The 8 Gift Rule: A Simple, Fun, and Mindful Way to Christmas
Christmas is a magical time, but let’s face it, gift-giving can get overwhelming. The 8 Gift Rule is my go-to strategy: it keeps things simple, meaningful, and manageable while helping avoid overconsumption. It’s also a fun way to teach kids about giving, creativity, and enjoying experiences rather than just things. You may have heard of the 4 Gift Rule, ours is the same but with 4 optional added extras.
The rule is simple, each child gets:
Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read. Something used, something made, something to do, something played.
Something they want
This is the gift that sparks excitement. It could be a bike, a craft kit, a video game, or a toy they’ve had their eye on. If you have the budget, you can split this into a big, medium, and small gift or just one item. I always make a point to give big gifts from us, the parents, not Santa. Why? It avoids tricky comparisons between children and ensures Santa remains magical, without kids worrying about love being measured by price tags.
Something they need
This is practical and genuinely useful: a new lunchbox, drink bottle, pyjamas, toiletries, storage for their room, or a gift card for school shoes or sports gear. Older kids especially appreciate items that help them start the year prepared. Need-based gifts may seem practical, but kids still love receiving them! If you wanted to make it even more exciting for them and it fits within your budget, you can make this a basket of things they need or fill the lunch box with their favourite lollies and chocolate.
Something to wear
Clothing gifts are more than just practical, they can be cosy, stylish, and exciting to receive. This is also a great time to consider a certain brand your child has been asking for all year, whether it’s a pair of thongs, a sun hat, or a new set of board shorts or togs. If it fits within your budget, it can be a really special treat. If it fits within your budget, it can be a really special treat. But if brand names aren’t doable this year, that’s absolutely okay. Practicality and thoughtfulness matter more than labels. In fact, I’ve told my own children that we’ll keep branded items for birthdays only, not Christmas, so they still feel like a treat when the time comes.
Practical doesn’t have to mean boring. Lightweight pyjamas, fun socks, a sun hat, a colourful t-shirt, or even a sporty top can feel exciting to unwrap. Adding a little festive flair, bright colours, or summer-themed designs can make the gift feel extra special, and pairing it with a matching accessory like sunglasses or a beach towel can turn it into a complete little summer bundle of joy.
Something to read
Books are magical and timeless gifts that keep on giving, and they can be tailored to any age or interest. Graphic novels, picture books, magazines, or classic reads, there’s truly something for every child. Choosing books based on what they enjoy encourages them to explore new worlds, sparks imagination, and gives their brains a much-needed break from screens.
Reading is not only relaxing but also supports development, creativity, and mental health. For extra fun, you can pair a book with a cosy accessory, like a bookmark, little reading light, or even a pair of soft socks, creating a special reading bundle that makes the gift feel extra thoughtful.
Something used
Thrift stores, op shops, and online marketplaces are full of hidden gems. Toys, books, clothes, and even furniture can all find a second life. Kids honestly don’t notice if a gift is second-hand, they just love it. Overconsumption is a real concern, and this is a fun way to reduce waste while staying on budget. You’ll often find brand-new, still-packaged items in op shops too!
Something made
Anything handmade falls under this category. Crafts, DIY kits, baked goods, or a little sewn or knitted item can feel incredibly personal. It encourages creativity for both the giver and receiver, and the time and thought put into a handmade gift often means even more than something bought. This category can also include kits the child can complete themselves, adding a fun activity element to the gift.
Something to do
This is one of my favourite categories. Giving an experience instead of a physical item creates lasting memories. Think movie tickets, a zoo or theme park pass, iFly vouchers, or even a day trip to the beach or a special park your kids have been asking about. If you’re announcing a family holiday, this is the perfect time to do it!
Even if your budget is tight, experiences don’t have to cost a fortune. You could plan a special craft day, a picnic in a local park, or a scavenger hunt adventure. Canva is perfect for making “mock tickets” so the unwrapping is still magical — kids love the anticipation of an event or activity, even if it isn’t a physical gift.
Something played
This is anything that encourages fun and connection. Board games, sports equipment, or outdoor toys. I always try to include something outdoorsy here: a frisbee, soccer ball, or kite helps kids get active and enjoy nature while spending time together. This section could also be where you gift them a new video game for their switch or PlayStation etc too. We tend to do this sometimes also, as long as we’ve incorporated the outdoor gift elsewhere as well.
A Few Final Thoughts
Do what works for your family and your budget. Kids remember the magic, the experiences, and the time spent together, not the price tags. The 8 Gift Rule is a simple, mindful approach that balances practicality, fun, and creativity while reducing stress and overconsumption.
One last helpful tip is to use a gift tracker app. I use the Christmas Gift List app. It’s great for tracking gifts, spending, budgets etc and for planning throughout the year too.
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