Try the four-gift rule for a more mindful approach to holiday gift-giving

As the holidays draw close, there’s not long left to find the perfect gifts! And this can be an anxious time for anyone who hasn’t yet finished their shopping and got everything under the tree. Especially since, this year, household budgets are even more stretched than usual, adding extra stress to the already hectic holiday season.

According to a recent survey of French consumers by Ifop, carried out for the non-profit Dons Solidaires, 44% of parents fear that they will not be able to spoil their children as much they would like this holiday.

This situation is no doubt linked to inflation, as well as to the successive global crises that have put consumer purchasing power to the test. But for some parents, it’s also a question of ecological considerations. Will our children really benefit from all these gifts piled up under the tree? Wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on moderation and more mindful choices, reducing the number of gifts and concentrating on those that are (really) likely to please kids the most?

ALSO SEE: Christmas gift guide: Boozy gifts under R500

The four-gift rule

If that’s something that sounds appealing, then you might be interested in a clever method called the “four-gift rule”. Originating in the UK in 2016 – and as relevant as ever today – it’s based on four core ideas: want, need, wear and read. In other words, this method involves giving your children just four gifts, with one based on each of these four principles.

One will be, within reason, chosen from your offspring’s ultimate wish-list. The second will be wearable (like clothes or shoes), and the third will be something to read (a book, comics, etc.). The fourth gift will be some kind of necessity that you were planning to buy anyway.

The method can be easily adapted to suit all ages and tastes, and it’s a great source of inspiration for gifts. Above all, it’s a good way to avoid spending hours browsing the shelves of kids’ stores, which can quickly become overwhelming during the holiday season!