By Sarah Jessica Smith
No holiday is as magical as Christmas. You get to see the joy in your kids’ eyes as they rush to open their presents under the Christmas tree. However, getting the right presents is tough. For one, people often waste tons of money buying gifts that kids get tired of after a month or so. Once the novelty wears off, the gift loses its purpose.
The four gift rule has recently become a staple for gift-giving during Christmas time. It has four examples of what the gifts should be like, which are packed into a handy little rhyme.
“Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read”
It’s a great way to give your kids a quality gift that they will enjoy for a long while. At the same time, they’re also learning the principles of how to give a gift of their own. It’s a game-changer for parents and their Christmas gift budgets because they know that these gifts will be practical and worth the trouble. Here’s how you pick out the gift.
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Something they want
This is the simplest rule of the four and it seems rather easy to follow-up on when you first think about it. You should have a rough idea of what your kids want for Christmas. They don’t exactly keep their interests and enthusiasm secret or anything. However, you have to have a keen eye for compromise if you want to get a gift on a tight budget.
Kids want the most outlandish things, which means some of their wants might be a bit too pricy or unreasonable. Not all of these ideas are completely off the table as long as you know how to make a proper compromise. If your child wants a specific kind of toy car, you could always get a tamer version of the exact one, which allows you to save on the price.
Alternatively, you have to look at what they want in the right context. Try to time your purchase of something your kids like with a sale in that same store. Patience and strategizing pay off in the long run, and you get to buy your kids the exact gifts that they want to boot!
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Something they need
Christmas gifts tend to be fun and sentimental, but they can also be practical if you want them to. A lot of gifts are even better received when they’re made to be useful. Parents usually shy away from getting their kids practical gifts because children don’t always appreciate them. However, you can stay three steps ahead by getting something that is both fun and practical.
Think of the things your kids enjoy that are also good for them. Sports are a very good example. Getting the right gear will help them better train for the sport of their choice. You should always encourage physical activity, especially when it’s done outside in the fresh air.
Children care a lot about the sports gear that they utilize. The better it is, the more likely they are to enjoy training. Plus, getting the flashiest gear isn’t all that difficult for children. They like vibrant colours and conspicuous details, which aren’t necessarily hallmarks of expensive items. Keep this in mind and your kids will be very grateful for their Christmas gifts.
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Something to wear
Clothing is a universally-praised type of gift. A well-picked out piece of clothing is something everyone can appreciate. Many parents consider clothes or some sweet toys the ideal Christmas gifts for kids because they can be practical, attractive, and sentimental all at the same time.
Kids aren’t exactly fashion gurus that pride themselves on exquisite brand and clothing tastes, but they can recognize quality when they see it. Quality doesn’t have to be in the form of expensive clothing, but rather in the material it’s made out of. If it’s winter clothing, aim for wool and thick cotton which will keep them warm during colder days.
Summer clothes can be anything that they like. Getting a T-shirt with a print isn’t out of the question either. It can add a personal touch to your gift, making it feel even more special.
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Something to read
A good book will never go to waste. It’s one of those gifts that just keep on giving. Your children will always benefit from some good literature, which is why it’s a pretty ideal gift. The book you get could be relevant for their age, or you could get them something more complicated that they can grow into.
Alternatively, educational textbooks are another great option. Help them out by getting the relevant books they need for school or get alternative literature which will fill in the blanks of their knowledge. As much as kids are hesitant to learn sometimes, they will gladly delve into books when given the opportunity.
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Conclusion
Giving the perfect Christmas gift isn’t as difficult as you might have first thought. Parents often stress about getting the ideal gift for their kids, even when the answer is staring them right in the face. The four gift rule helps parents get a good idea of what to get for their little munchkins without breaking the bank. Follow the rhyme scheme and you’ll have an idea in no time.
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Sarah Jessica Smith is a young blogger from Sydney. She is in love with life and all the things that can make her daily routine easier. She loves to write about home improvement, lifestyle, and all the small things that make life such a great adventure.
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