Parents have been familiar with the 4-gift guideline for years. To keep the holiday spirit alive without going overboard, it’s a great idea to adhere to this rule when selecting gifts for our children. In case you need a reminder, the 4-gift guideline suggests that we give each child something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. It’s really that straightforward.
We can all exhale in relief. No need to overspend on kids, accumulate credit card debt, or rush from store to store, especially during a global pandemic. The 4-gift guideline is especially appealing this year for numerous reasons.
Staying Home More
In previous years, we would make multiple trips to stores for “just a few items,” ensuring our kids received an equal number of presents and stocking stuffers. This year, we’re staying away from stores as much as possible. Online shopping and curbside pickup are now our go-to options, which is far more manageable with fewer items to purchase.
Budget-Friendly
With job changes affecting many families this year, holiday budgets are tighter than ever. The 4-gift guideline helps us create (and stick to) a plan that won’t break the bank or leave us with a hefty credit card bill come January. You can save even more by shopping early and comparing prices, plus you can utilize store price-matching policies.
Simplifying Gift-Giving
Every holiday season, I see parents expressing confusion about what to buy for their kids. After all, many children already have countless toys and gadgets. Like many parents, I cherish Christmas and want my children to enjoy it as well. However, I don’t want gift-giving to become a stressful task. The 4-gift guideline gives me a clear framework to follow, eliminating the frantic search for excessive gifts that may go unappreciated. The items they receive will be practical and genuinely useful.
Teaching Kids to Prioritize
My children have once again circled every toy in every catalog. However, they understand that we won’t be buying everything. When kids know about the 4-gift guideline, they must prioritize their wishes, and those items must fit into the four designated categories. My little ones have already drafted their “Dear Santa” letters outlining their top desires.
Applying the Rule to Stockings
We also implement the 4-gift guideline for stockings, in addition to larger wrapped gifts. Stockings typically contain four items, such as a rolled-up t-shirt, a favorite snack, another book, and a small toy, like a Lego set. I avoid purchasing a lot of cheap trinkets that tend to break or get discarded. Instead, we set aside a budget for four desirable, useful stocking stuffers, which are often surprises not included on the kids’ wish lists.
Eliminating Guilt
Many parents strive to make gifting perfectly equitable among their kids, which can lead to budgeting and shopping nightmares. By adhering to four gifts each, we can focus on our overall budget and the wants or needs of each child, without the pressure of making everything equal. So far, we haven’t encountered any complaints.
Extending the 4-Gift Rule
If you have a partner, figuring out the perfect gift can also be challenging. I often see questions on social media asking for gift suggestions. First, remember that gifting your partner is optional. However, if you choose to give a gift, why not apply the 4-gift guideline? It sets clear expectations while allowing for some creativity.
This Christmas may look different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a festive season. Certainly, 2020 requires some creativity and flexibility, but I’m confident we can embrace it. The 4-gift guideline is a wonderful approach to celebrating a holly jolly Christmas with loved ones. For more insights on home insemination, check out this related blog post. If you’re looking for expert advice, Intracervical Insemination is a great resource. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This holiday season, the 4-gift guideline—consisting of something to want, need, wear, and read—offers a practical, budget-friendly approach to gift-giving. It helps simplify the shopping process, teaches children to prioritize their wishes, and even extends to stocking stuffers. By following this rule, families can avoid overspending and guilt while enjoying a joyful Christmas together.