How to Do The 4 Gift Rule for Christmas

If every Christmas feels like a gift overload for your kids—and it seems like your home is left overflowing with things—you’re not alone! Personally, I’ve found that an abundance of gifts can actually take away from the magic of the holidays. That’s why I love the idea of The 4 Gift Rule.

If you’re looking for fewer things, more experiences, and better control over the gifts you give and receive, let me introduce you to The 4 Gift Rule for Christmas. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

As kids, we naturally want more things, and as parents, we want to give our kids the world. But sometimes, that’s where we fall into a cycle—buying more, only to end up purging those things a few months later.

Honestly? I’m over it. I’m over the idea that love is measured by a mountain of gifts. I’m over the overspending and the holiday shopping stress. All I want is to sip my spiked eggnog and watch Christmas movies with my family. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

So, let’s talk about How to Do The 4 Gift Rule for Christmas. This simple approach will completely change how we think about gift-giving while helping us save money and ease some of that holiday stress.

How to Do The 4 Gift Rule for Christmas

The 4 Gift Rule is just as it sounds—four gifts total for each person, but with a twist. Instead of just any four gifts, each one falls into a specific category: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

Some gifts can certainly fit into more than one category so it’s up to you to decide which gift fits into which category. It truly doesn’t matter as long as you have 1 gift per category and 4 gifts total.

Examples of wants

Wants can be really anything as long as it falls into your Christmas budget. I like to think of these gifts as things someone can live without but would rather not. Examples include:

• Favorite toy or gadget
• Tickets to a concert, movie, or sporting event
• Video game or game console
• Money or gift cards to shop at their favorite store
• Art supplies or hobby kits (like a LEGO set or craft supplies)
• Gift card to their favorite store or for an experience, like a zoo or amusement park

Examples of needs

Needs are more specific in the sense that these are items needed and typically something they can’t live without. Examples include:

• School supplies or a new backpack
• Organizational items (like a storage bin or desk organizer)
• New bedding, pillows, or blankets
• Practical tech (like headphones, chargers, or a smartwatch)
• Sports equipment or gear for activities they enjoy

Examples of something to wear

This gift is pretty self explanatory but basically anything they can wear. Examples include:

• Cozy pajamas, slippers, or a bathrobe
• Stylish jacket or hoodie
• New hat, belt or other accessory
• New piece of jewelry
• Personalized clothing or accessories (like a monogrammed hat or bag)
• Fun or themed socks
• New shoes, sneakers, or winter boots

Examples of something to read

This can be anything that can qualify as reading. Examples include:

• A new book from a favorite series or a new release by a favorite author
• A new magazine or magazine subscription based on their interests (like science, animals, art)
• A new comic book
• Interactive books (pop-up, 3D, or activity-based books)
• Educational books (STEM topics, history, or cultural studies)
• Journal or sketchbook if they enjoy writing or drawing

The Benefits of The 4 Gift Rule

As you can imagine, there are so many benefits to using the 4 Gift Rule for holiday gift-giving. Here are some of my favorite perks:

• Saving time and money on gift shopping
• Teaching kids (and other recipients) to be grateful and humble
• Helping kids understand that less can truly be more during the holidays
• Emphasizing that the real meaning of Christmas isn’t about gifts, but about time spent with loved ones
• Breaking the cycle of accumulating ‘stuff’ and constantly needing to declutter
• Reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on excess waste

How to Make The 4 Gift Rule Extra Fun

If the 4 Gift Rule doesn’t seem like quite enough, there are ways to make it even more special. Consider adding a personal touch, like customizing each gift for your recipient. You can even make a theme out of the gifts (so each gift goes with one another). You could also use a unique wrapping paper for each person, wrapping all four gifts in the same paper, or choosing a different paper or bag for each item. There are so many ways to make this style of gift-giving both meaningful and fun!

Personally, I’m excited to try the 4 Gift Rule in my own home with my kids. They already have so much, so I’d rather focus on giving them things they truly want and need while cutting back on clutter and centering on what really matters.

The 4 Gift Rule is a gift-giving approach I think everyone should consider. While it’s popular among parents and grandparents for kids, this idea can actually work for anyone. And it doesn’t have to be just for the holidays—it’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or any occasion where you’d usually give a gift.