The 4(+3) Gift Rule

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.

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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?