For parents and grandparents, it can be overwhelming gift shopping for kids at Christmas. The Five Gift Rule has become increasingly popular over recent years, aiming to help shoppers choose a gift.
Hugely popularised on social media over recent years, The Five Gift Rule involves a person receiving five gifts from a set list of categories:
- Something they want
- Something they need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
- Something for a hobby or an experience
We take a look at the Five Gift Rule, and if it can help parents and grandparents shopping for gifts this Christmas.
What is the Five Gift Rule?
The Five Gift Rule is a popular topic found across parenting forums and social media. It aims to help people buy gifts for children with purpose and intent. Each recipient received five gifts based on a range of categories.
1. A Gift They Want: We can all remember eagerly waking up on Christmas morning, hoping we’d got the gift we’d asked for. This item is usually the biggest gift and something your child will have been excitedly waiting for, probably asking you for it non-stop in the lead up to Christmas. Some top selling gifts from SmallSmart’s range include: Play Kitchens, Balance Bikes and Wooden Dolls Houses.
2. A Gift They Need: This gift is often practical, and something that your child may need. Think clothing or educational toys. A top tip when purchasing a gift in this category is to keep a list of things your child mentions throughout the year: maybe a new hobby they want to take up or a subject they are enjoying at school.
3. A Gift They Can Wear: Active and energetic children frequently need new clothes, and often outgrow them at speed. Gifting clothes can be a practical thought for any child. Top tip here is to think about events coming up in the year e.g. Weddings/ Christenings or a New Hobby. Shop our range of clothes here.
4. A Gift to Read: Books can be really thoughtful gifts for children. Reading helps young children to develop language skills and vocabulary, plus imagination and literacy skills. For younger children, consider buying books that their parents could read to them. Or alternatively, consider Tonies stories, book pockets with 27 classic stories available.
5. A Special Gift: The final gift is something a little different, chosen around your toddler’s personality, hobbies or interests. When looking for gifts for babies and toddlers, consider personalised keepsakes, homemade presents or something that encourages a favourite activity. For grandparents, this is a lovely opportunity to choose special gifts for toddlers that create lasting memories and show just how much thought and love has gone into the present. Some great examples include: personalised gifts, a special toy like a dollshouse or a gift that will provide memories, like a camera.
Why is the Five Gift Rule so popular?
The five gift rule uses a simple, structured framework to turn the overwhelming tasks of shopping for gifts for children into a purposeful act.
Intentionally buying gifts reduces the consumerism and wastage from the gift giving process, with thought put behind the gift.
Tips for Parents & Grandparents buying gifts for their children
For parents and grandparents buying gifts for children this Christmas, the five gift rule can ensure children receive presents that they enjoy and are useful and practical for them throughout the year.
Some top tips for parents buying gifts:
- Divide gifting between your family. Giving grandparents, aunts and uncles, relatives different types of products to purchase can ensure your child get maximum use from gifts they receive.
- Encourage your child to make a list of the gifts they want. It’s very likely they will share the main present they want, but ask about other interests they may have.
- Think about events in the upcoming year. Consider buying gifts that can also suit your child on holidays, family events or new hobbies in the New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 5 gift rule differ from the 3 & 4 gift rule?
There are many variations of the Five Gift Rule. The Three Gift Rule: Keeps only want, need, and wear, whilst The Four Gift Rule adds something to read.
Does it mean my child only receives five gifts?
No, lots of children receive a range of gifts for Christmas. The Five Gift Rule just helps to structure and provide intentional purposeful gift buying for parents, grandparents and family members.
How do you introduce it to family members?
It’s best to communicate with your family early, before the gift buying process begins. Explain the benefits such as reduced stress and purposeful gifting. You could even co-ordinate across your extended family.
Who knows, they may also be inspired to test for their children also.
Further Reading
Looking for more ways to keep your child entertained as the seasons change? Explore our other guides for ideas and inspiration for creative play, indoor activities and family time.
