Christmas Gift Giving Tradition
Four Gifts Gift Giving Tradition
This year we are adopting a new Christmas gift giving tradition. Over the years I have over gifted my children at Christmas time because:
- It’s exciting to buy presents for my kids and I enjoy giving things
- I love a good deal and it’s hard to pass up. I am they type to shop all your long and sa a good toy that I found on clearance for Christmas time.
However, things are changing this year and here is why. Last year, I noticed that my kids were being awesome gift getters; they would open a present and really wanted to play with it and engage with it but my husband and I kept moving them along because there was a huge pile of gifts for them to go through. Between Santa, Eric and I, and my parents my kids were opening gifts for 3 hours. And then we went to my in-laws house and opened more.
That’s when it clicked for me. It felt icky to rush my kids through opening gifts and not allow them to play with the brand new toys just so that they can open the next gift. It was at that moment that I realized that I would be creating an atmosphere for my kids to be less grateful for the gifts they were receiving. So this year things are changing. This year we will be following a common gifting practice at Christmas time and each kid will receive four gifts.
- Something you want
- Something you need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
My Disclaimer:
If you know me, you know I like to paint the full picture. When I first heard this idea, I was against it. Christmas is a magical time for kids and opening TOYS on Christmas morning is a tradition and memory that I want my kids to have. But on past Christmases, I have seen how generous our families are with our children, which has changed my mind on this gift giving tradtion. We do not impose any rules on grandparents or aunts and uncles about what they can and cannot gift. Though I totally admit that I drop hints when we visit for Thanksgiving.
Additionally, I will take each of my kids on a solo shopping trip for them to pick a gift for their sibling and Eric. I really like this tradition because it focuses on gift-giving and buying something for someone based on the recipient’s interests. It is definitely a challenge for them, but I think it is so important for them to practice thinking about buying for others.
Now here is the fun part! It is time to shop or at the very least get some ideas for each category. I have decided that since we will be giving fewer gifts, I will be purchasing more quality items from each category.
All of the items I share are linked in my Amazon Shop. I greatly appreciate when you shop using my links as I earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Something You Want
This is the category where I am going to let my kids take the lead a bit. I am going to allow them to look through the Target catalog and then we will write a letter to Santa. I am assuming that they will request a toy of some sort from Santa and that is what they will get. However, if you are looking for suggestions, here are some ideas.
- Big-ticket gift
- American Girl Doll
- Ride on Toy
- Add on to Toys You Already Own – (Bruder Trucks, Legos, doll accessories)
- Membership (Museum, Zoos, Indoor Playground)
- Creative Toys
- Crafts
- Outside Toys
- Bikes
- I have a have Toy Gift Guide from 2018 that is divided by age and toy category HERE (Don’t worry these toys are timeless and will still be loved this year)
Something You Need
This category was tricky for me because you want to fulfill their needs but you still want it to be fun to open on Christmas. I mean no one is getting excited about a toothbrush on Christmas (though I totally add those as stocking stuffers). This year Santa will be bringing suitcases for my kids, but here are a few other ideas for the something you need category.
- Sports equipment
- Hobby related items
- Craft Supplies
- Learning games/ puzzles
- Fun Hooded Towels
- Bed Room Furniture/Decor
- Lunchbox
- Bedding
- Backpack
- Stool
- Suitcase
- Night Light
Something To Wear
For this category I wanted to be sure to pick something that wasn’t seasonal. I’m not the type of person to spend a lot of money on clothes for my kids so if I’m going to buy a more quality piece I want to make sure that they’re going to at least get a full-years worth of that item.
Something To Read
This is a Christmas gift tradition category where I can go on for ages. This year my kids will be getting We are the Gardners and Dear Boy. Some other ideas include:
- National Geographic Subscription
- Magazine Subscription
- Usborne Flap Books
- Character Books
- Book Series
- Kids Cookbook
I also have an entire category in my Amazon Shop dedicated to kids’ books.
Extra Categories
If you’re like me, you are struggling to keep it to four items. So here are a few extra Christmas gift giving traditions.
Stockings
Our stockings are usually filled fairly practical and consumable items so that they won’t be just another knickknack laying around causing clutter.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (Yup, I’m that mom)
- Bath paints (I am including a link for your convience, but these are much cheaper in the Dollar Spot at Target or Walmart)
- Bath bombs
- Lipgloss
- Nail polishes
- Cute hair bands or bows.
- New crayons and other art supplies
Something to Do
- Movie Tickets
- Museum Day
- Event Tickets
- Zoo Trip/ Memberships
Something for the Family
- Board Games
- Movie
- Outing
- Book Series
Something for Me
- Keepsake Ornament (When they are old enough to move out and have their own tree they will have 18+ meaningful ornaments for their tree)
- Photo album
- Letter (seriously is that not the sweetest idea)
Christmas Eve Gift
- I stick with the standard matching family jammies, popcorn and treats, movie or a board game.
Do you practice this 4 gifts, gift-giving tradition or have you ever thought about it? I am finding shopping to be much less stressful this year with only 8 gifts to buy. I will let you know how it goes on after Christmas. If you have any other fun Christmas traditions be sure to share. Our favorite tradition is our North Pole Breakfast which you can learn about HERE.
All of the items I shared are linked in my Amazon Shop. I greatly appreciate when you shop using my links as I earn a small commission at no cost to you.
