Happy Holidays! It's my favorite time of the year... gift giving season! I know many people dread this portion of the holidays, but gift giving is my love language. I adore finding specials items for my friends and family that show how much I am thinking about them and what they mean to me.
One thing that can make this stressful is trying to limit how much I spend and how many gifts each person gets in our household. After a few years of trial and error Christmases, we finally figured out a system that would work for our family and budget. It is not the end all be all for everyone, including us. I'm sure it will change as our family does and that's okay!
You have probably seen the "Something they Want, Something they Need..." guidelines before. We wholeheartedly embraced that concept except I couldn't fathom just getting four gifts. I know why people do it, I just couldn't do it. So we did some research and talked to other tried and true parents and got their advice on what they would do differently for the holidays.
MANY of them gave us the same advice:
1. Make the most wanted gift from YOU. Not Santa. The big guy gets all the credit and did none of the work. You've earned it. Take credit where credit is due!
2. Less is more. They were not wrong here...
We did notice that Santa gave the most gifts and we as parents only gave a few. We also noticed that with the mass amount of gifts under the tree (our presents including other gifts from out of state family and friends), it was just too overwhelming for our little guy. He loved everything and was very appreciative, but he didn't play with a lot of it because there was just so much. When our second one came into the picture and we knew a third was on the way, we decided to scale back. Like I said, I'm a giver (even if the wallet doesn't always agree). But when you're going to have three kids to buy for, it doesn't sound so bad.
I fell down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest and Gift Giving Guides and finally came up with something that would work for us! I stumbled across this post on the HolFamily blog and it spoke to me. I loved everything about it. From the simplicity to the eight gifts, from how you could make it your own to how creative you could be, and how you can teach your child meaningful lessons along the way. In doing this process I saved money and got toys that were meaningful to both of my boys and would not go to waste (we all know those toys...).
Something they Want
This seems like the most obvious gift but it can be hard if their wish list is especially long. This is usually a big ticket item and very specific to the individual. We get at least two gifts from their wish list: one from us and one from the big guy. Every family is different but in our house the big guy only brings one gift per child. We as parents give the most wanted gift because we can. I want that credit! HAHA!
Something they Need
This is a very broad category. Asking your kids what they need vs. what you think they need can be VERY different.
Possible Ideas:
An add-on to what they "want" (i.e., they want a bike, they need a helmet)
Replacement items (new art supplies, ballet slippers, etc.)
Open ended items that allow for longer use and more creative play
Toys for the future
Savings account
Furniture or bedding
Something to Wear
There are many different choices in the "wear" category. You can do the obvious of clothes or shoes, but if your child is all set in that area then you can get creative!
Possible Ideas:
Dress up costumes (we love Melissa and Doug for this!)
Make-up or nail polish
Backpack
Blanket, Snuggie, sleeping bag, robe
Hooded towel, swimsuit, goggles
Jewelry or watch
Weather gear (snow boots, rain coat/boots, etc.)
Favorite team gear or jersey
Hat or sunglasses
Something to Read
Reading has such a tremendous impact on our every day life, even for those who do not like to read. What is nice about this category is that there are so many different ways to "read." It is not just limited to print in a book.
Possible Ideas:
Book series (giving a series allows them to keep the love of reading momentum going)
Interactive or activity books
Checklist books
Audible subscription
Monthly Book Subscription
Yoto Player
Tonie Player
Pinna Subscription
Magazine Subscription
Joke book
How to books
Personalized books
Chatbooks
Something to Do
Kids get a lot of toys around this time of the year from various sources. This is the perfect time to give the gift of adventure, experiences, and memories. This can be as simple or elaborate as you want and can be individualized or given as a gift for the whole family.
Possible Ideas:
Subscription box (Kiwi Crate, Raddish Kids, etc.)
Season Passes (zoo, science center, theme park, etc.)
Year of Dates or Year of Crafts
Concert Tickets
Trip, camping, hike
Movie tickets and candy
Sporting event
Mini-golf
Sports equipment
Something to Play
Family game time is one of our favorites. There are a lot of life skills to be learned, bonds to be shared, and memories to make through playing games. If board games aren't your thing, then there are always other ideas.
Possible Ideas:
Board games (Peaceable Kingdom are some of our favorites for younger kids)
Card games
Marble Run
Instruments
Building blocks or Legos
Yoto or Tonie Player
Tablet
Video game
Sports equipment
Arcade tokens
Something to Learn
One of the great things about kids is their curiosity. Giving them the gift of learning can lead to hours of entertainment and new life skills. Usually these are the gifts they don't expect but end up enjoying the most.
Possible Ideas:
STEM Kit
Art Kit
Cookbook
Sewing Machine
Art and Crafts
Register for a class (art, baking, sport, etc.)
Science Experiments
Musical Instrument
How to books
Language program
Something Made
Handmade gifts are just a little extra special. It tells the recipient that you were truly thinking about them. You don't have to be the craftiest person to create, make or purchase a handmade gift. You could also do a Secret Santa twist on this one where siblings have to make a gift for each other.
Possible Ideas:
Family photo album
Digital Photo Frame with uploaded photos
Lego table
Marshmallow shooters
______ Kit (specific to their interests)
Bath Bombs
Year of Crafts
Story Stones
Fleece tie blanket
Homemade Playdough
I know that was a lot of information and I hope it helped! If you would like to snag this freebie to try it out with your family, click HERE. There are some different list options depending on what categories you want to do with your kiddos. You can use this as a brainstorming sheet for yourself or have your kids fill it out as their wish list!
I also have a free printable for our friends who celebrate Hanukkah! Click HERE!
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