Save money with the ‘Four Gift Rule’ this Holiday (USA Edition)
We all love seeing the look on our kid’s faces when they discover the pile of gifts under the tree.
But with the ongoing cost of living challenges, many parents are dealing with less disposable income, so it’s more important than ever to enjoy the Holidays without breaking the bank.
Save money and cut the clutter
There’s a smart way to balance budgeting and gift-giving that can significantly cut down on costs and reduce clutter in your home.
The ‘Four Gift Rule’ is a popular method that’s been making the rounds online, and it works like this:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
With this approach, you limit yourself to buying four gifts for each child. Whether you plan to spend $30 or $300, you can tailor the rule to fit your family’s budget.
It’s all about finding what works best for you, but the key idea is that each gift has a purpose—not just to add to the ever-growing pile of presents under the tree.
A few thoughtfully chosen gifts mean your child will appreciate what they receive, and hopefully, you’ll feel less stressed and more able to enjoy the festive season.
1. Something they want
Finding a gift your child wants is usually easy—most kids have a wishlist ready to go!
Choose something they’ll genuinely enjoy for a while; if they’re set on the latest trend their friends are getting, that’s okay too.
The Sylvanian Families Adventure Treehouse will last for years, and any dedicated Sylvanians fan will be thrilled to find it on Holiday morning.
For babies and toddlers who are a little young to know what they want yet, look at our tried and tested gifts for babies and toddlers for a little inspiration.
2. Something they need
Buying a practical gift is a good habit to get into and it means you know it’s something that will be used.
This could be a new backpack, bedding for their room, or personal care items.
Something they need could also be an educational toy to support their learning in a fun way. For example, Penguin Math Balance creates hands-on learning opportunities for children of 3 years+.
3. Something to wear
Like the ‘something they need’ gift, this is practical and will definitely get a lot of use.
It could be anything from a fun set of pajamas or a t-shirt featuring their favorite character to a trendy piece of clothing.
For older kids who care about style, consider keeping the receipt (just in case!) or giving them a gift card so they can pick something out for themselves.
4. Something to read
Last but certainly not least no matter how old your child is, reading helps them understand the world and themselves, discover new adventures, and learn new things. There’s a book for everything, from potty training to dealing with friendships.
That could be in the form of a storybook – you could buy a special edition of a favorite book, a sequel to a much-loved story or try a new genre altogether.
You could also consider a subscription to a publication or magazine that your child is passionate about.
An alternative approach:
If the Four Gift Rule isn’t for you, how about planning your gifts around the Balanced Play Pyramid?
A balanced approach to play means encouraging your child to spend their time doing a variety of activities such as active play, board games, and arts and crafts.
The Holidays are a perfect time to ensure your child has a range of toys that support balanced play:
- Toys to ignite their imagination
- Toys to get them outdoors
- Games to play with friends and family
- Arts and crafts or something musical to get creative
- Educational toys to inspire a love of learning
By choosing toys that help your child get a good balance, and they can learn lots of important skills simply by playing!
Conclusion
No matter how you decide to approach gift buying this year, remember that the memories you create together will be what your child cherishes most.
Spending quality time together, playing games, and watching your favorite Holiday movies is the best gift you can give your child.