After lots of questions I thought I would share the type of gift giving we do with our kids at Christmas. First of all I didn't think of this idea myself, like all great ideas it was passed on to me a several years ago and it has worked great for our family.
During Christmas our kids get four gifts, yes 4! There are 3 of them so we still have to buy 12 gifts. They can choose something they want, something they can wear and something they can read and something they need. I'll be honest when we announced this the first time they weren't super excited but now it's just the norm.
I often get asked do they get to pick? Yes and no. We try our best to get them their want (within reason). This is usually a more expensive and at our kids ages something electronic.
Wear: We will usually come to a compromise on this item. I ask them for several options.
Read: This is pretty obvious, a book.
Need: We (Alan and I) usually pick the need, because their idea of need and mine are usually different. Things like shoes, new coat, bedding. Things that are not usually glamorous but needed.
Why do we do this? We have found this helps us focus on the real meaning of Christmas. This also prevents the "balancing gifts dilemma" so many parents struggle with, especially when you have multiple kids. It also helps keep costs down. We have also found they really appreciate the gifts they get and use them a lot more. We've found this helps us focus on traditions rather than stuff.
If you like this idea just go for it. Your kids might complain at first but you hold cash so don't ask permission just do it.
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