Simple Christmas Gifting Strategies for Kids

If you’re a new parent (or one that’s maybe questioning your gift-giving strategy?), there seems to be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to gift-giving during the holidays. At least there was for me…What do they really want? How much is too much? How much is too little? Will they even play with that? Sound familiar? Enter: my Simple Christmas Gift-Giving Strategies for Kids!

While it’s fun and exciting to shower your babies those first few years (trust me, I get it), I’ll be your Practical Patty for a minute and let you in on a couple of little secrets:

1. They aren’t going to remember anything about the first few holidays. And if you don’t take any pictures (haha, not gonna happen, right?!), there won’t even be proof to show them all the things you did (or didn’t do). Don’t overthink it!
2. Small children don’t need a whole heck of a lot. I’ll repeat this for the people in the back – Children don’t need a whole heck of a lot to have fun, love you, and enjoy their life to the fullest.

Now, before we get too far, I want to make it clear that if you do love and need to get allthethings and do allthethings and be allthethings, you go right ahead and do just that! If it’s bringing you joy and contentment, by all means, deck the halls, sister! There is no right or wrong.

I’m simply here for the Mamas who need simplicity, structure, and something to guide them in these murky waters of parenthood during the holidays! One thing I’ve learned about myself as a SAHM is that I thrive when there’s a plan and guidelines/routines/structures in place to follow. It’s just how I’m wired.

Simple & Straight Forward Christmas Gifting Strategies for Kids

We follow the “Want, Need, Wear, Read/Watch” strategy for gifting to our kids. It’s worked very well for us so far. Essentially, you get one item (or however many you’d like) within each category for each kiddo.

• One thing they want.
• One thing they need.
• One thing they can wear.
• One thing they can read or watch.

I really appreciate having this strategy top-of-mind as a guideline, so things don’t get out of control and overwhelming! You can even sub-out or add-to this list of categories. I’ve seen some that include something to do, something to see, something to wow, etc. Have fun with it and make it your own!

This year we’re still aiming for that simplicity, but with an open-ended only twist! The gifts have been rolling in, and after opening them up to check them out, I am so excited for the kids to open them on Christmas Day! You can read my Open-Ended Gifts for Kids post here – it’s a good one!

Other Gifts Our Children Receive:

Book Advent: We also started a book advent last year. We wrap 24 (ish) books and the kids get to open one each night to read leading up to Christmas. I scored this years’ books for the advent at a local bookstore for $2/each! I was so thrilled to happen upon them.

You can also opt to check out some of your books through your library. I’ll also be reusing books we already have from previous years. And they don’t have to be holiday related, btw. You can also get some great deals on children’s books through Amazon!

Christmas Eve Gift: It’s a tradition to open one gift on Christmas Eve. This gift is typically a new festive pair of pajamas to wear that night and a new book to read. I put everyone’s new PJ’s is a big decorative Christmas box, plus the new book. I’ve also added cute little mugs, hot cocoa packets, and candy canes to create a special little collection of goods for a hot cocoa bar to enjoy together.

Santa Gift: We’ve been having fun picking one big gift that all of the kids can enjoy from Santa. That item is set up and “displayed” for them on Christmas morning. In years past, we’ve done a play kitchen with a few fun accessories to go along with it. One year we did a set of Picasso tiles all set up, plus some other character play-sets. This year we are thinking of doing the Member’s Mark Kids Explorer Sofa (Nugget dupe), and then one more personalized item for each kiddo.

Stocking Gifts: Each child gets their own stocking. I keep this minimal with a few moderately priced items like slippers, new socks, new water tumblers, etc. Then I throw in a few knick-knacky items like candy, etc.

You are in control of Your Gifting

Gifts from Others

I’d like to note that it’s important to recognize that you have complete control over the gifts you give to your children. However, you cannot control what others gift to your children. I think it’s important to state your wishes and expectations (if you have any) with family/friends. You can also give ideas and suggestions if requested.

But at the end of the day, let the joy of gift-giving supersede your need to control what (or how much) comes into your home. That’s a task for another day. Control what you can control, my friend, and let the rest roll. You can thank me later. 🙂

This is also why it is so important to do a purge right before the holidays. It’ll be easier to bring all of the new items into the home if there’s a bit more space. I actually like to limit what is opened at gatherings. I keep some gifts held back and introduce them later on for a new toy rotation or to celebrate a big milestone.

Once the dust settles from the holiday hustle and bustle, you’ll begin to see what toys will get played with and what won’t. You can try taking them out of the mix for a bit and reintroducing them later to see if it’s a hit.

Or, you can just go with your mom gut and donate or throw away toys that aren’t being used. The gift has been given; there’s no need to keep things around if they’re not serving a purpose for your family.

Family Traditions & Gifting Strategies for Kids

You can see that we have our own traditions and gifting standards just like everyone else. I encourage you to do what makes you feel the most content and brings joy to your family as a whole. The holidays are such a stressful time anyway, don’t let the pressure of other peoples’ traditions and lives hamper your spirit for the season. You do you!

I tend to fall into the “less is more” club more often than not, especially when it comes to parenting. We’re still a work in progress and this strategy will continue to evolve over the years as the kids get bigger. But just having this written down in “ink” brings a sense of clarity and contentment for me! Maybe you should write your strategy down, too?

Now that I know what to expect of myself and our family traditions that are already in place, I can move forward knowing that what we’re doing is already enough. And if we find that we want to switch things up or add a new tradition to our holiday season, we can make it happen!

Do you have a set strategy for gift-giving? What about traditions – which ones do you have to do year after year?! I’d love it if you let me know in the comments.

If this struck a chord with you today, please do me a favor and share this Simple Christmas Gifting Strategies for Kids post with your friends, family… anyone really!

To the Chaos!

-MG

Other Posts You May Like:

• Gifts for the Person Who Loves Tech Gadgets
• Practical Gifts for the Men In your Life
• Awesome Open-Ended Gifts for Kids

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