4 Gifts for Christmas Rule- Printable Wishlist & Kids' Gift Guide

This post: 4 gifts for Christmas gift guide + printable wish list.

How Many Gifts Per Child? Our Family's Traditions | a Frugal and Fab Christmas @ Kristy's Cottage blog

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for kids?

I have a pretty awesome gift guide for you today, plus a free wish list for you to print and give your kids.

So I’m really happy you found this blog post.

But before you whip out your debit card, hang on there and take a deep breath.

Instead of heading out the door, or clicking off this site to spend a boat load of money on Christmas gifts for your kids–

Take about ninety seconds to read this post.

Here’s why:

I’m about to give you permission to simplify the holidays in a big way.

It’s called the 4 Gifts for Christmas rule.

And it works.

This simple “rule”- I prefer to call it a tradition– is something our family has observed for several years.

And in case you’re new to this blog, I’ll tell you why-

We are a family with five kids- two teen girls and three younger boys.

My husband is a vocational pastor and I’m a modern homemaker and home educator- some people use other, more boring words like “stay-at-home-mom” and “homeschooling mom.”

This is us-

I don’t have to tell you that holiday shopping can get a bit challenging, both financially and time-wise.

And did I mention the part about all seven of us living in an early-20th century, 1800-square foot remodeled farm house? (think: tiny closets)

I’m a gift-giver by nature; I don’t like heavy rules or skimpy budgets when it comes to giving gifts to people I love.

And I don’t love tiny closets.

But I digress.

As a young mom, I stumbled upon this idea of giving 4 gifts for Christmas.

Now, I won’t lie:

I love lists almost as much as I love giving gifts.

So the idea of a very specific Christmas gift list, PLUS giving presents- well, I converted immediately.

Over the years, the “4 gifts for Christmas gifts” rule has done a few good things for me as a ~~SAHM and homeschooler~~ modern homemaker and home educator, including-

–making my Christmas shopping more enjoyable (because I know exactly what to buy for my kids)

-streamlining our holiday budget (I can spend the money where it counts)

–making gift giving even more meaningful (because my kids aren’t getting a lot of “stuff” they don’t want or need… and yet the closets are still overflowing… I must ponder this)

The cozy little living room of our early 20th century farmhouse.

So what is the 4 Gifts for Christmas Tradition?

Like I said, I’m not really a “rule keeper” when it comes to Christmas or buying gifts.

But traditions?

Now I love those!

This particular tradition just happens to be fun and super practical.

The “4 gifts for Christmas” rule is simple a template for helping you shop smart for your kids at Christmas time.

The really beautiful thing is that it pulls your kids into the process of choosing the best gifts. It really is a win for everyone!

The 4 gifts for Christmas are:

Something I Want.

Something I Need.

Something to Wear.

Something to Read.

That’s it!

Well, that’s almost it.

Another tradition that our family loves is opening stockings on Christmas Eve, so of course our kids get their share of “stocking stuffers” too.

But as far as gifts that go under the tree, 4 gifts for Christmas nails it.

I’ve tweaked this tradition a little over the years to suit our family’s needs and preferences. But generally speaking, this little “rule” has served us so well.

If you Googled “Christmas gift ideas for kids,” please keep reading!

I have a list of Christmas ideas for kids for each of the “4 gifts,” plus a printable wish list for you to download and give to your kids.

Download the printable wish list below-

Christmas List Template- Want/Need/Wear/Read

Looking for a printable Christmas List Template? Download and print this FREE Christmas list. Includes want/need/wear/read wish list.

Download Now

I hope this simple printable gives you permission to take the stress OUT of Christmas gifting… and rediscover all the joy in it. xoxo

If you like what you’re reading here, why don’t you drop your email below and subscribe to my blog?

If you love practical solutions, piles of books, free printable lists that make your life easier… I’m pretty sure we should be friends. xoxo

A peek at my daughter, Emily’s You Tube channel- she has some gift ideas for teen girls.

Now let’s get to that fabulous Christmas gift guide I promised you–

Enjoy!

#1 Something I Want

This single gift prompt is what most families make Christmas all about.

But why not simplify things a bit and request one thing on the “want” list?

In our family, this is my husband’s department.

One of Jeremy’s traditions with our kids is to take them all shopping (usually very close to Christmas Eve) so they can pick what they want from Dad for Christmas.

My kids look forward to this every year!

But no matter who’s doing the shopping at your house, ask your kids to tell you ONE thing they want- then put it on the list.

Trust me, this is so freeing!

Ideas for something I want:

A phone.

Our teens use and love the Gabb Wireless phones.

These phones have unlimited texting, fun phone cases, a great camera, a music app- but no internet access.

If you want a phone that’s truly safe for your preteen or teen, check out Gabb Wireless.

(Use promo code KRISTY10 to save 10% off your purchase.)

A Razor RipStick

This item made my teenager’s “want” list this year.

RipSticks are all the rage right now among teens and preteens, so I’m sure this won’t be the last one we buy.

Maybe I should go ahead and price around for physical therapists.

Musical instruments

This year, one child asked for a guitar and another asked for a ukelele.

Our youngest enjoyed this instrument set from Target when he was a preschooler.

I have yet to allow a child to request a set of drums.

Legos and Playmobils

Legos and Playmobils are by far the most requested gift by my boys, ages 12, 10, and 7.

Come to think of it, this is probably why our closets are over flowing.

Here are a few of my boys’ favorite sets from the past few years:

(I have some big time Star Wars fans!)

Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter starship

Castle and knights

Drone Explorer toy helicopter

Sky Police helicopter

Roman chariot and soldiers

Rise of Skywalker Resistance A-Wing starship

Star Wars Mandalorian Speeder

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Duel on Mustafar

Last Jedi Elite Praetorian Guard Battle Pack

Camping Adventure carrying case set

Fitbit Alta

Our 17-year old wears the Fitbit Alta, and also recommends this 12-pack of colored bands.

Apparently, this particular fitness tracker is especially streamlined and chic for girls.

For dudes, check out the Fitbit Sense or Versa 3… or, since this is a gift list for kids, the Fitbit Ace 2.

Jewelry

Like most teen girls, my 17 and 14-year old daughters love jewelry.

*Above is my 17-year old wearing the Lava Stone Essential Oil bracelet, in beige, from Hazel Threads.* *She’s also wearing her Fitbit Alta, with a teal wristband.*

We’ve been especially impressed with the selections from Hazel Threads, an online boutique.

They offer a lovely selection of necklaces, bracelets, tee shirts and home decor.

Use promo code KRISTYSCOTTAGE to save 20% off your order at Hazel Threads, including clearanced items.

#2 Something I Need

Depending on the ages and interests of your kids, “something I need” ideas might include:

Sports equipment

My kids have enjoyed receiving sparring gear, a kids’ size football, ice skates, kids’ camping gear, a gymnastics mat and new bikes or scooters.

Bedroom Decor

For girls, this make-up organizer made the “need” list this year.

Last year, my youngest daughter and niece absolutely loved this mermaid tail blanket.

All five of my kids love new bedding for Christmas, and last year Beddys became an all-time favorite.

Other bedroom decor: a comfy bean bag, a reading lamp, or wall art (our oldest daughter, a Blue Belt in American Karate, asked for these last year).

Art Supplies

Art supplies pretty much always appear on my kids’ Christmas wish lists, or stocking stuffer requests.

For artsy teens, check out Copic markers, this Covacure colored pencil set with cool canvas bag, these leather notebook journals, a Canon camera (this is a big ticket item, but a great investment for a teen who’s serious about photography).

Our youngest child enjoys these art supplies: Aqua Doodle Mat, Fizzy Paint watercolors, tracing paper, finger paints, coloring books and Crayons.

#3 Something to Wear

Who says kids don’t like getting clothes for Christmas?

My kids have never complained about the “something to wear” section of their wish list.

Sports jackets and polo sweaters are popular among my boys.

My 17-year old enjoys hoodies and dresses from NeeSees Dresses, while her 14-year old sister prefers shoes and outfits from Shein.

Emily wearing a pretty red top from Shein… and July 4th face paint.

Of course, “something to wear” isn’t just clothes.

Shoes, belts, purses, and other accessories can make the list too. (Okay, and socks and underwear.)

A few ideas:

A new pair of Vans or Converse.

A teen-friendly Steve Madden purse, like this; a sparkly pink backpack purse, like this; or a surprisingly affordable Kate Spade “stack of classics” tote, like this.

#4 Something to Read

This is probably my favorite part of our “4 gifts for Christmas” tradition.

I absolutely adore books and am so happy that most of my kids do too.

I’m still working on that one kid.

For littles who aren’t reading yet, I often opt for picture books (to read to them), or something educational and fun instead of “something to read.”

[Check out my list of over 100 children’s books to read to your kids.]

A few gift ideas for non-readers: Magnetic Letters & Numbers Board (our youngest son loves his set), coloring books and Crayons, or sticker books.