Friday Faves-A Gift Giving Formula

12/7/2018

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When you have a large family, like we do, Christmas gift giving is a lot of fun, but it can also be costly and a lot of work! It is so easy to break the budget if you aren't careful. When my children were young, I definitely took advantage of Black Friday deals (which were much better back then I think) and tried to be a savvy shopper, getting them things that they needed and also wanted. If you have seen the movie, "A Christmas Story", you will remember the scene when the boys are opening their gifts and each open a package containing socks. They give each other a look, then throw the socks over their shoulders, ready to move on to a more exciting gift. Back when my kids were little, I feel like I waited to give even the most basic needs, like socks and underwear to wrap as gifts under the tree so that there would be a lot to open. But, of course there were the special items as well, like bikes, books and games. "Wait until Christmas" was a well used phrase.

Now that my kids are grown, I see smart parents thinking about not only budget, but not wanting to over-indulge kids with too many gifts, and not wanting to fill their house with a bunch of stuff that will quickly be tossed aside. I have heard a new adage used over the last few years for when it comes to Christmas gift buying for kids:

Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear and Something to read!

I can see the sense in that train of thought and with additional gifts that children receive from grandparents and often other extended family members, I think they would have a very nice Christmas without it being overdone. I would probably add a few little stocking stuffers to the mix and maybe one big special gift for the entire family, like a trampoline or a trip. Or, maybe one more special gift per child from Santa. IDK, it is all customizable to each family, but it is a good guideline.

So, with that saying in mind, the girls and I discussed what those categories could mean and how to give those things in a memorable way. The categories that generated the most discussion among us was the wants and needs categories! It is so interesting to realize that often those categories can overlap. People often want what they need and need what they want. So, for Friday Faves today I am going to give a list of needs and how to make them more exciting to receive. Next week I'll give you a heads up about what the popular wants are for 2018. Lindsey and Alicia are going to talk about Something to Read and Something to Wear. So, if you shopping isn't done or begun, we're here to help!

Needs:

Underwear! Lets get to that right away! I think that the keyword to giving underwear to girls is "pretty" and for boys it is "cool!" So here a are a few choices.

Boxer Briefs for boys are cool. I got some for my 3 year old grandson last time he visited because his mom forgot to pack him enough underwear. He looked so cute in them! Here are some awesome Avenger ones!
Favorite Cartoon Briefs! Boys always want to be Batman!
Girls need variety! Here is a pack that would fit that bill! And, the price is right!
I love the cute prints on these. I know no one sees them but the person wearing them, but they make a girl feel good!

Socks! Kids always need socks! The washer eats them, kids lose them or they wear holes in them. If you are going to give them as gifts, first make sure you know the type your child prefers or they will never wear them! There are no show, ankle, crew, knee high...just find out!
How do you make sock giving interesting? Look at these ideas!

Click here and go to Super Mommy to learn how to make Sock cupcakes!

Fill them with things!
Fold them into Reindeer!

Sorry, this wasn't linked to a website. I think that is nail polish as the red nose.

Roll them up like candy and add a tag that says, "Footsie Rolls!"

Pajamas! These can be as cozy as homemade pajama pants or a little fancier! I think this is one of those needs/wants type gifts.

Which Avenger is your kid's favorite? Choose one from this set!
Little girls always want to go to bed feeling like a princess!

Bedding! A nice and cozy bed is also a want as well as a need. Having nice bedding may also get your kids to make their beds for a day or so!

This magical princess set is adorable and under $30 for twin!
Can you tell I really like the Avengers? This set comes with a comforter and fitted sheet!

Other needs- A lot of the time by mid-school year kids need things such as...

Shoes! A gift card so they can pick out their own would be nice.
Sports team items like cleats, shirts, sports equipment
Backpacks. I really like this one that would so nice for a teen and even take her into college with its pocket for a laptop.

Kids need to eat. Maybe a favorite cereal that you don't usually buy.
Instruments or music for lessons!

Have you given something that was needed that may have seemed less than exciting but found a way to make it seem special? Drop us an idea in the comments!

Be sure to check out our past Christmas Help posts: