Christmas Gifting
@mikesgal4ever1999 (732)
United States
November 2, 2012 5:47pm CST
I have been mulling over ideas for xmas for the kids and today I came across something on Pinterest---
The Four Gift Rule
for gifting-giving to our kids
*1 thing they want
*1 thing they need
*1 thing they wear
*1 thing they read
Over the years I have seen and been a party to spending oodles of money on my kids and I have seen other spend it on theirs as well. While growing up I was an only child and granted, I got way more then that what I actually needed (but felt I needed if you know what I mean) and I have noticed that each year it just gets worse...the more you buy one year, the more you have to do it the next year. I have in the past, started with the child who wanted the most expensive thing (like an iPod) and got their gift and I evened it out for the others. That is not what I am doing this year though--I am seriously thinking about doing just this--and just to be fair I think that the adults should be the same way--the holiday season no matter what your belief system is, is about way more than presents and I personally think its time that this family incorporated more of the true meaning than the commercialized meaning. Opinions anyone?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
3 Nov 12
We could not expect to be having tons of money for Christmas shopping. And even if we want to give the best and most expensive gift for our kids, hat is simply not possible every time. I try to give them something that I know that they will surely make use of. It may not be that expensive, but I always tell my kids that the value of the gift that they receive should not matter. It should always be the thought that should count.
1 person likes this
@mikesgal4ever1999 (732)
• United States
3 Nov 12
Jenny1015 you are so right--its the thought behind the gift and not the price. Often kids and adults alike forget that small thought.
Coffeebreak you are right about those fad toys being out of style in a few months. That is true mostly. Honestly I don't mind spending the money on a gift like a Kindle or laptop but that is special thing and one that kids need now as they approach high school. I also like the idea of gift cards to a favorite place to eat :-D Personally I would love a gift card to somewhere I like to go but oftentimes can't afford--Bath and Body Works is my downfall...unlike a restaurant.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
3 Nov 12
And as fast as things go "out of style"...it's even a gamble as to if they will want the item in a few months! I would go with what author of this discussion says for the 4 gifts. I agree with that. I always got my kids practical things and they like them as much as the other stuff. I would get them a stocking and it had things like travel size this or that and they loved those little things! Tiny tube of toothpaste, their "own" little shampoo. I'd give them gum and things that they dont' get regularly throughout the year. And they loved those things!
I gave all my grand kids a $10 gift card (with parents pre-approval of course!) to their fav fast food last year for gifts and the kids loved it and the parents were totally fine with it! They kids don't get Fast food that often so it was perfect for all involved! Kids got the fast food they love but are limited on...parents got to say "yes" to going to the fast food and not have to spend any money on the crap...and me, the grandmother...get to give the kids something they love and will use and know the kids will love me for such a great gift!
I give my kids gift cards to fav places too...Starbucks or other fav place like that...that they like but can't afford but maybe once a month if that! They love it!
1 person likes this
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
2 Nov 12
Xmas gift shopping is an art. Some just buy the first thing they see. You need to plan like you have done here. great ideas. Have a great holiday season there.
@mikesgal4ever1999 (732)
• United States
3 Nov 12
Yes I have to agree that xmas shopping is an art. I try to get the kids to tell me what they want or like each year but it continues to get more expensive--laptops, game systems, Kindles, iPods and the like. After seeing this, I know that I have a more concrete plan than I did. Happy Holidays to you as well :-D
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
3 Nov 12
I love my kids forever and always but I have to admit.. I am SOOOO glad I dont' have kids these days! Mine are older with kids themselves...and the toys they have out today...and things for the kids... I'm sorry but I couldnt' buy the things they have today.. I COULDN"T AFFORD THEM!!! All these hand held games and video this and that and computer stuff... I just don't have the money for that kind of stuff!
For my 5 grand kids - ages 2-12 I am making them each a quilt specialy for them..about them...their fav color, theme etc. Each one costs me about $50... I couldn't get them any of todays toys etc for that! and in a few months...what I would have gotten for the $50 would not be "in style" anymore but a quilt..they can use for years to come. And if they don't, well..they have a memory of me.
I hear my kids talking about what they are getting their kids and hte money they are spending...and I just bite my tongue to keep my mouth shut and not say anything..it is their money and their kids.
1 person likes this
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
2 Nov 12
You have a lot of great ideas here. I know it is expensive buying things kids. I have three nephews and a niece that I shop for every year and it gets harder because they want expensive things such as a new laptop computer and a snow-cone machine. I think I will buy each child one toy or book. For Thanksgiving I will give each child a Christmas ornament that I will make for them so they can put it on the tree.
1 person likes this
@mikesgal4ever1999 (732)
• United States
3 Nov 12
Yes the toys and trinkets get more spendy each year. Books are ALWAYS a good choice and my kiddos are definitely getting a book this year and a homemade bookmark from mom. I love the idea about the ornament for the tree. Each year they can look back and have memories for that. Happy Holidays!
