If an item is given outwardly to the child but the actual purpose was to give it to the parents, but the person gave it in the name of the child because he considered the gift to be insignificant, then that item will be considered to be under the ownership of the parents. They can utilise it as they wish. Furthermore, one should see who has given the gift. If the gift was given by the wife’s relatives, it will belong to the wife. If it was given by the husband’s relatives, it will belong to the husband. You sewed a set of clothing for your immature child. That child will now be its owner. You made a set of jewellery for your immature daughter. She will now be its owner. It will not be permissible to give that clothing or jewellery to any other boy or girl. It should be given to the one for whom it was made. However, if at the time of making it, you clearly stated that this item belongs to you and that you are merely loaning it to this child, the item will belong to the person who made it (or got it made). It is the habit of many elder sisters and also mothers to borrow a scarf and other items from their immature sisters or daughters. It should be noted that it is not permissible to borrow such items even for a little while. Just as an immature child cannot give any of his possessions to anyone, in the same way the father cannot give any of the possessions of his immature child to anyone. If the parents give any of the possessions of the child to anyone or lend it to anyone, it will not be permissible to accept it. However, if the parents have a severe need for it on account of poverty and cannot obtain it from anywhere else, then at such a time of need and desperation it will be permissible for them to take an item that belongs to the child. It is not correct for the parents to loan the wealth of the child to anyone. In fact, it is not correct for the parents themselves to borrow the wealth of the child. Remember this well.
