LESS GIFTS, MORE TIME!
Written by Caroline Meyer
Christmas is a time of giving, but it should be about more than the gifts. This is when you should be giving your family the gift of time spent together. Even if you have a tight budget and cannot afford expensive presents, Christmas can still be a wonderful time spent together full of love and laughter.
People sometimes ask how much should be budgeted for gifts. The truth is, this is a question only the parent can really answer. This is based around your family and your means. Some things that can be pointed out though, is that little ones may not appreciate expensive gifts and can become overwhelmed by big piles of presents to open. Most little ones will get most of their enjoyment playing with the wrapping. For little ones under 2 years old, keep it simple and limit the expenditure on toys. Rather give them 2 or 3 small gifts and put the balance you would’ve spent in to a savings account for them to have when they are older. Choose gifts that they can enjoy and perhaps learn from. Don’t overwhelm them with toys that are too advanced as this may become frustrating or boring quite quickly for little children.
You don’t need to compare your family with others. You know your budget, your lifestyle and what your children need. Base your gifts around this and don’t go in to debt trying to get your children all the latest and greatest gadgets that will probably be cast aside in a couple of weeks. Encourage your children to give instead of receive so they can experience the joy it brings. Let your older kids help shop for a gift to be donated to the underprivileged.
Get gifts for the family. Family gifts can include craft equipment, Lego sets, books, movies, games or activities that can be done together as a family. The gift of your time is one of the most precious you can give your children. Each Christmas will be different as your kids grow and mature. Change up the family activities as the years change. Maybe even volunteer at a shelter or donate to a charity instead of giving many gifts that are unwanted and unneeded. As your finances change, you can also adjust accordingly but remember that your time is far more valuable than any gift you can give your child.
Try getting 1 list off the “want” list that you child would really like for Christmas and 1 gift off the “need” list which could be clothing, stationery, shoes or something similar that the child needs. You can then look at 1 or 2 small, fun gifts per child. Set a budget at the start and try and stay within the budget per child. Don’t be tempted to buy a pile of extra items just because they are on sale. Stick to your budget and avoid going in to debt to present a pile of gifts on Christmas day.
Being more frugal with gifts may also allow you to save up some spending money that can be used for family outings instead. If you have money left in the budget after Christmas shopping, you can use this to take the kids to movies or a play. Go on a road trip or camping, even if it is just overnight. For older kids you can look at experiences which include some learning such as cooking classes or scuba lessons. If there isn’t a lot left, you could look at something smaller scale such as treating them to their favourite dessert at a nice restaurant or going on a picnic to a park. Spending time with your children will build a better relationship and long term memories of a great Christmas, long after the clothes have been outgrown and the toys have been discarded.