Gift giving in the Christmas season can get too expensive. Buying one gift for one person may not seem like a big deal, but if you have a large family or a few kids, the gifts and the costs can add up fast. At this time one alternative option is to use the four gift rule for your family this Christmas. The four gift rules can essentially help you save money by limiting the number of gifts that you purchase for others. These additional benefits to using this method and it are quite easy and flexible.

How do the four gift rules work?

These four gift rules are a pretty simple method that breaks up the gifts you get for someone special in simple four categories.

1. Something that they want
2. Something that they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read

Yes, that rhymes if you say that it all together, but it’s a stress-free way to do your Christmas. At this time you also avoid the mile-long Christmas list from your kids if you consider trying out these four gift rules.

Receiving fewer gifts this Christmas that is not to be a bad thing. But plus point is you have less clean up and maintain. This is a time when you get some special gifts from family and show gratitude for the items they have.

gift rules example

So, you may be wondering what the 4 gift rule actually looks like in action. 

As an example, let’s say you are using this method for your 5-year-old daughter. 

You may end up buying her nice a toy she really wants, like a play kitchen or dollhouse. You also may get her some shoes (need), dressy clothes (something to wear), and a collection of her favorite storybooks (something to read). 

Here are some more examples for kids of all ages:

Young Kids:

1. Art set, Legos, action figures, life-size doll (want)

2. Bike helmet, sports gear, coat, bigger shoes, comforter set with new sheets (need)

3. Dress up clothes, watch, outfit (wear)

4. Storybooks, chapter book series (read)

Teens:

1. Phone, video game, movies, digital camera, concert tickets (want)

2. Laptop or tablet for school, journal, new glasses (need)

3. Sweater, jeans, jewelry, hat, retail gift card (wear)

4. Magazine, self-help book, fiction series (read)

Set a holiday budget:

As you can see, the 4 gift rule is adaptable to fit any family, but you still need to develop a budget beforehand. Why? Because you can easily overspend on four nice gifts for each family member. So, start planning out your finances by establishing a holiday gift budget. 

Contribute to your savings in advance to help meet your holiday budget goal. This will also help you avoid getting into debt. Be realistic with your family and encourage them to narrow down their wants and needs.