Free printable of the 5 Gift Rule Christmas: (Want Need Wear Read Do) plus a special #6 family tradition for your kids to to making Christmas gift giving more meaningful, thoughtful and less materialistic. 

And don’t forget to snag your Kid’s 99-Page Holiday Activity Kit, complete with Elf on the Shelf Notes & Letter Boards, Letter to Santa, Activity Sheets, Countdown to Christmas, Christmas Scavenger Hunts & I Spy Games, and much more to last all season! 

Free printable of the 5 Gift Rule Christmas (Want Need Wear Read) plus a special family tradition for your kids to to put as #6 on the wish list this year.

The 5 Gift Rule Christmas (Want Need Wear Read) Plus a Special Family Tradition to Add to Your Wish List 

A few years ago, my husband and I sat together on the couch after we’d put the kids to bed on Christmas and both said something to the effect of, “they got way too many presents this year.” 

Instead of appreciating each gift and feeling the excitement of unwrapping presents, they had set a record for ripping through all the gifts under the tree in record time – hardly even paying attention, or saying so much as a ‘thank you’ for what they’d received. 

While I love Christmas, the feeling that my kids didn’t appreciate the gifts hand-picked and paid for with hard earned money, made us both realize something had to change.

So, the next year we cut the number of gifts they received in half and asked grandparents and family to only buy one gift per child, not 3 or 4 like they’d had previously.

At first the kids counted the number of gifts under the tree and grumbled about the lower number.

And grandparents didn’t much like the idea either, but I was happy to not have any more junk, breakable toys or add to the pile of toys that make noise (which we’ve since phased out completely and boy is it so much more peaceful!)

But then, we began sprinkling in more meaningful experiences and family traditions into the month of December, like siblings shopping for sibling gifts and doing thoughtful acts of kindness for our neighbors, and before long, the gifts didn’t hold as much power over anyone in the house.

The final result after doing this the past 5 years?

Our kids look forward to the meaningful experiences of giving and doing nice acts of kindness for others, more than they do the gifts they receive.

This is also really relative with the increasing costs of everything and trying to cut back around the holidays. While I understand cutting back can be met with a few grumbles, check out this article to help you navigate cutting back this holiday season and how to talk to your children about their expectations, materialism and finding true meaning int the holidays.

Each year, they get excited talking all of our christmas family traditions and have become more creative when it comes to thinking up new ideas of how we can share in the spirit of christmas with others.

That’s not to say we have stopped giving gifts all together…. 

We still want to have presents under the tree and watch as the kids race down the stairs on Christmas morning to open them, but the difference is there are only a handful there these days. Not a mountain of boxes.

The “5 Gift Rule for Christmas” is a popular method that helps parents simplify holiday gift-giving by focusing on five thoughtful categories: something their child wants, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and a special surprise. This rule keeps the season meaningful while avoiding the overwhelm of excess.

By using these categories, parents can prioritize quality over quantity, reduce holiday stress, and create a memorable and intentional experience for their family.

Here’s what our 5 gift rule (want need wear read) plus the bonus #6 looks like (you can download your 5 Gift Rule Christmas Wish List Printable at the bottom of the article) 

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The 5 Gift Rule for Christmas: A Simple, Meaningful Approach to Holiday Giving

The holiday season is often marked by the hustle of shopping, endless wish lists, and a whirlwind of gift-wrapping. For many parents, this can lead to stress, overspending, and even a sense of guilt about not “doing enough.” Enter the 5 Gift Rule for Christmas—a minimalist approach to holiday gifting that promotes simplicity, intentionality, and balance. This method encourages you to focus on five categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something special.

Not only does this rule keep holiday spending in check, but it also helps foster gratitude and mindfulness in children. Let’s dive into each of the five categories and explore how this approach can create a meaningful and joyful Christmas experience for the entire family.

1. Something They Want

This is the gift that usually brings the most excitement for kids—it’s something they’ve been eagerly anticipating or have placed on their wish list. Whether it’s the latest toy, gadget, or hobby-related item, this gift is all about giving them something fun and thrilling.

Gift Ideas:

  • An outdoor activity or item that promotes physical movement and taps into their interests (rollerblades, bike, new hockey stick, soccer rebounder, trampoline, etc.)
  • A popular toy (LEGO set, action figures, or a dollhouse)
  • A video game or gaming accessory
  • A hobby kit (like a painting set or DIY science kit)

This category is an opportunity to make their holiday magical by fulfilling one of their big wishes, ensuring that you balance their excitement with practicality in other categories.

2. Something They Need

Incorporating practicality into gift-giving doesn’t have to be boring! This category can cover items that enhance your child’s daily life, whether it’s school supplies, sports gear, or items that support their growth and development.

Gift Ideas:

  • A new backpack or lunchbox
  • A musical instrument or lessons for music
  • New sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, tennis racket, etc.)
  • Tech upgrades (headphones, chargers, etc.)

This is also a great opportunity to fulfill necessities that they might not always think of as exciting but will appreciate in the long run.

3. Something to Wear

Clothing gifts can be practical and exciting, especially when you cater to your child’s personal style or preferences. Whether it’s cozy winter gear or fun accessories, this gift ensures they get something they’ll actually use, but with a personal twist.

Gift Ideas:

  • Trendy or character-themed pajamas
  • A winter jacket or stylish boots
  • A hoodie or favorite stuffed animal
  • Fun accessories like a watch, bracelet, or hat

Let your child’s personality shine through in this gift—whether it’s a superhero t-shirt or sparkly sneakers, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness.

4. Something to Read

Books are one of the most meaningful gifts you can give, as they inspire creativity, learning, and exploration. By gifting a book, you’re giving your child the opportunity to embark on an adventure, learn something new, or dive into their favorite stories.

Gift Ideas:

  • Graphic Novels are really popular right now and Wings of Fire Graphic Novels and Babysitters Club Graphic Novels are great. Classics like The Giver Graphic Novels work great too!
  • A popular series like Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid
  • An educational book on their favorite topic (space, animals, history, etc.)
  • A personalized storybook featuring their name
  • A magazine subscription tailored to their interests (sports, science, etc.)

Encouraging reading not only supports literacy skills but also creates opportunities for quiet, focused time in an otherwise busy holiday season.

5. Something Special or Surprise

The final gift is the wildcard—it’s something unique and thoughtful that doesn’t necessarily fit into the other categories but will bring joy or create lasting memories. This could be an experience rather than a material object, making the gift extra memorable.

Gift Ideas:

  • A keepsake or personalized gift (photo album, custom blanket)
  • A new pet or a surprise they’ve been asking for
  • A crafting kit for a DIY project they can create with you

The beauty of this gift is that it allows for creativity. It’s an opportunity to give something unexpected, making the moment even more magical.

6. Something For My Family 

The sixth item on the newly revised wish list is “Something For My Family.”

Having a connected and loving family means spending quality time together without devices or agendas. What better way to do this than to ask your children how they would like to connect with you whether it’s a trip to the movies together, a drive to the beach, day at the children’s museum or fishing trip in the spring.

Last year my son asked for a new game and guess what? At least once a week we play a few games of UNO together as a family before bedtime and have a blast. (Board games are a fun way to connect and great way to get away from using devices.)

My older daughter put on her wish list that she wanted us to go ice skating together. My youngest daughter wanted to go to dinner together at a restaurant. Pretty simple, but it got us out of the house together, and spending time talking and having fun.

Sometimes as adults, we get so caught up in planning all the details of what we’re going to do and when, that we forget to ask our kids what they’d like to do.

Gift Ideas:

  • A family outing or adventure (zoo tickets, movie night, ice skating)
  • Picnic outdoors at a new or special spot
  • Take a family hike
  • Buy concert tickets for something down the road

Get Your 5 (Now 6) Gift Rule Christmas (Want Need Wear Read) Printable 

I hope you enjoy this wish list printable I created. The old version was so popular, I decided to create a new, fresh version of the 5 Gift Rule Christmas for this year.

What You’ll Receive by Giving Your Email to Receive This Download: 

  • 8 1/2 x 11” Letter Sized PDF Document
  • 2-Pages (the first is a sample for your kids and the second is blank)
  • Print as many copies as you need
  • Fill wishes and start new family traditions!

Download: 5 Gift Christmas & Bonus #6 Wish List Printable

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