Christmas is a time for giving, but if your budget is tight or you’re struggling to find the right gift it can also be a time of stress!
One way to combat the stress of gift buying is to follow “the 5 Gift Rule for Christmas”.
Which is limiting your gift giving to five gifts for the people you care about: one for each of the following categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and a special gift.
Trust me, It’s a great way to spread out the cost of Christmas and make sure everyone gets at least one present they really want.
- Something They Want
What is something that your loved one has been hinting at? What is something they’ve been wanting for a while now? If you’re not sure, ask their friends or family members for some ideas.
- Something They Need
This could be something practical, like a new bag or a new set of dishes. Or it could be something that will make their life easier, like a new vacuum cleaner or a washing machine.
- Something to Wear
This could be a piece of jewelry, a scarf, or a new pair of shoes. Or it could be something more unique, like a vintage shirt or a custom-made tie.
- Something to Read
This could be a new novel, a cookbook Or it could be something more unique, like a graphic novel or an illustrated history book.
- A Special Gift
This could be a gift that gets them into the holiday spirit! Maybe a festive decoration for their home, a holiday-themed mug or ornament, or a festive piece of clothing. It could be something that you know they’ll love, even if they don’t realise it yet. Or something unique, like a hand-carved wooden box or an antique book. Maybe a personal gift, like a custom-made piece of jewellery or a framed photo of you together.
In picking one of the above, make sure your family are on the same page. Talk to them about your budget and what they’re expecting. This will help avoid any hurt feelings or misunderstandings.
Christmas gift rules are meant to take the stress out of Christmas by simplifying the gift-giving process, and by following these tips, you’ll be able to stick to the rule and make sure your loved ones have a happy holiday season.
