Christmas can be super stressful for families when it comes to buying gifts. Figuring out who should be on the list so you stay within a reasonable budget, deciding how many gifts to give your kids (and making sure it’s the same amount so no one gets upset), and where to buy everything so you can get a great deal can add to holiday stress. Several years ago, I implemented the 4 gift rule and it’s been amazing ever since. We do it for everyone in our immediate household and it’s so helpful when purchasing gifts.
What's the 4 Gift Rule?
The 4 gift rule is incredibly simple: Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read! Of course, Santa still gives a big gift in our home alongside those, but other than that, that’s the extent of the gifts! It makes things way less stressful and I find that it’s easier to shop for everyone knowing I have something to go off of.
Something you want: In our home, “something you want” is whatever gift the person asks for. It can be a game, toy…anything. I don’t just do this for my kids, this applies to my husband and me, too! As of right now, we don’t give a price limit on this gift, but I’m sure as the kids are older we will be! I usually knock something off Santa wish lists for this one and of course, Santa gives another gift from the list.
Something you need: In our home, “something you need” is definitely on a spectrum. For Addie that usually means toys that can assist her with OT, PT, ST, or visual goals. We found some fun toys from Green Toys, Inc. that not only are easy for Addie to play with, but are eco-friendly. They have a Best for Baby Bundle that includes of their 4 best-selling products: a Tugboat for scoop-and-pour bath fun, a Race Car sized just right for Addie’s little hands, a Twist Teether that’s lightweight and easy-to-grasp, and Brave Little Tugboat, a fully illustrated board book following Little Tug’s adventures in the big harbor. They all provide different ways for Addie to learn (and made from 100% recycled plastic), and that’s always good! Use code BABBLE for 20% off all orders from 11/26/21 through 12/17/21.
Something to wear: Many years, “something to wear” has been a new set of pajamas, a cute shirt, or whatever else is needed. This year, Lawson needed some nice, black shoes to wear for school because most of his shoes are blue. I got Lawson the Surprize by Stride Rite Razor Sneakers. With a fun side-eye design and spiky spines in the back, they’re just his style. They are matched with cushy memory foam insoles and an anti-odor lining to keep shoes less stinky. The best part? They’re completely machine washable and they have velcro so he can put them on himself! They’re available exclusively from Target.com.
Something to read: For this category, I love finding a holiday-themed book for the kids to enjoy. Each of them gets a different one and it goes into a special box after the holidays so we can enjoy it for many more years. Addie loves big books with lots of colors, so A Child’s Introduction to the Nutcracker from Running Press was a great choice for her holiday book this year. This book not only has colorful illustrations, but fun facts, history, music, and even some dance choreography! A Child’s Introduction to the Nutcracker also includes a removable coloring poster so Addie and Lawson can have quality time together being creative!
I love how the 4 gift rule has made Christmas shopping so much easier on me. It definitely helps to have a guideline, and we don’t go crazy with our budget. It’s been amazing! Have you ever tried the 4 gift rule? Which of the categories is your favorite?
