How is it not a shortcut? It doesn't address the reason the kid wants the light on, it just bribes him into not bothering you about it(see the scariest story (http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2011/02/scariest-story.html)). Doesn't mean squid314 is wrong about using it as a tool for getting over a hump, but it is a shortcut.

Also, are you suggesting that it's less of a bribe/shortcut/somehow otherwise better if the gift is promised ahead of time, rather than a surprise?