The royal family has a cruel rule which means Her Majesty can take away the gifts sent to her grandchildren.
The palace has a massive handbook of strict rules which the royals are expected to follow at all times - including some that seem particularly harsh on Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte.
They also have a seven-page handbook on gift protocol - detailing whether they can be accepted, when they must be returned or rejected, and how they are recorded, MyLondon reports.
All presents given to the royals from outside sources are not owned by the recipient until they one day ascend to the throne.
For example, a teddy bear gifted to Prince George won't be his until he becomes King.
Thankfully, the children can keep gifts from their parents and other royals. So, Prince Louis' Christmas and birthday presents from William and Kate are safe.
The royal family's own rules state: "Gifts are defined as official when received during an official engagement or duty or in connection with the official role or duties of a Member of The Royal Family."
This includes so-called "walkabouts" among members of the public, as well as official visits within the UK and overseas.
But anything as small as a ribbon received as an "official gift" is the private property of the Queen, regardless of who received it.
The guidance says: "Official gifts are not the private property of the Member of The Royal Family who receives them but are instead received in an official capacity in the course of official duties in support of, and on behalf of The Queen."
In other words, the Queen is responsible for everything given to members of the royal family on official visits, because they are acting on behalf of Her Majesty.
But as they are not owned by the member in question, they are not subject to tax as long as it complies with the family's rules.
You thought your parents were strict with gifts? Think again. Even after the gift has been given, there is strict process for how they are handled after the engagement.
All gifts must be registered on an official "Gift Received Form" - think writing thank you letters to all of your relatives for every individual item you have ever received from them.
Although I doubt it's the family themselves that fills out the forms on this occasion.
If a gift is not used or consumed by the royal family it can be placed in storage or given to charity.
The rules make clear that "no offence" should be caused to the donor, and waste must be avoided if at all possible.
So next time you receive a freebie or gift you weren't expecting, be grateful you can take it home with you without any paperwork.
