In the wake of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday craziness, I keep hearing more and more about families choosing to simplify for the holidays. They’re opting to spend more time together, calm the gift frenzy and focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season. Sounds like a breath of fresh air, doesn’t it?
The most direct way I see families exercising simplicity is through a new gift giving philosophy – just four gifts for each child that falls into four categories: want, need, wear, read.
I love this idea because it makes gift-giving super easy and teaches valuable lessons about essentials (like socks and underwear) that are often unappreciated while still bringing a smile to their face with a specific “want”. Of course, encouraging a love for words is always high on my list too, I am a writer after all 🙂
For all those WANTS take a peek at this year’ s Baby Gizmo Gift Guide. So many ideas for multiple age ranges!
When it comes to NEEDS I like to focus on things that my children wouldn’t normally appreciate – bath soap, bed sheets or lunchbox supplies. This category is obviously different for each family and up to the parent’s discretion. This year, I think my 3 year old will be getting some cozy flannel sheets for her bed and my 1 year old will be getting a refill of his/my favorite lotion. At these ages, most of the excitement comes from unwrapping gifts anyway 🙂
Is it bad that WEAR is my favorite category to shop for? Golly, kid’s clothes these days are so darling! I normally hit up the super sales at Baby Gap and Old Navy, but this year I scored some amazing deals at JC Penney. Have you noticed that they’ve had a complete makeover in their stores? Both in set-up and products? It is super stylin’! The graphic tees from the Okie Dokie line were too cute – here, here and here! They even have coordinating hats and in the stores I found matching socks too! All the giggleBABY products were swoon-worthy too.
Last but not least, READ. My kiddos have The Jesus Storybook Bible on their list this year. I’ve heard rave reviews of it and think it will be perfect for their ages. Plus, it’s kind of fitting for the Christmas season 🙂 For fiction favorites we’re big Eric Carle fans and I can’t get enough of the Indestructibles, Tickle Monster Laughter Kit and BabyLit books!
What do you think of this simple gift giving philosophy? Chime in and share your favorite want, read, wear, read gifts – we’d love to hear your ideas!
Amanda
Tuesday 10th of December 2013
My daughter is only 6 months, but I'd planned on doing this whenever we had kids. She has very few wants right now, so mom gets to pick! We added a small donation to a charity of each person's choice as well. This year on her behalf we donated to a local children's hospital that offers free services. I'm really excited about helping her choose charities for which she can relate to their work.
Andrea
Tuesday 10th of December 2013
We practice this and really like how much it has helped reduce the stress of Christmas. My kiddos are more appreciate of the items they do get.
Britni Bradford
Monday 9th of December 2013
The Jesus story book Bible is great! There's an advent reading plan for it too that you can do with the kids next year.