I've been thinking a lot about gift-giving this week, but before I get into that (and I really would like your opinions in my comments, please) here's some pictures of the kids in their new Christmas outfits. Costco is so wonderful and has such beautiful, inexpensive dresses for girls. However, they have nothing for boys- no fair! In Taiwan, I've yet to find the equivalent to Target or Zeller's. There's either the "seconds" stores where you hunt and peck through the surplus of export orders hoping to find your child's size and a matching outfit (yes, everything is made here, but that doesn't mean you can buy it here), or you go to the malls and pay crazy-expensive prices to get something nice. Let's just say the boys' sweaters cost over 3 times more than Noe's dress- each!
Christmas gift-giving some say began with the wisemen. Others say it was before that when Heavenly Father gave His son who would atone for the sins of the world. I am grateful for these gifts, and I love giving gifts too. I must admit that I don't mind receiving them either. However, I don't want to spoil my children or become too commercialized, I want our gifts to mean something. Through the years I've come across a few different strategies. I'll share those here if any of you are interested, but I'm really interested in your gift-giving strategies. With baby #4 on the way, I'd really like to get a "formula" down to stick with each year, that satisfies the children's joy of Christmas morning and my own joy of them having meaningful gifts.
*When we were in Canada I sometimes watched "The Shopping Bags." It was a show by 2 shopoholics who were great bargain hunters. I remember reading an article by them, that really focused on doing your homework before shopping. That way you got the best for your buck. In this Christmas article they recommended giving gifts of time, such as babysitting, cleaning house, or giving a charitable donation in someone's behalf. They also talked about "regifting." Not in the sense that you received a vase you didn't like, so you'd pass it on to someone else, but they gave the example that one of the girl's sisters really loved one of her sweaters. It was still in "new" condition so she decided she would give it to her for Christmas. They also gave a list of the top 5 gifts and top 10 stocking stuffers:
Gifts-
1. Sexy photos of yourself for your spouse.
2. A pashmina-style scarf for the ladies.
3. A photo-album, scrapbook, or calendar for family.
4. Grocery store gift cards for students or senior citizens.
5. Magazine subscriptions for anyone.
Stocking Stuffers-
1. Lottery tickets.
2. Toothbrush.
3. Chocolates.
4. Magazine.
5. Mandarin Oranges/Clementines.
6. Office supplies (notepads, pens).
7. Socks & Underwear.
8. Beauty & Hair products (travel-size might fit best).
9. Disposable camera.
10. Tylenol/Alka-Seltzer (for hang-overs).
We don't drink or gamble, so some of these don't apply to us- tee hee.
*Another interesting article was written by a family who based their gift-giving on the food groups. They said it helped them give essential presents that were well-balanced to give the body and soul fulfillment.
1. Grains= Cuddly Clothes, such as robes, slippers, blankets, sweaters, hats/scarves/gloves, and even bath products and a comfy chair were in this category.
2. Dairy= Socks & Underwear. This category would also have housewares in it such as dishes. Basic items that everyone needs, and if they're given as a gift they don't have to buy them themselves.
3. Protein= Hobbies & Books. Whether they're interested in cooking, sewing, painting, gardening, or pets, everyone has their own personal interests. However, this can be tricky to make purchases for. Make sure to get a wish list so you can get exactly what is wanted/needed. Save gift cards only as a last resort, and if you give them include a catalog so the recipient has something to look at Christmas day. Books, special interest magazines, crossword puzzles are also in this category.
4. Fruit & Veggies= Personal Gifts. Here's where special surprises come in like, jewelry, perfume, plane tickets, etc. They warned about Men being from Mars and Women from Venus though. If a man wants something he says so. If a woman wants something, she'll point at it in the store and say,"that's nice." Usually, the men don't realize it and miss the boat. I guess good communication can help with this category.
5. Other foods= Yummy foods, such as chocolates, cookies, salami, yummy beverages, etc.
They said if you give from each category you're providing good nourishment, but make sure you don't overfeed!
*On a friend's blog I read that one family uses this formula with their children, "Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear, and Something to read." I like it.
*Len grew up getting 2 gifts for Christmas, 1 from Santa and 1 from their family exchange. I grew up spending odd years with my mom and even years with my dad. Neither of my parents had a formula- years when money was tight there were less gifts, and years when money was more plentiful so were the gifts. My mom always spent the same amount of money on each of her 5 kids though. I loved all of the dolls I received as a child, but I really appreciate all of the home-made gifts my mother made for me. I'm also grateful for the trips my father gave me across the country to see my extended family. One special gift I remember wasn't a Christmas gift, but it was from my step-dad shortly after he and my mom were married. They had gone out on a date, and when they returned home they had a gift for me. I felt so special because it was for no occasion. Plus, they had it gift-wrapped and I had never received a gift-wrapped present before (I still remember the paper was blue with rainbows on it). Anyway, it was a stuffed pink Poochie dog (remember those?) It was a simple thing, but it really made me feel special. I want to give that feeling to each of my children. My step-mom has given each of my children their baby blessing outfits. These are special gifts we will keep forever.
*Since we've become parents, the only thing we've made sure of is that each of our children have the same number of gifts under the tree. Of course, we try to spend the same amount, but since we had twins first we've learned that the kids are aware if one gets 3 gifts, while the other gets 5, but they aren't aware how much the items cost. Santa always brings new toys, so mom & dad usually give books and clothes. Stocking stuffer items are usually: toothbrushes & toothpaste, bubblebath, or other toiletry items; crayons & coloring books, or other art supplies; DVD's or CD's; and treats- always with an orange in the toe.
*It's also important to us to give charitable gifts. This year we were able to help 4 different organizations. If you're looking for a good place to donate to click on World Vision's Must Have Gifts. Our kids love giving Angel Tree gifts to orphans and other less fortunate children too.
*I know my posts have been LONG lately, but if you've made it to the bottom of this (Congratulations!) I'd really LOVE to hear about your gift-giving strategies. Please tell me what you do for your immediate family, your extended family, your friends, etc. I'm thinking next year maybe we'll just have each member of our family make a home-made gift for every other member of the family. Of course, Santa will bring some new toys too. I heard that the majority of people when asked, "What did you get for Christmas last year?" don't remember. I know I'm a sentimental sap, but I really want to give more meaningful gifts.
