Every time the holiday season rolls around, parents are scrambling to get their kids the best of the best when it comes to gifts. As years go by, it seems that wishlists grow longer and longer. Whenever our kids get older, the things they want also become a bit more expensive, too.
When our kids are young, the toys they want are usually within reasonable price ranges.
Buying some Lego sets or Barbie dolls is usually something that’s not going to break the bank. But, once they get to those teenage years, the gifts start getting more and more expensive.
Kids become teens, and teens don’t want Barbies or Legos.
Instead, teenagers want new iPhones, Apple Watches, laptops, even Xbox systems. As the years go by, the bank begins to weep every time the holiday season rolls around. If you’re a parent, you know exactly what I mean.
Sometimes, families feel that when the holidays roll around, the gifts hide the true meaning of the holidays.
With so many gifts to open and so many presents to give, some families feel like too many gifts cast a shadow over what the holidays are truly about — family.
Some families are opting for a new “four gift” rule to help keep everything meaningful during the holiday season.
Some parents and families are “downsizing” when it comes to gifts during the holiday season. Not only does it make the holidays less chaotic, but it also leaves parents less stressed.
The four gift rule means that everybody gets four gifts and only four gifts.
Each gift has its own, specific meaning. The first one is something they want. This could be something such as a popular video game or one of the hottest new trends this season.
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The second gift is something they need.
This could be things such as toiletries or maybe a more expensive item you’ve been neglecting. Maybe they need a new toothbrush or something of that nature.
The third gift is something they would wear.
This could be something they wear every day or clothing. This can be makeup, shoes, bags, or even something from their favorite store or brand. It could also be more practical like a new hat or socks for the winter.
And, last but not least, the fourth gift is something to read.
For some parents, this one is the best because you’re promoting education and learning. Sometimes, kids neglect reading altogether. But, this can help stimulate those wheels in their mind. For young kids, picture books and interactive books are great!
Some parents also opt for bonus gifts or even “surprise” gifts to share.
The bigger gifts, like an Xbox or other big-ticket items, can be the ones that they “share.” But, when it comes to individual gifts, the four gift rule really seems to work out pretty well.
What do you think, would you try it?
