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The 4(+3) Gift Rule

12/6/2021

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Christmas is fast approaching and if you happened to see my last post, “buy with purpose” can be a serious challenge as time ticks down before 12/25.

One of my best friends recently told me about the “4-gift rule”. I had heard about it years ago, but never thought about it again. “Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read;” as I strive for more minimalish living, I love this concept, and started thinking about ways to incorporate it this year and in the future.

For kids, it can be challenging, especially as they get older… ‘Santa’s going to bring me every single LEGO!’, ‘my friend got 27 gifts!’ , ‘I told you I don’t like yellow anymore!’ … can all make parents completely crazy. Not that kids are intentionally ungrateful - but with all the commercialization of Christmas, it can be hard for young ones to understand that it’s a season of giving - not receiving. So as you shop for your children this year, consider these four plus optional three gifts to make the most of what you give:

The “4 Gift Rule”
  • Something they want
  • Something they need
  • Something to wear
  • Something to read

Three “Bonus” Gifts
  • Something to play (a game, a skill-developing toy, an album or audio-book, outdoor sports and play sets, etc.)
  • Something to see (a movie to rent on a streaming service, or an experience like a local Christmas show, or even a night driving around seeing Christmas lights with hot chocolate)
  • An activity for the whole family (an outdoor game to do together, a museum trip, a “staycation”, dinner out together, etc.)

Stuff doesn’t have to be expensive or excessive. Try using the 4 gifts as your “Santa” gifts if you do Santa, or try it opposite.

What do you think of the 4 (+3) gift rule? Any ideas to add?
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