There are so many different thoughts and opinions about how many gifts caregivers should or shouldn't give their children and teens during the holiday season.
As a minimalist, I am not one who likes giving or receiving gifts without meaning and purpose.
As a minimalist, I live in a very small home, so there is no room for a lot of extra stuff.
At the same time I LOVE the magic of the Christmas season.
I LOVE to give special gifts to those I love.
I LOVE to wake up Christmas morning with gifts overflowing from underneath the tree.
How does one strike a balance between minimalism and holiday commercialism, especially with a husband and four children?
I have found the greatest joy in giving what I call, "The 12 Gifts of Christmas" for children and teens.
This name was inspired by, "The 12 Days of Christmas" song that we all love.
Our Family's Current Christmas Gift Giving Circumstances
At this time in our lives, no one in our family receives gifts from extended family or friends.
Some grandparents send money, which typically goes towards holiday vacation experiences, but that is all.
Each person in our home receives:
- 1 Small gift from each sibling on Christmas Eve Morning
- 1 Book, Chocolate, and Christmas Ornament for our Memory Tree on Christmas Eve Night
- Santa Gift
- Christmas Stocking
- 12 Gifts of Christmas
Family Christmas Tradition Ideas
Everyone in our family keeps and updates Amazon wish lists year round.
This allows me to shop for the best deals and discounts year round, saving as much money as possible.
Gifts may seem expensive, but it is rare that I ever buy anything that isn't 50% OFF or more.
We do not go out and buy extra "stuff" throughout the year.
If one of us needs items like shoes or clothing, we'll purchase what is needed on clearance.
If something breaks and needs to be replaced quickly, then we will do so.
Otherwise, the holiday season is when we go all out.
Everyone in the house knows that gifts are received on holidays and birthdays only, so they're extra special.
Here's what we do!
I love that no matter what our budget is, we can still find something for every category.
The gifts are meaningful, used, and loved.
And, they take up very little room in our home!
The Twelve Gifts of Christmas for Children and Teens
1. Something to Wear
Each year our kids receive clothing.
This gift idea was introduced to our children with the Scandinavian tradition of the Yule or Christmas Cat.
In Scandinavian countries you must receive an item of clothing for Christmas or you will be eaten by the Yule Cat!
There's something about the Yule Cat that makes receiving clothing at Christmas so much more entertaining. Lol.
Now that we have teens, they love receiving clothing for Christmas.
Since they're not really growing anymore, we don't do much school shopping. Receiving new clothes at Christmas is always welcomed.
My husband and I don't buy clothes, except for at Christmas and Easter, unless a clothing item is destroyed or we can find what we need at the local thrift store.
It's always my goal to give a full outfit as a gift to each person in the home.
Shopping year round and finding incredible clearance deals helps make this happen.
If I'm not able to put together an entire outfit, a single item of clothing works.
There are so many options:
- Socks/Stockings
- Tops
- Bottoms
- Dresses
- Suits
- Underclothing
- Hats
- Shoes/Boots
- Outerwear
- Bathing Suits
- Clothing Accessories
There's something for every budget!
2. Something Fancy
The holiday season is a time of year where so many are dressing up and looking their best. I love to support that when gift giving.
Everyone loves to feel special!
I've given so many fancy things over the years.
Here are some ideas:
- Make Up
- Hair Accessories & Tools
- Nail Accessories & Tools
- Lotions & Skin Products,
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Ties
- Suits
- Dress Clothing and Shoes
- Shavers & Kits
- Perfumes & Colognes
I love that boys and girls alike can enjoy fancy items!
3. Something to Read
The holiday season is the only time of year that we purchase books. Most often we just borrow books from our local library.
Everyone in the family gets so excited to receive a new book for Christmas.
My kids particularly like being introduced to a new series, so they can continue to enjoy reading for as long as possible.
There are so many different types of books out there to choose from to fit the needs of everyone on your holiday list.
Even if people aren't big readers, different types of books can work.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Recipe Books
- Visual Encyclopedias
- Coloring Books
- Crossword Puzzle Books
- Joke Books
- Magazine Subscriptions
- Trivia Books
- Travel Books
- Novels/Graphic Novels
- Picture Books
- Comic Books
- Arts and Crafts Instruction Books
If you have someone on your list who struggles with reading due to delays or disabilities, consider giving an audiobook.
4. Something to Watch
I don't know about you, but I have the fondest memories of receiving new movies on Christmas and enjoying them through the holiday break.
Another favorite memory is receiving movie theater tickets to enjoy with family or friends.
Today life is a bit different with streaming services and fewer theaters, but you can always find something to give to someone to watch.
Here are a few ideas:
- DVDs/Blu-ray Discs: Movies & Shows
- Subscriptions to Streaming Services
- Movie Theater Tickets or Season Passes
- Drive-in Tickets
- Concert Tickets or Season Passes
- Sporting Event Tickets
- Subscription to NFL+ Premium or ESPN+
- Theater Tickets or Season Passes
Again, there's something for every budget here! I love membership options that I can pay throughout the entire year, instead of in one lump sum.
5. Something to Play
During the holiday season, especially when there's no school, its' always beneficial for everyone in the family to have something new to play with.
Obviously play items change over time as children get older, but there's still something for everyone.
Here are some ideas:
- Toys
- Board Games
- Card Games
- Video Games
- Gaming Systems
- Computers
- Musical Instruments
- Sports Equipment
- Outdoor Activity Sets
Remember that play looks different for each child and teen.
6. Something to Build or Create
Such gratification comes when a project is started and completed!
Gifts that invite building and creation can be so much fun.
They also provide something to do during the holiday break and possibly some extra time with a loved one who may assist.
Here are some examples of building gifts we've given in the past:
- LEGO Sets
- Model Kits
- Building Kits
- Science Kits
- Scrapbooking Kits
- Arts and Craft Kits
- Sewing Kits
- Gardening Kits
- Puzzles
- Home Renovation Projects
- Tool Kits & Building Supplies
Be on the look out for kit subscriptions. They can be wonderful to receive throughout the year!
7. Something to Promote Family Bonding
The holiday season is a time to create memories and traditions that will be remembered for years to come.
I love giving an item or experience that everyone can enjoy as a family.
Here are some ideas:
- Board Games
- Card Games
- Family Movie Nights
- Family Memberships to Kid-Friendly Locations (Zoo, Science Museum, Pool, etc.)
- Restaurant Experiences
- Escape Room Experiences
- Sports Climbing Experiences
- Classes for the Entire Family
- Tickets to a Special Events
- Season Passes to a Theme Park or Other Location
- Vacation Packages
We understand some children and teens do not have family or those that can participate in bonding time. For that reason, we've also mentioned that this gift idea can work with friends.
8. Something to Promote Healthy Living
I find it so important to support my children and teens in healthy living in the areas of physical, emotional, spiritual, and educational fitness.
Giving them a gift that promotes wellness AND is something they will enjoy, is one of the best ways I can show my support.
There are so many gift ideas that fall under this category!
- Exercise Equipment
- Sports Equipment
- Sports Lessons or Camps
- Dance Attire or Shoes
- Dance Lessons or Camps
- Skating Attire or Shoes
- Skating Lessons or Camps
- Membership to a Gym or Pool
- Camping Equipment or Trip
- Water Bottle
- Just Dance Video Game
I love watching my my kids enjoy these Christmas gifts. They're the gifts that keep on giving and keep them active!
9. Something to Promote Personal Hobbies
Every child and teen has at least one hobby or passion.
I can vividly remember each of my kids' passions and hobbies at different phases of life. There are so many fond memories.
Though I could never provide a list that includes every hobby and passion, here are some that are popular in my home and with friends right now, or have been in the past.
- Football Cards
- Pokémon Cards
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Drawing
- Arts and Crafts
- Singing
- Dancing
- Acting
- Swimming
- Cars
- Dinosaurs
- Barbies
- Trains
- Insects
Once you know the hobby or passion, it's fairly easy to find a gift to give that matches it.
Don't hesitate to ask your child's or teen's help with this gift, to ensure it's exactly what they're wanting or needing.
10. Something to Promote Community and Identity
It is so important for the health and wellbeing of a child and teen to feel like they belong in some group or organization.
They long to be someone who is respected and recognized by others for who they are.
Each year, I try to support my kids in this endeavor.
Groups do not have to be official. Anything can count really.
I remember the year my boys started wearing attire related to their favorite NFL teams.
So many strangers would come up to them and start a conversation about football.
They became official fans of their favorite teams and that meant something.
Bulldozer discovered theater this year and found that this is where his people are.
It's always best to follow your child or teen's lead when it comes to what type of groups and organizations they want to participate in.
Here are some gift ideas to go along with this theme:
- Team or other Group Attire and Accessories
- Sports, Dance, Theater, Music, Art, 4-H Camps, etc.
- Private or Group Lessons related to chosen Interest
- Cooking or Baking Classes
I love how these type of gifts build self-confidence!
11. Something to Use in the Kitchen or Related to Food
It is a long standing tradition in our house to receive a gift during the holiday season related to food or that can be used in the kitchen.
There are so many options when it comes to this category of gift!
Here are some gift ideas that have been enjoyed at our house in the past.
- Specialty Pots & Pans
- Waffle Maker
- Recipe Books
- Baking Equipment and Accessories
- Lunchboxes
- Popcorn Assortment
- Popcorn Seasonings
- Hot Sauce Sampler
- Maple Syrup Assortment
- Knives Set
Every child and teen uses the kitchen and/or enjoys food, so you really can't go wrong here.
There has never been a Christmas when a kitchen/food themed gift hasn't gone over well.
12. Something for the Bedroom/Personal Space
Whether a child or teen shares are room, or has their own, it's always fun to help them create a personal space that is their own.
Each year I try to give each one of my kids a gift that does this.
Examples of gifts that have been loved in our house include:
- Photo Frames and Collages
- Jewelry Boxes
- White Boards for Drawing
- Fish Tanks
- Bedding Sets
- Wall Art and Decor
- Lap Desks
There are so many other options!
If you decide that one of the 12 gift ideas doesn't really fit your family consider the following:
- Something to Listen To
- Something to Learn
There are years when we have to switch out some ideas for others based on the needs of our kids.
As you can see, it's possible to embrace minimalism and enjoy the 12 gifts of Christmas.
So many of the gift ideas are experiences and/or items that work for everyday life.
The 12 gifts of Christmas promote physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational wellness.
They provide so many opportunities to develop life skills.
I don't usually have to worry about making room for things, because I don't buy items I don't have room for in our home.
It's my hope that this list inspires others who may be struggling with gift ideas this holiday season.
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