The Four-Gift Rule: Want, Need, Read, Do
A simple way to stop the Christmas list getting out of hand.
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Something they want. Something they need. Something to read. Something to do.
Four gifts. That's the rule.
It isn't about spending less. It's about every gift having a job, so nothing gets lost under the pile.
Want
The thing they asked for. The one on the list in their handwriting.
Need
Something they'll use every day. School gear, a good bottle, the lunchbox that doesn't leak. Boring to buy, loved to use.
Read
A book in a series they already love, so it gets finished.
Do
Something to do together, or something to make. This is the one they remember.
A set that works for a seven or eight year old
LEGO Minecraft Steve's Taiga Adventure
A small, fast build. Good first Minecraft LEGO for a 6-year-old.
Ages 6 and up
Check the price
Owala FreeSip Kids
Sip through the straw or tip it back. Doesn't leak in the bag, which is rarer than it sounds.
Ages 5 and up
Check the price
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 21
The new Wimpy Kid. A guaranteed quiet Christmas afternoon.
Ages 8 to 12
Check the price
Glow in the Dark Rock Painting Kit
Paint the rocks, then watch them glow at bedtime. Comes with everything, so no hunting for supplies.
Ages 6 to 12
Check the priceFour is enough. Really.
