
What’s the 4 Gift Rule?
It’s simple (if maybe a bit radical)! The idea is that, instead of receiving a heaping mountain of gifts each year, your child receives just four:
- Something They Want
- Something They Need
- Something to Wear
- Something to Read
Why We’re Trying the 4 Gift Rule:
As John and I are beginning to develop some holiday traditions of our own, we’ve realized that we want Christmas to be a time to focus on the values of love, family, gratitude, and simplicity. While we REALLY enjoy giving gifts (It’s actually John’s love language!), we want Alden to learn to appreciate and be thankful for the simple joys… and not just a heaping pile of gifts. We want to set the expectation that presents- while fun!- are just one small part of the holiday. Instead, we hope he will learn to focus on all the most magical parts of Christmas: cuddling with his grandparents, the smell of the tree while you gather with your family (Christmas pajamas required), drinking hot cocoa by the fire, the joy of helping others, playing in the snow (wishful thinking in Georgia, but still), and all of the other wonderful things that come with the season.
Admittedly, this will probably get harder as Alden gets older and realizes that Tommy down-the-street got everything on his 52-item wish-list, but we’re taking advantage of this time while he’s still little to help him learn the values of Christmas.
The Toddler Gift Guide: 1-3 Years
Use this guide however you see fit! I’ve broken it up into the 4 Gift Categories: Want, Need, Wear, and Read. Everything on the list is either something we already have and love or something that’s on my wishlist for Alden this year. I’ve tried to make the items age-appropriate for all toddlers and as gender-neutral as possible, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to try out the 4 Gift Rule with us or you’re going for a full Christmas bonanza, I’m hoping you’ll find exactly what you need.
1. Something They Want
2. Something They Need
3. Something to Wear
4. Something to Read
Whether you’re also following the 4 Gift Rule or you think I’m nuts for even trying, I hope you were able to find something that’s just right for your little one. Please feel free to ask questions and share your own toddler gift ideas in the comments.
xoxo,
Cara
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