“What are you planning to fill your kids’ stockings with this holiday season?” I inquired of my friend, Lisa. Her response was, “Just a bunch of cheap stuff from the dollar store. You know, to stick to a budget.”
She elaborated that she had already indulged in a new gaming console her children had been clamoring for over the last few months, leaving her less than enthusiastic about making their stockings equally enchanting.
Lisa isn’t alone in this. Parenting forums I am part of are buzzing with questions about stocking stuffers this year. Many parents have suggested a quick trip to the local dollar store to grab fillers like plastic toys, mini puzzles, and candy. These items can be hastily dumped into stockings late on Christmas Eve, providing minimal excitement for the kids come morning.
Parents justify these dollar-store stocking stuffer runs as efficient, economical, and time-saving. But I find it hard to overlook the fact that spending $20 on disposable items is not only wasteful (hello, environmental impact), but it doesn’t save money either.
Now, I’m not advocating for a return to the days of stuffing stockings with a single orange and a rag doll—this isn’t a scene from an old-fashioned novel. But if that’s your style and you enjoy crafting, go for it! I’m all for citrus; my kids consume several bags of oranges weekly. However, I don’t believe a stocking should overflow with the latest gadgets and gift cards either. We need to find a middle ground.
As I pondered what to put in my four kids’ stockings this year, a lightbulb went off: why not apply the four-gift rule to stockings?
Understanding the Four-Gift Rule
Are you familiar with this concept? It’s a clever way many parents are simplifying Christmas. The idea is to give each child four gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. For example, a new video game could satisfy their want, a bike helmet could fulfill their need, pajamas could be their wear, and a comic book would cover the reading aspect. Easy peasy!
For our large family, the four-gift rule works wonders. It helps keep holiday expenses manageable and ensures that gift-giving is equitable among my children—because heaven forbid they sense any favoritism on Christmas morning. The categories also help me stay organized while shopping for our own kids, as well as gifts for five nephews and other family members. Holiday spending can add up quickly.
Meaningful Stocking Stuffers
If we’re going to spend money filling our kids’ stockings with festive treats, why not ensure those items are meaningful and enjoyable, rather than disposable? This year, each of my kids will find four handpicked items in their stockings.
First, I’m including their favorite snacks—usually something they always request at the store (like those irresistible orangey-powdered chips) that I usually refuse to buy. One child is getting a box of fruity cereal bars, which are devoid of fruit but absolutely delicious! Adding a little indulgence will surely delight them on December 25th.
Secondly, I chose something for their feet. Each child will receive a pair of cozy socks or fun slippers to wear with their new pajamas on Christmas Eve. Seriously, what kid doesn’t love shark or unicorn slippers? And the socks? I opted for a single pair featuring their favorite sports brand—something I typically avoid for budget reasons.
For item number three, I chose a book. My children enjoy reading and constantly add new titles to their wish lists. While some parents claim their kids don’t like books, as a former English teacher, I assure you that any type of reading counts. Consider getting your child a comic book, magazine subscription, or a bath book for your little one.
Finally, I found small building block sets at a great price to include. You could easily swap this for a small toy, a key chain for their backpack, or even a new ornament that reflects their current interests.
The best part? We didn’t overspend, and every item will be utilized. I have no interest in distributing 100-piece puzzles featuring cartoon characters that will likely lose pieces within moments of unwrapping.
Applying the Four-Gift Rule to Partners
And while we’re at it, can we agree to apply this principle for our partners as well? I’d be thrilled with a Starbucks gift card (because I want to try the new holiday drink), a scented candle, some chocolates, and a coupon for a nap (this mama could use it!).
There are countless creative ways to implement the four-gift rule in your family’s Christmas stockings this year—none of which will jeopardize your financial health. Plus, none of the items will end up in the trash the very next day. For more ideas, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit.
Conclusion
In summary, simplifying your holiday stockings with the four-gift rule allows for thoughtful gifting that your children will appreciate and utilize, while keeping costs in check. For further reading on this topic, visit ACOG, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
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