Every child dreams of seeing a mountain of brightly wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree, but often, it’s the excitement of unwrapping that outshines the gift itself.

For many families, budgets are tight, and the festive season can become an expensive time, not just because of presents.

The ‘5 Gift Rule’ might be a better fit for your household, encouraging kids to carefully consider what they truly want while keeping spending under control.

1. Something you want
This will be the big-ticket Christmas present your children have been longing for all year (or the past month at the very least!) You can set a budget limit for this, but it’s going to be the one indulgent item just for them.

2. Something you need
There are so many things children need throughout the year that might seem exorbitant, so it’s well worth considering including this in the Christmas gifts. These could include items for the bedroom, sports equipment, or some hobby item.

3. Something to wear
Let your child choose something they really want for their wardrobe, or something they need for next year. This could be a name-brand clothing item, sports shoes, a new swimming costume… anything they can wear.

4. Something to read
Encourage that love of reading by getting them a literary item, whether it’s a book (second-hand also counts), a comic book, a magazine, an audiobook… anything along these lines. You can spring for a subscription if you feel it’s worthwhile.

5. Something to do
This could be a family game, a movie night, an outing somewhere fun… any shared experience they choose. You don’t have to spend a cent on this one!

If the 5 Gift Rule is too many, feel free to cut it down, but it helps manage expectations on the day and keeps everyone within budget.