Thrifty Thursday - The Five Gift Rule
Some years your kids want everything for Christmas. Other years they don’t seem to really want anything at all. Both are hard situations to navigate. And regardless of which it is, we all seem to go overboard anyway.
Every Christmas, the kids faced a disorganized mountain of presents from us and from extended family.
All of which resulted in overwhelmed kids, frustrated parents, a mess, ridiculous waste and a huge credit card debt.
The Four Gift Solution
Limit gift-giving to four gifts, where each gift fulfills a specific gift parameter. These parameters are:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
WANT: This is a “big item” - the thing your child really wants.
NEED: This allows us to give our kids something they need that might relate to their learning or new life stage (starting school or kinder for example) without it being unexpected or a big deal. For example, a new lunchbox, sunglasses or something for their room.
WEAR: This is when we can take into account each kids’ unique sense of style and any sensory issues too. It may take a little more effort to find a soft, quality kids garment these days but it’s worth it! And if you take the time to pick something that is uniquely them (not the same as everyone), you can guarantee they’ll wear it until it falls off.
READ: One of my favorites. This gives us a chance to choose titles and books that speak to their interests and reading level. We can think outside the box and not worry about making sure they’re getting traditional reading materials. What about some classic literature, something inspirational, a cookbook or something really fun?
The Benefits of the Four Gift Rule
Want, Need, Wear, Read has meant less chaos, clearer expectations and less disappointment for our family. And even with fewer gifts, both kids are now happier because they are not over-stimulated with toys everywhere – they can focus, engage, learn and really enjoy.
The Four Gift Rule has also allowed us to teach thankfulness. So many times, children get wrapped up in the gifts, and even though they know true meaning of Christmas, it’s still all about Santa for them - it’s all about those presents under the tree. It teaches them to be thankful for the few presents that they receive, rather than simply expecting loads – and this hopefully will make them better human beings.
Plus you can donate the same number of toys that the kids receive – only giving away four is MUCH easier.
Enter the 5 Gift Rule.
What Is It?
In the 5 Gift Rule, the first four gifts are the same - something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
But the 5th? The 5th is the real winner. It’s something they need or want but don’t really know it. It’s that X-Factor gift that just blows them away - that surprises them entirely and fills a void so perfectly that you get tears of joy.
This is the gift that gives us the chance to really listen to our kids, watch them live and understand their passions. Instead of buying the hot toy of the season, we try to find out what makes them truly happy. We give them something they’ll really enjoy and use.
And this is the gift that is from us.
Why is it so special?
Because you need to listen - and listening to your kids means really connecting with them and that is a gift you simply cannot put a price on.
Plus, coming up with this gift, wrapping it, feeling the anticipation, and then seeing their faces as they open it is where you will feel the true joy of Christmas again.
Try It – You’ll Love It
The 5 Gift Rule makes shopping easy because 4 are no brainers and the 5th is where you feel that magical feeling of doing something amazing for someone - and it will be amazing because you were able to put 90% of your effort into it instead of spreading the 100% across a bunch of stuff no one wants or needs.
#naturalhomebrands #5giftrule #thriftythursday #christmasjoy
- Carole Zellers
