No... But we really only give 1-2 gifts for our kid. He also receives from extended family, so he tends to get between 5-10 gifts - which is even too much in my eyes lol
No but we get 3-7 gifts for our kids each(depending on the budget that year) + they recieve 2-4 gifts from extended family so they get on average 6 gifts each which I think is more than enough I also feel like the wear need want read doesn't work for us as we constantly purchasing them things to wear or things they need as they grow im not waiting for christmas to do that
I only got 1 gift each year from my parents. But the I also got new a Christmas outfit to wear to the school Christmas party and on Christmas Eve at home with family.
We have done the 4 gift rule for years. My kids are older so they get less presents now from us and a present from their siblings. I never had the issue of too many clothes. I do love the previous comment with something asked for, a surprise, something cozy, and something for the mind.
We did the book advent calendar when my girls were younger! It was such a fun experience. We used library books and just returned them after Christmas 🎄 I think we'll be giving our kids mainly cash this year with a few presents to unwrap under the tree.
This is brilliant Mary. Decluttering is such a good way to see that you don't want more stuff. As a minimalist way back when I gave Christmas gifts, I don't anymore, I wrapped a library book someone wanted to read and they enjoyed reading it whilst they were visiting and then I returned it after Christmas so no stuff for either of us! Might be an idea for your book advent to borrow some from your library. You are also embracing your love of experiences with somewhere to go 🙌
So true! Borrowing from the library is a good idea for a few of the books for sure. We love our local library so much. I’m super excited to gift experiences this year. I think that will end up being really fun.
We’ve done the 4 gift rule in the past, and some years even that felt like too much. Our gift giving varies from year to year, but we really strive to help our kids cultivate hearts of thankfulness rather than expectation. A gift isn’t earned, it’s freely given, so if we expect something it takes the joy out of it.
@PenniesNotPerfection My kids are right around your kids' ages and I think that the point of 'how are we going to top it next year' really hit home for me!!
We previously did the 4 gift rule but it is too much when you have 3 or more kids and lots of extended family. We are dropping "read" this year because my kids destroy books. And my newest baby is getting things we already have as his gifts because he's 6 months and won't care.
Totally makes sense! I think it’s a good rule to start with an then adapt to your needs. I honestly didn’t do gifts for the first two years for our kids cause they didn’t know or care about it. But now they very much care which is fun but also I don’t want them to fall too far into gifts being so overly important.
@PenniesNotPerfection I decided to wrap stuff we already have for the baby because I know his siblings will be concerned if he doesn't get presents 😂 my eldest did surprise me by understanding he doesn't need anything new though.
I agree, it gets hard with more kids. We usually got 2-3 gifts as kids; followed approximately this pattern, except "something to wear" was usually something we needed.😁
@@katemiller7874 My children do love books and know how to read. My 2 year old is still learning how to respect books and is currently destroying them, board books and all. Why would I waste money buying new books for them to be destroyed?? But I suppose since Kate thinks I should, I'll just make fiscally irresponsible decisions and make sure their overflowing bookshelves have new books for him to rip apart and color on. Come on, Miss Miller. Be kind.
I get my kids one gift and then fill a stocking. This year two of my kids are getting expansions of toys they enjoy (one getting magnetic tiles) and my third is getting something that is new, but something she tries to make when her cousins come round. All toys they can share and storage is our biggest issue. For their stockings they will get a special box of cereal (something they don’t normally get, although at this stage it’s just a small box as they are 4 and under, this is also something my family has always done) they’ll get something nice to drink (flavoured milk at this stage), a Christmas book, and a small pack of cookies. And maybe a few more things but they are all still too young
We love this and have been using the 4 gift rule for a while. With exceptions and I LOVE experiences over consumption all day long! My oldest wanted tickets to a concert that’s next year so we purchased tickets for our family (who are old enough to enjoy) and her grandmother is purchasing her ticket as her gift while we still gift her the other things but that’s still the big WANT. We try to keep clothes to a minimum but someone always needs something, this year it looks like pajamas for my 2 youngest, an eras tour shirt from the tour that a friend got for me for one daughter with some jeans and a sweater, a shirt and some socks for my oldest featuring things she likes. We love yoto around here and I just made a big investment in new cards that will be sprinkled in between Christmas - Easter & some spring birthdays. And we got some books series that our kids are into (whether listening to on the yoto now they can have the physical book too) or a chapter book series for the teens. If you’re not familiar with yoto check it out! My kids have loved it for 2 years and now range from almost 4-15. Also we use the same Christmas books each year for a Christmas advent, we have more than 25 so there is usually some variety, and we have used the library in the past too! Happy to have found your channel-new sub!
We have always done 3 gifts (because Jesus got three gifts) and a stocking. We started that when our first child was born, and now that we have 6 kids, I am really glad we did. 😂
We give 1-2 gifts maximum, less clutter. We also try to expand on things the kids already have, like more duplo/lego bricks or train tracks etc. For me personally 4 would be to much
I hate this rule. Something they need is something parents should buy anyway. Same with something to wear - not a gift, it's just a basic need. Something to read - that's what libraries are for. And if this particular book is special to them, it's worth getting no matter what. If they believe in Santa, they're too young to be desilusioned and receive a sweater and socks for Christmas.
Haha fair and thats why I didn’t do the something to wear. If they do need socks or whatever I just buy it. As for something they need I consider that still along fun lines… like something they need to play a sport they enjoy as an example. But that’s just my interpretation. Like I said I think it’s a good starting point to limit buying too much, especially if they still do Santa and family gifts.
Do you follow the 4 gift rule?
Yes!
No... But we really only give 1-2 gifts for our kid. He also receives from extended family, so he tends to get between 5-10 gifts - which is even too much in my eyes lol
Oh yes once the stuff from extended family rolls in the amount is ridiculous!!
No but we get 3-7 gifts for our kids each(depending on the budget that year) + they recieve 2-4 gifts from extended family so they get on average 6 gifts each which I think is more than enough
I also feel like the wear need want read doesn't work for us as we constantly purchasing them things to wear or things they need as they grow im not waiting for christmas to do that
I only got 1 gift each year from my parents. But the I also got new a Christmas outfit to wear to the school Christmas party and on Christmas Eve at home with family.
We do something… asked for, surprise, cozy, for the mind. Still a 4 gift rule but I feel the kids are more excited about the gifts they receive.
Oh that’s fun!!!
I love this idea!
We have done the 4 gift rule for years. My kids are older so they get less presents now from us and a present from their siblings. I never had the issue of too many clothes. I do love the previous comment with something asked for, a surprise, something cozy, and something for the mind.
We did the book advent calendar when my girls were younger! It was such a fun experience. We used library books and just returned them after Christmas 🎄
I think we'll be giving our kids mainly cash this year with a few presents to unwrap under the tree.
Love it! I’m definitely using a big chunk of library books. My daughter flies through books now that she can read so I’m excited about it!
@@DebtFreeJessie love your channel. I am a big fan and never miss a video. Mary’s commenters are the who’s who of TH-cam. I am in with a good crowd 🙂
This is brilliant Mary. Decluttering is such a good way to see that you don't want more stuff. As a minimalist way back when I gave Christmas gifts, I don't anymore, I wrapped a library book someone wanted to read and they enjoyed reading it whilst they were visiting and then I returned it after Christmas so no stuff for either of us! Might be an idea for your book advent to borrow some from your library. You are also embracing your love of experiences with somewhere to go 🙌
So true! Borrowing from the library is a good idea for a few of the books for sure. We love our local library so much.
I’m super excited to gift experiences this year. I think that will end up being really fun.
I've never heard this broken down and I really love this ❤
🎄🎉❤️
We’ve done the 4 gift rule in the past, and some years even that felt like too much. Our gift giving varies from year to year, but we really strive to help our kids cultivate hearts of thankfulness rather than expectation. A gift isn’t earned, it’s freely given, so if we expect something it takes the joy out of it.
"hearts of thankfulness rather than expectation" THIS! This is really what I'm hoping to achieve.
Hey Mary! My family just does gift cards now. Just a small amount...and the time spent together is better gift of all.
Fun! Is it mostly adults?
@PenniesNotPerfection it's just my mom me and my sister
We're starting to do this! We also did a little bit more, but waaaay less than last year
Awesome!! Idk what it was about last year but I remember just thinking it was tooo much.
@PenniesNotPerfection My kids are right around your kids' ages and I think that the point of 'how are we going to top it next year' really hit home for me!!
Really like this idea.
So glad!
We previously did the 4 gift rule but it is too much when you have 3 or more kids and lots of extended family. We are dropping "read" this year because my kids destroy books. And my newest baby is getting things we already have as his gifts because he's 6 months and won't care.
Totally makes sense! I think it’s a good rule to start with an then adapt to your needs. I honestly didn’t do gifts for the first two years for our kids cause they didn’t know or care about it. But now they very much care which is fun but also I don’t want them to fall too far into gifts being so overly important.
@PenniesNotPerfection I decided to wrap stuff we already have for the baby because I know his siblings will be concerned if he doesn't get presents 😂 my eldest did surprise me by understanding he doesn't need anything new though.
Dropping read. Really. Do you want them to love books and read? Why not teach them how to respect books. Wow.
I agree, it gets hard with more kids. We usually got 2-3 gifts as kids; followed approximately this pattern, except "something to wear" was usually something we needed.😁
@@katemiller7874 My children do love books and know how to read. My 2 year old is still learning how to respect books and is currently destroying them, board books and all. Why would I waste money buying new books for them to be destroyed?? But I suppose since Kate thinks I should, I'll just make fiscally irresponsible decisions and make sure their overflowing bookshelves have new books for him to rip apart and color on.
Come on, Miss Miller. Be kind.
I LOVE this!
I think this sounds great.😊❤😊 Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
Thank you! You too!
I get my kids one gift and then fill a stocking.
This year two of my kids are getting expansions of toys they enjoy (one getting magnetic tiles) and my third is getting something that is new, but something she tries to make when her cousins come round. All toys they can share and storage is our biggest issue.
For their stockings they will get a special box of cereal (something they don’t normally get, although at this stage it’s just a small box as they are 4 and under, this is also something my family has always done) they’ll get something nice to drink (flavoured milk at this stage), a Christmas book, and a small pack of cookies. And maybe a few more things but they are all still too young
Instead of something to wear, I've heard something to share. Such as board games or puzzles fostering family time.
That's a good idea!
We love this and have been using the 4 gift rule for a while. With exceptions and I LOVE experiences over consumption all day long! My oldest wanted tickets to a concert that’s next year so we purchased tickets for our family (who are old enough to enjoy) and her grandmother is purchasing her ticket as her gift while we still gift her the other things but that’s still the big WANT. We try to keep clothes to a minimum but someone always needs something, this year it looks like pajamas for my 2 youngest, an eras tour shirt from the tour that a friend got for me for one daughter with some jeans and a sweater, a shirt and some socks for my oldest featuring things she likes. We love yoto around here and I just made a big investment in new cards that will be sprinkled in between Christmas - Easter & some spring birthdays. And we got some books series that our kids are into (whether listening to on the yoto now they can have the physical book too) or a chapter book series for the teens. If you’re not familiar with yoto check it out! My kids have loved it for 2 years and now range from almost 4-15. Also we use the same Christmas books each year for a Christmas advent, we have more than 25 so there is usually some variety, and we have used the library in the past too! Happy to have found your channel-new sub!
Concert tickets is a fun gift! Experiences are my favorite too for gifts so I'm hoping the kids love it.
That's a fun idea to use christmas books for the christmas advent calendar each year!
My wife and I do not need anything, so we put money in our emergency fund.
That’s the way! My husband and I don’t always do gifts. Kinda depends on the year and if we need something, because our gifts are always practical. 😂
@@PenniesNotPerfection I am the practical one. Everyone mentions your name all over TH-cam. I love it when I hear your name. I am a nerd that way.
I just buy a lot of little stuff usually. I like this though
We have always done 3 gifts (because Jesus got three gifts) and a stocking. We started that when our first child was born, and now that we have 6 kids, I am really glad we did. 😂
Such a good idea!
It depends on what kind of year we have had. ❤. .but we have done the 4 gift rule before. ❤
Totally get that too! Different years require different holiday seasons!
We give 1-2 gifts maximum, less clutter. We also try to expand on things the kids already have, like more duplo/lego bricks or train tracks etc. For me personally 4 would be to much
Thanks for sharing your experience
I hate this rule. Something they need is something parents should buy anyway. Same with something to wear - not a gift, it's just a basic need. Something to read - that's what libraries are for. And if this particular book is special to them, it's worth getting no matter what.
If they believe in Santa, they're too young to be desilusioned and receive a sweater and socks for Christmas.
Haha fair and thats why I didn’t do the something to wear. If they do need socks or whatever I just buy it.
As for something they need I consider that still along fun lines… like something they need to play a sport they enjoy as an example. But that’s just my interpretation. Like I said I think it’s a good starting point to limit buying too much, especially if they still do Santa and family gifts.
Jesus got 3 gifts