mattered most for her birthday. And her mom listened to what she wanted. That’s not inherently wrong. But the X discourse reveals something real about how generational expectations around wealth, gift-giving, and childhood have shifted. Whether that shift is progress or a cautionary tale depends largely on who you ask.
The internet, as always, had thoughts.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.