That’s all we do, the most expensive of those whatever it may be is from mom and dad and the rest is from ‘Santa’ who we don’t really call Santa. We say like “the Joy of the Season” or something silly like that because it’s what my grandma did and I like it. My kids have never felt anything but joy and excitement for Christmas doing that and I’ve never spent a ton of money on it. In fact last year I spent more on decorations than gifts 🤣
My family committed to shopping small and supporting american businesses. Most of what I have collected since June is handmade and wooden or non plastic. It is more expensive, but so worth it. I have actually wrapped each gift with a label of what it is and I keep a running list of all items in my phone. This is my first year trying this but so far it is working.
@@melindasmith5769 Something I love for my daughters is Hazel Village - they have adorable dolls and animals. We got a doll for my oldest daughter's first birthday then another friend for when she turned 3. She's named them Birthday Cake (birthday gift) and Flower (she wears a flower dress.) She loves them and I know they aren't going to be a toy taken to Goodwill in a couple years, which makes me happy. :). This post is not sponsored. lol.
LOL, your garage is bigger than some houses! My daughter, SIL and I, are avid readers. Three years ago, I read that on Christmas Eve in Iceland, people give each other books and chocolate. Neither of us need anything more, so I proposed we try it. The first year we set a $50 limit. Last year we set it at $35. We'll do the same this year. We can tell each other if there's anything special we'd like to read, or the person is free to choose something they think will be liked. After reading so many books on Kindle during the year, it's a special treat to actually get books for our book stash!
We buy for all our grandchildren. I start in January. I always buy clearance or sale. We have 25 grandchildren. Every year it's different. Our adult children and spouses each get a big gift. Everyone's favorite gift is a goodwill gift. It's so much fun. I find the greatest gifts for each one. A old remembered toy or a book. Love this video!
I'm single but have MANY nieces and nephews, and now they're growing up and having kids. I buy just for under 18yo.if you're an adult, you get candy. This year for the 3 girls (ages 5-11) I put together a basket of small gifts and 1 big gift, and each gift is wrapped and labeled with a date so they can open 1 each day that they're off from school. I included crafty things and baking to keep them busy during break. 😀
I love the gift you guys got for each other! My hubby and I usually spend $50 on each other. This year we pooled it and got a foldable massage table because we trade massages on each other several times a week. When my kids were little I bought them cool toys from yard sales and the thrift shop and they never knew the difference...we spent about $20 per kid. Now that 3 of the 4 are teens, we spent around $100-$150 per kid. During 2020, with the world in chaos, we decided to let the kids pick one gift they could request and one charity we would donate $ we would have spent on them. They loved it and didn't mind getting less gifts when so many in the world need help. I write up a card and stick it in the tree that says, "A $40 gift was given to Abba's House in Katrielle's name" etc.
3 gifts per child sounds like a lot. We grew up on a tight budget (I didn't know or felt this until I grew up) and always got just one gift per child. That one simple gift was always super special and cherished. You may be surprised how just one gift can be a wonderful surprise and treasure for kids!
I thought that’s a lot too but I guess since she has the means it works but it’s not about the money for me buying a kid one quality gift is enough most kids are just happy to get something new. As a kid I would probably forget all those toys. I forget things I bought the same day I went shopping that I was excited about if it’s multiple. If ever had kids I would not buy a ton of toys it can feed greed. I would focus on activities and them playing in nature but it makes sense for her because you can’t entertain 8 kids as much as you could 1 or 2.
I'd love to agree, but I always try to give many gifts for each child. Santa brings a few, and then I usually do 1 expensive gift, some books, a pair of new PJs or slippers, stocking stuffers, and a few cheaper items. Even when I do that, I feel like they get opened so fast and it never feels like enough!
We grew up under "baby Jesus gifts." One from the three wise men. We were poor, near homeless many times, so for a little kid who wasn't aware of much of that, three gifts were pretty cool. The big splurge was our stockings. Fruits, nuts, and favorite candies, things not much seen in our house. Those Christmas boxes of LifeSavers were the best.
My family all agreed to thrift store gifts and homemade gifts this year. I have spent WAAAAAY less money than ever this Christmas and surprisingly my kids are getting more than ever. I think we will do this every year from now on.
With stockings we do a drink, ( goes in first) favorite chips, and favorite candy and candy orange. Just treats it doesn't seem like a lot but it fills it right up.
7:27 the name "Black Friday" is because that's when many retailers make it into the "black," or positive dollar amounts in their accounting books, rather than the red (debt), thanks to people doing Christmas shopping. Generally speaking, a Black Friday sale isn't automatically better than a sale at another time of year. Depends on what you're buying. I looked into Rakuten once at your suggestion, but I don't shop brands specifically, so I didn't take the time to learn how to use it. (I've tried it again now though, so we'll see how it goes!) I do love the Honey browser extension though; it finds coupons for you.
I already packed all the gifts, for adults it's eatable/drinkable gifts (good cofee, tea, chocolate), for my own older Kids it's money (some are saveing for bigger trips for summer, some Save for more expensive electronics etc), for Little Kids 2-3 smaller (second hand, but still beautifull) gifts(they going to brake them in no time anyway). We paying of our house early, thats a big priority for us.
I really love how open you are. I watched your video last year (or the year before) and it changed the way I think about Xmas. I'm a single mom of 1 so I was GOING CRAZY but watching your video brought me back down to reality.... a good example of how your "tips" can be used by anyone. I so appreciate your content and I love watching your beautiful family xo
My parents always had a set budget per child. I do the same with my kids. $100-150 per child(that includes stocking stuffers). I have 3 kids 5 and under so they don't really NEED anything. We usually try to get one bigger gift and a couple small ones. There is another tradition that I Will pass to my kids this year( for the 2 oldest). My grandmother always took us to the dollar store and let us pick out gifts for other family members. Let me tell you this was so much fun as a kid, but it also instilled in us the value of giving from a young age.
Thanks for sharing, I have two girls and when I grew up was a different life style so I appreciate any info that might help me make good memories and life standards for my kids. 🙏
My god I spent $200 on just one gift each for my daughters. I have 2 kids. Both girls. We have a family of 4 and extended family where we get one gift per person. We usually spend around 3 grand on Christmas. We do this something you want something you need something to wear and something to read with our girls and 2 bigger gifts. This year I bought my husband the Xbox s which was $600 in and of itself. I don’t know how I would survive on $100 to $150 per kid. They’d end up with like 3 things lol. Smaller gifts come from Santa and the big gifts are from mom and dad lol.
But this year we are trying to do the quality over quantity deal. Which means better quality gifts that’s they’ll actually use. Vs a ton of small filler gifts they never use
My Grandma did the same thing for me when I was little. I do this now with my kids as well and it is always so sweet and sometimes funny what they choose for people :)
I have two kids and my youngest is still a baby and literally needs nothing. So I’m taking some of his sister’s baby things and wrapping them for him. I know she’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t have any presents so it’s really more for her than him. Also, when gifts or things I buy come with multiples (like play doh or stickers or a music bag with lots of instruments) I always set aside a few, up to half. So I have this stash of little things. I use it for birthday gifts for other kids but it also makes good stocking stuffers.
My daughter is 8 and she's the only kid in the family right now. And with MY parents being divorced, her DAD'S parents being divorced, and her STEPDAD'S parents being divorced, she has a HUGE family. So she tends to get either one big gift from me and her stepfather, or a few little things I know she wanted. Because she gets SO many gifts in a year from all her different family members that I don't feel the need to go overboard with Christmas. I know she's taken care of in that way. I'm grateful for it.
I agree. The holiday season can be made out of experiences as well not all about presents. Bake together, decorate gingerbread, make decorations, go on a Christmas train ride for example. When we look back over the years that's what I remember the most. No one remembers the presents.
Hi there! We do the; "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. We have 6 children ranging in age from 7 - 14. I enjoy looking for each different gift. ❤ Thanks for your tips, friend.
I find a big difference in gifts in US and Belgium. We don't go as overboard here. I bought gifts for 6 kids, all kids got same budget of 25euro. All gifts need to be something crafty or something to build. Since kids get gifts from everyone, it is good for them to have something to do during the school holidays. the meaning of Christmas in the end is not gifts.
Not all of us here go overboard for Christmas. I’m actually pretty amazed reading some of the comments. To each their own, though. How someone else chooses to spend their time and money is up to them. I just think Christmas time is special without all the spending.
Now that our kids are older they buy for each other and Christmas has taken on so much more meaning for all of us. They also stick to a budget using an envelope, which is great learning. Are you planning on doing a sibling gift exchange when they are a bit older?
You are so sweet, a great mom, but you are so used to have the chance to buy. Life is tough , I prefer to advice my kids. It is so easy to put our' heart on material things.
We adopted the 4 gifts rule. Love gift, this is what ever YOU want to give them Joy gift, something they want maybe Knowledge gift, something they will grow Warmth gift. Aviously clothing, or bedding. $150-200 each kiddoe. But we started budgeting and putting awayoney week 1 January.
Last year we went overboard and thought the more gifts the more excited they would be. Instead they were overwhelmed by the amount of items around the tree. This year we are doing three gifts per child (three kids) just as Jesus received. Each child is receiving a book, game and one big gift. The rest of our budget gets divided into their college fund.
I appreciate you openly sharing how you do things like this! Like actually sharing the numbers and breaking down the process. I also love that you teach sticking to a budget while still blessing your kids with fun gifts! Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate that you show your budget and what gifts you have chosen. We have three kids and our budget varies from $250-300 per kid give or take. We always try to have 1-2 gifts from "Santa" (I try to make it something they really wanted but that arent the big gifts) under the tree and something small in the stocking. Then they usually have around 8 gifts from us. Last year we had it in the budget to splurge and got a Nintendo Switch for the family. My kids love opening presents and the surprise of everything so for us more smaller gifts (now while they are young) works really well. Another "tradition" we have is that our kids have themed stockings (reindeer, penguin, snowman) so their Santa presents are always wrapped in a paper that coordinates with their stocking character which is so fun because they get so excited when they see the "special paper" under the tree!
We just had our 3yr old's birthday party and she had about 12 gifts. It was almost impossible to keep her attention so she could finish opening the presents. She opened the first one and immediately wanted to play with it! 3 presents would have been plenty!
3 года назад+1
I hear you 🙄 For birthday gifts with little ones, we let them open one gift every few days. I really want them to enjoy each one of them and not only focus on the thrill of seeing something new.
Hi Jordan, Sooo nice to see you again. I am glad you and your family are doing well. Love your shows and appreciate all the thought, energy, and time you put into your videos. Watching you is like having my sister near by. She is similar to you in so many ways (good ways). :) God bless
My parents are in their 70s and need nothing. So for Christmas I give them several meals that I froze individually for each of them. I've been doing this for a few years and they LOVE it. About 2 months before Christmas, I start freezing, labeling their meals. Since it's only for 2 people it's so easy to pull from meals I'm already making my family anyways. Also, I only give them already fully cooked meals so all they have to do is thaw and heat in microwave.
This year we are giving our 3 kids, 2 small gifts and then doing an experience. They really want to go to this hands on kids museum so that is their experience!
Money is always a topic that people hate to talk about, but its a reality for everyone. I spent around $700 total for my son, this includes one big gift and then some smaller things. It definitely sounds and feels like a lot of money, but besides his Birthday its the only time of the year I splurge on “big” things. I also put money back every payday, so it doesn’t hurt the wallet at the end of the year.
We started doing secret Santa in my family cause just in my family there are 10 kids (I have 9 siblings). Plus both my parents have 6 siblings and they almost all have kids. So now we have the kids pick kids and we do gifts under $50 and the adults spend about $100-200 on our gifts. But you’re only buying for 1 person so it still ends up being much cheaper than how we used to buy for everyone. and the gifts end up being very thoughtful and nice cause you feel pressured knowing they are only receiving your one gift for Christmas. And everyone tries really hard and it’s been going really well for us!
I start buying Christmas gifts after my son's birthday in April. I buy one gift a month and I set aside $10 each month, to account for a last minute item he might want. I start shopping for his birthday, after Christmas and set aside the same amount. I also do this with school clothes shopping. After Winter, you can get the best deals on cold weather gear and clothing, we live in Minnesota. So I buy the next 2 sizes of clothes for a fraction of the cost, my son has a growth spurt in the Winter and Summer. I do the same with Spring/Summer clothes.
We are so blessed that the grandparents/extended family tend to go overboard, so we actually only buy one present from mom/dad and one from Santa. Plus a stocking full each of mostly special snacks like Paw Patrol Mac and Cheese, fruit snacks, etc. Granted my kids are very young (3 and 1), so we'll see how this evolves.
We grew up on stickings like that and it's still how she does them know as grandma. It's always been a fun experience. Special food treats and things that go with one of our presents but we don't know what it's for until present time. Like markers or colored pencils for coloring books but the books are under the tree.
Super helpful, thank you so much, did you know on the Excel spreadsheet, down the bottom where it says sheet one, that sort of like a tab system, so you could have one child per sheet, and you can rename the sheet to the child’s name, so that way if you need a gift for Mac, you don’t have to scroll scroll scroll, you can just go straight to the Mac tab
Every year, and even now with my kids in their early 20's, for a long time one of our traditions is we pick a special situation to donate to and that was/is their best Christmas moment still. Because they knew that Santa would come to them and other gifts that were wanted as in clothes books etc and some special little things and sometimes there was more sometimes not but they were good with whatever. Money situation varied over the years and they did not mind as they were so happy basically to share the joy with ones that would have nothing it never bothered them either with a this year might be less or something different. They still want Mommy to do it. And I do. And I will forever. We have done smiles for seniors, snowsuits, pack backpacks, filled Xmas bags for wee ones that were not going to have anything, animal societies etc. I have also shopped for presents or clothes for years at thrift shops to support them as they donate to charities and it saves things from the landfill and the kids know and it has taught them to be the same. I also definitely to when buying brand new search for fair pricing as you do. The garage looks amazing!!! Yes wow what a wonderful transformation that organizing crew put in! LOVE IT!
I have 3 kids. They get one gift from Santa, a bigger item ($20-$50), a smaller item ($15-$20), and a book. They also get stocking stuffers and this year we got our kids two games as shared gifts. It keeps things minimal which is great because they still get spoiled by family. I also don't have a budget, but I try to spend around the same amount on each child.
We have twin 8 yr old girls, for Christmas we usually do for each kid, 1 Santa gift (not the biggest or most expensive gift) 1 experience, 1 book, 1 toy and 1 gift to share. They also get to spend $25 or $30 on each other. Then we always have a Christmas eve gift that they open together which is almost always a movie and new chritmas pajamas. And of course Santa fills their stockings with small things like candy, tiny toys, toiletries etc. We usually manage to spend around $100 to $150 on each child and set a limit of $200 on the big gift. I also always have them fill a box with toys they no longer play with to donate to children whose parents can't afford Christmas presents.
We have 7 children ages 3-17 and they each get 2-3 main gifts and 4 smaller ones plus their stocking and a shared family gift. Our budget is 300 per child (including stocking) and it has worked well for us. I have never liked to purchase necessary items like socks and underwear, but as they get older our teenagers do appreciate nicer cosmetics and bath supplies. This year I had them make their list in early October and majority of items have been purchased, but will finish up this weekend.
I like your approach because it feels more realistic to me. Unfortunately I’m not as minimalist as others because I absolutely love giving gifts to my family! But I like the idea of setting a budget and saving up for that. And equal gifts too! I’m going to plan this for next year. Thank you for sharing your budget. It helps me gauge my own parameters with what I can afford.
*personalised childrens books* make for neat gifts to kids at a young age (they're basically a type of custom made learning books), especially if you theme it correctly, and the best part about it is that they're budget!
I have 8 kids as well and I’m a single mother. They don’t all live with me (because they’re older) but, I still feel I need to get them things because well, I’m their mom and they will always be my babies. I love the idea of a trip! Maybe next year…
We go overboard for Christmas. I will never not go overboard lol. I could never stick to a 3 gift rule. It sounds boring to me. I don’t have a budget per child, I just keep a list so I can be sure to spend close to the same amount per kid. I have 4 kids and they each get one bigger item and a bunch of smaller items. This year my daughter (16) is getting a phone, my son (15) is getting a Switch, my younger 2 sons (9 and 8) are getting Dungeons and Dragons terrain sets which can run $200+ each.
I try to stick to a ballpark number but if I know someone will love something, I get it regardless of price. It's about the joy it sparks, not about checking a box that I got them a gift. I'm known in our family as the best gift giver 😉 I do tend to get experiences for my parents, sister/bro in law and my husband and I. Something we all go do together. Like a comedy show or concert. It ends up being something we talk about years later.
We carry on the traditions that we did when raising our chilren, with our grandchildren. We hand each of them a paper & it ask these 3 things: Something you want? Something you need? Something to wear? Something to read? We set a budget, take their list & do our shopping!! Our grandchildren range in age from 22 years to 14 months!! It makes things so much easier!!
We give our kids 3-4 gifts - something to read, something crafty, something they wished for and something they need. Then everything else on their wish list is provided for the grand parents to choose from if they want. Our budget is normally about $100 per kid.
Something my mom has taught me if you like even gifts under the tree is to box two gifts in one box and wrap together as one present; it keeps the physical count of presents under the tree the same and once your kids are opening gifts they are too enthralled in what they get to notice that the other person has two gifts in the one box. She had 4 of us kids and said she did it all the time!
Yess to the list on the phone. Has been my life saver. And I start shopping begining of November to try beat the rush. I also put money away when I can in the xmas account through out the year.
Hi, with the holidays around, I thought of holiday organization, especially when we have to put away the ornaments. What is your thoughts on diy or professional storage organization for Christmas ornaments?
I LOVE this! Especially what you and your husband give each other! I just have to say oh my goodness that’s a LOT of batteries!🌹😉😊❤️ Happy Thanksgiving!
Economically hard to be buying lots tbh. I reminded my husband again this year that we will do what we have done for the last few Christmases(since my 3rd was born) we will gift 1 gift per kid for Santa and the same for the 3 kings(we are in Puerto Rico and celebrate both) It is more than plenty when I add the envelope with money my mom sends and whatever my sister and brother who are both on different states too send. They also get something from their grandma, my aunt and my dad. Lately my niece have also gifted them something so I don't feel the need to over spend as they know more gifts will come
My budget for my child is about 400$ but I focus on something educational. So right now he is interested in space so he gets books and puzzles and toys related to that. His birthday is dec 1st so we got him a balance board and saved his 24-27 month old lovevery box for that event. A couple of toys to play in the snow and materials to make Christmases activities. I always focus on things that will also be used for our future children and pay a little more on quality. He is also a first grand child on both sides of our family so he gets a lot. Even if he's home, I know that I wont need to buy him something new to play with before spring.
We use Pinterest boards for Christmas Wishlist. Older kids create their own and share with everyone in the family. I create some private Pinterest boards for each kid and as I buy something I add to the board so I can view their gifts and remind myself they have enough. It’s also fun to look back and see what they got for Christmas a few years ago if you don’t delete them.
We always do the number of gifts for each child. The older kids get one big gift for like their home or something like then and then two personal items the would like or need. The grand babies usual get the most gift because we can get them usually cheap. And I usually wait until later until most of the items are on clearance. And really cheap helps our budgets.
You are the reason we have such a great Christmas, the kids get some amazing things and I don't get the mum guilt by sticking to your trick of the amount of presents each child get. I'm in love with your mind ❤
Last year was great because we stayed with our budget for 2 girls. One is 13 and one is 7. Last year we spend $200 for a giftcard for 13 year old and $200 for 7 year old. This year will be different. I will get only 3 things you want and rest is need. Like clothes..stuff for school or maybe could be tickets to a iceskating show. My daughter has gone through the ads for kids and circle what she likes. She does know everything she likes she will not get i pick 3 and santa picks one
When I was a single mom, I never had the money to Christmas shop at the last half the of the year. So I do buy throughout the year. I pick a person every month/2 months and put it in a tote. Then around Thanksgiving, I actually go through all my stuff in my tote to find out who I might still need, I might just need one or 2 gifts for the last month instead of all.
So for the Christmas vacations, do you guys take it as a business trip and write it off at tax time? Would love a video on how you budgeted and saved for taking 10 to Hawaii! That’s amazing! What did you all do there, any budget tips for that too?! Would love to hear and be able to one day take our family on a trip like that!
For my X-mas shopping, it is mainly what does everyone need more than want. A need could be upgrading cooking appliances or a new sweater, whereas a want is what is seen on TV and everyone else has. I also like to shop early, depending on what's on sale at the time.
We do the something you want, something you need, something to read, and something to do. We fill their stocking with gift cards and small items, and we always buy a family board game to play as a family on Christmas Day.
We try to get our kids the things they want. And they do get most of it but every Christmas we give away a lot of their old toys that they no longer use or need. It’s teaches our kids that we give to those in need and we make room for what’s new all at once. We also take them to do toys for tots so they know it’s not all about them.
Starting January all the way to November I put a little bit of money away. I also saved my change and $1 bills. Once Christmas comes I don't have to worry about gifts.
We ended up making an amazon christmas wishlist this year. I've been adding to it since August whenever the kids mention something or if hubby or myself needs/wants anything I just have been adding it and revising it as we go. It's nice because you can put who the "gift" is for which I love since we send it to family who asked us what we all want... Our kids get 2 small things from Santa and a few gifts from us. (We've only got 2 boys!) My in-laws send in gifts for them to open here and my mom brings her gifts here as well. All the cousin/great grandparent gifts are opened at grandmas house and it's so much stuff so I'm glad we have the list and that people are actually using it! 🥰🎄 Side note- I've been loving buying consumable gifts the past few years. My oldest loves cosmic brownies and gummy worms he rarely gets them throughout the year so I wrap them up for him for Christmas. He also loves using his dad's body wash and shampoo so I'm getting him his own bottles.
We have a set budget. We save Oct-Sept. I do lists in September for child & relatives & shop online in September. Tick off the list as I buy. So I don't forget what I have. Everything is sorted.
I have some kids born in September, October, November, December, and January. I start shopping in late August and try to get those birthdays and all Christmas gifts purchased before the September birthday. My kids get 1 main present or 2 smaller main and then 2 or 3 smaller things. At times we pack away toys my older kids aren't using and regift them to the younger toddler siblings.
We have five kids. We do two small gifts and usually a big all together gift at our house. Then they have a large family get together with presents and food at my in-laws.
My boyfriend is getting something he needs/to wear, something he wants and something to enjoy. I usually spend $100 or under on my family members. And his relatives were ~$75 each.
Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read!
That’s the tradition we grew up with for gifts!
That’s what our family does as well!
Thank u for this Idea.. will do it from this year onwards 😀
We do this as well! We have their lists separated into the four sections as well.
This is what I’ve been doing. But I also add something to do since it’s nice to have a game or craft.
That’s all we do, the most expensive of those whatever it may be is from mom and dad and the rest is from ‘Santa’ who we don’t really call Santa. We say like “the Joy of the Season” or something silly like that because it’s what my grandma did and I like it. My kids have never felt anything but joy and excitement for Christmas doing that and I’ve never spent a ton of money on it. In fact last year I spent more on decorations than gifts 🤣
My family committed to shopping small and supporting american businesses. Most of what I have collected since June is handmade and wooden or non plastic. It is more expensive, but so worth it. I have actually wrapped each gift with a label of what it is and I keep a running list of all items in my phone. This is my first year trying this but so far it is working.
If you have the time, can you post your list? I've been wanting to do something like this and would love to see what businesses you have found!
Love this and same.
I totally support buying American!
@@melindasmith5769 Something I love for my daughters is Hazel Village - they have adorable dolls and animals. We got a doll for my oldest daughter's first birthday then another friend for when she turned 3. She's named them Birthday Cake (birthday gift) and Flower (she wears a flower dress.) She loves them and I know they aren't going to be a toy taken to Goodwill in a couple years, which makes me happy. :). This post is not sponsored. lol.
We’re in a pandemic still. I’m ordering.
LOL, your garage is bigger than some houses! My daughter, SIL and I, are avid readers. Three years ago, I read that on Christmas Eve in Iceland, people give each other books and chocolate. Neither of us need anything more, so I proposed we try it. The first year we set a $50 limit. Last year we set it at $35. We'll do the same this year. We can tell each other if there's anything special we'd like to read, or the person is free to choose something they think will be liked. After reading so many books on Kindle during the year, it's a special treat to actually get books for our book stash!
We buy for all our grandchildren. I start in January. I always buy clearance or sale. We have 25 grandchildren. Every year it's different. Our adult children and spouses each get a big gift. Everyone's favorite gift is a goodwill gift. It's so much fun. I find the greatest gifts for each one. A old remembered toy or a book. Love this video!
I'm single but have MANY nieces and nephews, and now they're growing up and having kids. I buy just for under 18yo.if you're an adult, you get candy. This year for the 3 girls (ages 5-11) I put together a basket of small gifts and 1 big gift, and each gift is wrapped and labeled with a date so they can open 1 each day that they're off from school. I included crafty things and baking to keep them busy during break. 😀
That's an awesome idea Melissa! Thanks for sharing!
I love the gift you guys got for each other! My hubby and I usually spend $50 on each other. This year we pooled it and got a foldable massage table because we trade massages on each other several times a week. When my kids were little I bought them cool toys from yard sales and the thrift shop and they never knew the difference...we spent about $20 per kid. Now that 3 of the 4 are teens, we spent around $100-$150 per kid. During 2020, with the world in chaos, we decided to let the kids pick one gift they could request and one charity we would donate $ we would have spent on them. They loved it and didn't mind getting less gifts when so many in the world need help. I write up a card and stick it in the tree that says, "A $40 gift was given to Abba's House in Katrielle's name" etc.
Love this!!! I really appreciate that you shared your actual budget. I know there can be lots of judgment about the budgets we set for Christmas.
Absolutely!!
3 gifts per child sounds like a lot. We grew up on a tight budget (I didn't know or felt this until I grew up) and always got just one gift per child. That one simple gift was always super special and cherished. You may be surprised how just one gift can be a wonderful surprise and treasure for kids!
I thought that’s a lot too but I guess since she has the means it works but it’s not about the money for me buying a kid one quality gift is enough most kids are just happy to get something new. As a kid I would probably forget all those toys. I forget things I bought the same day I went shopping that I was excited about if it’s multiple. If ever had kids I would not buy a ton of toys it can feed greed. I would focus on activities and them playing in nature but it makes sense for her because you can’t entertain 8 kids as much as you could 1 or 2.
1 each is a great idea when you’re starting out but if they’re already used to a lot, 1 each could be a shock lol
Hehe yeah, that's true. All good points :) and each family's needs are different too
I'd love to agree, but I always try to give many gifts for each child. Santa brings a few, and then I usually do 1 expensive gift, some books, a pair of new PJs or slippers, stocking stuffers, and a few cheaper items. Even when I do that, I feel like they get opened so fast and it never feels like enough!
We grew up under "baby Jesus gifts." One from the three wise men. We were poor, near homeless many times, so for a little kid who wasn't aware of much of that, three gifts were pretty cool. The big splurge was our stockings. Fruits, nuts, and favorite candies, things not much seen in our house. Those Christmas boxes of LifeSavers were the best.
My family all agreed to thrift store gifts and homemade gifts this year. I have spent WAAAAAY less money than ever this Christmas and surprisingly my kids are getting more than ever. I think we will do this every year from now on.
I regularly thrift Christmas. You can find awesome stuff and for a fraction of the cost.
@@FocusingOnChrist it really is the way to go!
We are a BLENDED family of 8, so I really, really enjoy following your family through your day-to-day lives. You have such great tips and tricks!
With stockings we do a drink, ( goes in first) favorite chips, and favorite candy and candy orange. Just treats it doesn't seem like a lot but it fills it right up.
7:27 the name "Black Friday" is because that's when many retailers make it into the "black," or positive dollar amounts in their accounting books, rather than the red (debt), thanks to people doing Christmas shopping. Generally speaking, a Black Friday sale isn't automatically better than a sale at another time of year. Depends on what you're buying. I looked into Rakuten once at your suggestion, but I don't shop brands specifically, so I didn't take the time to learn how to use it. (I've tried it again now though, so we'll see how it goes!) I do love the Honey browser extension though; it finds coupons for you.
I already packed all the gifts, for adults it's eatable/drinkable gifts (good cofee, tea, chocolate), for my own older Kids it's money (some are saveing for bigger trips for summer, some Save for more expensive electronics etc), for Little Kids 2-3 smaller (second hand, but still beautifull) gifts(they going to brake them in no time anyway).
We paying of our house early, thats a big priority for us.
I really love how open you are. I watched your video last year (or the year before) and it changed the way I think about Xmas. I'm a single mom of 1 so I was GOING CRAZY but watching your video brought me back down to reality.... a good example of how your "tips" can be used by anyone. I so appreciate your content and I love watching your beautiful family xo
My parents always had a set budget per child. I do the same with my kids. $100-150 per child(that includes stocking stuffers). I have 3 kids 5 and under so they don't really NEED anything. We usually try to get one bigger gift and a couple small ones. There is another tradition that I Will pass to my kids this year( for the 2 oldest). My grandmother always took us to the dollar store and let us pick out gifts for other family members. Let me tell you this was so much fun as a kid, but it also instilled in us the value of giving from a young age.
Thanks for sharing, I have two girls and when I grew up was a different life style so I appreciate any info that might help me make good memories and life standards for my kids. 🙏
My god I spent $200 on just one gift each for my daughters. I have 2 kids. Both girls. We have a family of 4 and extended family where we get one gift per person. We usually spend around 3 grand on Christmas. We do this something you want something you need something to wear and something to read with our girls and 2 bigger gifts. This year I bought my husband the Xbox s which was $600 in and of itself. I don’t know how I would survive on $100 to $150 per kid. They’d end up with like 3 things lol. Smaller gifts come from Santa and the big gifts are from mom and dad lol.
But this year we are trying to do the quality over quantity deal. Which means better quality gifts that’s they’ll actually use. Vs a ton of small filler gifts they never use
My Grandma did the same thing for me when I was little. I do this now with my kids as well and it is always so sweet and sometimes funny what they choose for people :)
I have two kids and my youngest is still a baby and literally needs nothing. So I’m taking some of his sister’s baby things and wrapping them for him. I know she’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t have any presents so it’s really more for her than him. Also, when gifts or things I buy come with multiples (like play doh or stickers or a music bag with lots of instruments) I always set aside a few, up to half. So I have this stash of little things. I use it for birthday gifts for other kids but it also makes good stocking stuffers.
I can never thank you enough for all this advice and motivation. I am so happy you're back with videos! It's so helpful!♡ be blessed
My daughter is 8 and she's the only kid in the family right now. And with MY parents being divorced, her DAD'S parents being divorced, and her STEPDAD'S parents being divorced, she has a HUGE family. So she tends to get either one big gift from me and her stepfather, or a few little things I know she wanted. Because she gets SO many gifts in a year from all her different family members that I don't feel the need to go overboard with Christmas. I know she's taken care of in that way. I'm grateful for it.
I agree. The holiday season can be made out of experiences as well not all about presents. Bake together, decorate gingerbread, make decorations, go on a Christmas train ride for example. When we look back over the years that's what I remember the most. No one remembers the presents.
Hi there! We do the; "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. We have 6 children ranging in age from 7 - 14. I enjoy looking for each different gift. ❤ Thanks for your tips, friend.
I find a big difference in gifts in US and Belgium. We don't go as overboard here.
I bought gifts for 6 kids, all kids got same budget of 25euro. All gifts need to be something crafty or something to build. Since kids get gifts from everyone, it is good for them to have something to do during the school holidays.
the meaning of Christmas in the end is not gifts.
Yeah, US is known for going a little overboard compared to many other countries :P
Not all of us here go overboard for Christmas. I’m actually pretty amazed reading some of the comments. To each their own, though. How someone else chooses to spend their time and money is up to them. I just think Christmas time is special without all the spending.
I thougt the same, one scooter for a kid would be an awesome gift..but there were two “small” ones in addition and a trip, that is a lot.
Yeah ok, but then we have Sinterklaas on 6 december...
Now that our kids are older they buy for each other and Christmas has taken on so much more meaning for all of us. They also stick to a budget using an envelope, which is great learning. Are you planning on doing a sibling gift exchange when they are a bit older?
You are so sweet, a great mom, but you are so used to have the chance to buy. Life is tough , I prefer to advice my kids. It is so easy to put our' heart on material things.
We adopted the 4 gifts rule.
Love gift, this is what ever YOU want to give them
Joy gift, something they want maybe
Knowledge gift, something they will grow
Warmth gift. Aviously clothing, or bedding. $150-200 each kiddoe. But we started budgeting and putting awayoney week 1 January.
Last year we went overboard and thought the more gifts the more excited they would be. Instead they were overwhelmed by the amount of items around the tree. This year we are doing three gifts per child (three kids) just as Jesus received. Each child is receiving a book, game and one big gift. The rest of our budget gets divided into their college fund.
I appreciate you openly sharing how you do things like this! Like actually sharing the numbers and breaking down the process. I also love that you teach sticking to a budget while still blessing your kids with fun gifts! Thanks for sharing!
My budget is $25-30 per person. Mostly because I have around 12 people to buy for.
Thanks for the ideas. I have a total budget of $1,300 for 23 people. $1,000 for my family of 7. $300 for Grandparents, aunts ,uncles etc.
I appreciate that you show your budget and what gifts you have chosen. We have three kids and our budget varies from $250-300 per kid give or take. We always try to have 1-2 gifts from "Santa" (I try to make it something they really wanted but that arent the big gifts) under the tree and something small in the stocking. Then they usually have around 8 gifts from us. Last year we had it in the budget to splurge and got a Nintendo Switch for the family. My kids love opening presents and the surprise of everything so for us more smaller gifts (now while they are young) works really well. Another "tradition" we have is that our kids have themed stockings (reindeer, penguin, snowman) so their Santa presents are always wrapped in a paper that coordinates with their stocking character which is so fun because they get so excited when they see the "special paper" under the tree!
We just had our 3yr old's birthday party and she had about 12 gifts. It was almost impossible to keep her attention so she could finish opening the presents. She opened the first one and immediately wanted to play with it! 3 presents would have been plenty!
I hear you 🙄 For birthday gifts with little ones, we let them open one gift every few days. I really want them to enjoy each one of them and not only focus on the thrill of seeing something new.
Sounds like that kid had ADHD.
Oh my goodness the garage! Literally the best gift ever! You guys are so smart!
We set a limit and save a little through out the year and get it on a prepaid Mastercard. So we don't go over budget
Great ideas for Christmas shopping. Thanks for sharing. Your garage looks so much better
Thanks for watching!
@@jordanpagecompany You’re welcome
Hi Jordan, Sooo nice to see you again. I am glad you and your family are doing well. Love your shows and appreciate all the thought, energy, and time you put into your videos. Watching you is like having my sister near by. She is similar to you in so many ways (good ways). :) God bless
My parents are in their 70s and need nothing. So for Christmas I give them several meals that I froze individually for each of them. I've been doing this for a few years and they LOVE it. About 2 months before Christmas, I start freezing, labeling their meals. Since it's only for 2 people it's so easy to pull from meals I'm already making my family anyways. Also, I only give them already fully cooked meals so all they have to do is thaw and heat in microwave.
I went down the RUclips hole of the House of Horror of Tarpin family and need some relaxing, motivating and beautiful family content from Jordan ❤
Love Tracy Bowers! What a great gift for yourself! I’m so jealous. Love this video.
This year we are giving our 3 kids, 2 small gifts and then doing an experience. They really want to go to this hands on kids museum so that is their experience!
Money is always a topic that people hate to talk about, but its a reality for everyone. I spent around $700 total for my son, this includes one big gift and then some smaller things. It definitely sounds and feels like a lot of money, but besides his Birthday its the only time of the year I splurge on “big” things. I also put money back every payday, so it doesn’t hurt the wallet at the end of the year.
A Big Thank You for the video🎄Merry Christmas!!
We started doing secret Santa in my family cause just in my family there are 10 kids (I have 9 siblings). Plus both my parents have 6 siblings and they almost all have kids. So now we have the kids pick kids and we do gifts under $50 and the adults spend about $100-200 on our gifts. But you’re only buying for 1 person so it still ends up being much cheaper than how we used to buy for everyone. and the gifts end up being very thoughtful and nice cause you feel pressured knowing they are only receiving your one gift for Christmas. And everyone tries really hard and it’s been going really well for us!
I start buying Christmas gifts after my son's birthday in April. I buy one gift a month and I set aside $10 each month, to account for a last minute item he might want. I start shopping for his birthday, after Christmas and set aside the same amount. I also do this with school clothes shopping. After Winter, you can get the best deals on cold weather gear and clothing, we live in Minnesota. So I buy the next 2 sizes of clothes for a fraction of the cost, my son has a growth spurt in the Winter and Summer. I do the same with Spring/Summer clothes.
We are so blessed that the grandparents/extended family tend to go overboard, so we actually only buy one present from mom/dad and one from Santa. Plus a stocking full each of mostly special snacks like Paw Patrol Mac and Cheese, fruit snacks, etc. Granted my kids are very young (3 and 1), so we'll see how this evolves.
We grew up on stickings like that and it's still how she does them know as grandma. It's always been a fun experience. Special food treats and things that go with one of our presents but we don't know what it's for until present time. Like markers or colored pencils for coloring books but the books are under the tree.
Super helpful, thank you so much, did you know on the Excel spreadsheet, down the bottom where it says sheet one, that sort of like a tab system, so you could have one child per sheet, and you can rename the sheet to the child’s name, so that way if you need a gift for Mac, you don’t have to scroll scroll scroll, you can just go straight to the Mac tab
I was wondering why there wasn't a separate tab for each child! So, much easier.
Every year, and even now with my kids in their early 20's, for a long time one of our traditions is we pick a special situation to donate to and that was/is their best Christmas moment still. Because they knew that Santa would come to them and other gifts that were wanted as in clothes books etc and some special little things and sometimes there was more sometimes not but they were good with whatever. Money situation varied over the years and they did not mind as they were so happy basically to share the joy with ones that would have nothing it never bothered them either with a this year might be less or something different. They still want Mommy to do it. And I do. And I will forever. We have done smiles for seniors, snowsuits, pack backpacks, filled Xmas bags for wee ones that were not going to have anything, animal societies etc. I have also shopped for presents or clothes for years at thrift shops to support them as they donate to charities and it saves things from the landfill and the kids know and it has taught them to be the same. I also definitely to when buying brand new search for fair pricing as you do. The garage looks amazing!!! Yes wow what a wonderful transformation that organizing crew put in! LOVE IT!
I have 3 kids. They get one gift from Santa, a bigger item ($20-$50), a smaller item ($15-$20), and a book. They also get stocking stuffers and this year we got our kids two games as shared gifts. It keeps things minimal which is great because they still get spoiled by family. I also don't have a budget, but I try to spend around the same amount on each child.
We have twin 8 yr old girls, for Christmas we usually do for each kid, 1 Santa gift (not the biggest or most expensive gift) 1 experience, 1 book, 1 toy and 1 gift to share. They also get to spend $25 or $30 on each other. Then we always have a Christmas eve gift that they open together which is almost always a movie and new chritmas pajamas. And of course Santa fills their stockings with small things like candy, tiny toys, toiletries etc. We usually manage to spend around $100 to $150 on each child and set a limit of $200 on the big gift. I also always have them fill a box with toys they no longer play with to donate to children whose parents can't afford Christmas presents.
So glad you discussed stockings. It’s where I go over every time. So easy to keep filling.
We have 7 children ages 3-17 and they each get 2-3 main gifts and 4 smaller ones plus their stocking and a shared family gift. Our budget is 300 per child (including stocking) and it has worked well for us. I have never liked to purchase necessary items like socks and underwear, but as they get older our teenagers do appreciate nicer cosmetics and bath supplies. This year I had them make their list in early October and majority of items have been purchased, but will finish up this weekend.
Christmas, teenagers, interesting.... I think the trip idea is great!
I like your approach because it feels more realistic to me. Unfortunately I’m not as minimalist as others because I absolutely love giving gifts to my family! But I like the idea of setting a budget and saving up for that. And equal gifts too! I’m going to plan this for next year. Thank you for sharing your budget. It helps me gauge my own parameters with what I can afford.
*personalised childrens books* make for neat gifts to kids at a young age (they're basically a type of custom made learning books), especially if you theme it correctly, and the best part about it is that they're budget!
I have 8 kids as well and I’m a single mother. They don’t all live with me (because they’re older) but, I still feel I need to get them things because well, I’m their mom and they will always be my babies.
I love the idea of a trip! Maybe next year…
That garage organization is glorious! Wow!!!
We go overboard for Christmas. I will never not go overboard lol. I could never stick to a 3 gift rule. It sounds boring to me. I don’t have a budget per child, I just keep a list so I can be sure to spend close to the same amount per kid. I have 4 kids and they each get one bigger item and a bunch of smaller items. This year my daughter (16) is getting a phone, my son (15) is getting a Switch, my younger 2 sons (9 and 8) are getting Dungeons and Dragons terrain sets which can run $200+ each.
We’re taking our kids to Disney the week of Christmas
I love your personality!!!! Thanks for great videos and ideas. Meeting you is on my bucket list🤣
I hope we do cross paths one day! ❤️
I try to stick to a ballpark number but if I know someone will love something, I get it regardless of price. It's about the joy it sparks, not about checking a box that I got them a gift. I'm known in our family as the best gift giver 😉 I do tend to get experiences for my parents, sister/bro in law and my husband and I. Something we all go do together. Like a comedy show or concert. It ends up being something we talk about years later.
We carry on the traditions that we did when raising our chilren, with our grandchildren.
We hand each of them a paper & it ask these 3 things:
Something you want?
Something you need?
Something to wear?
Something to read?
We set a budget, take their list & do our shopping!! Our grandchildren range in age from 22 years to 14 months!! It makes things so much easier!!
We give our kids 3-4 gifts - something to read, something crafty, something they wished for and something they need. Then everything else on their wish list is provided for the grand parents to choose from if they want. Our budget is normally about $100 per kid.
Love the different prices for ages because I try to keep the same amount but little one tends to look like she gets more but oldest gift cost more.
Something my mom has taught me if you like even gifts under the tree is to box two gifts in one box and wrap together as one present; it keeps the physical count of presents under the tree the same and once your kids are opening gifts they are too enthralled in what they get to notice that the other person has two gifts in the one box. She had 4 of us kids and said she did it all the time!
Today it was -23 degrees Celsius (with the wind) here, definitely sweater weather for me. SO wishing it wasn't though, you're a lucky gal!
Santa does stocking stuffers (chapstick / candy)
Something you want, need, wear & pay it forward. My daughter loves paying for the vehicle behind us
THAT GARAGE ORGANIZATION WAS THE BOMB! SO. WORTH. IT!
Right?! 😍
Your garage looks AMAZING!!
We get the needs. Then a few things that they can use and or play with. Plus with the grandparents, aunts & uncles they get plenty.
Yess to the list on the phone. Has been my life saver. And I start shopping begining of November to try beat the rush. I also put money away when I can in the xmas account through out the year.
Merry Christmas everyone! Jesus loves you! ❤️
Hi, with the holidays around, I thought of holiday organization, especially when we have to put away the ornaments. What is your thoughts on diy or professional storage organization for Christmas ornaments?
I do Want, Need, Wear, Read… and I add in a “Do” category for puzzles or craft kits, etc.
I LOVE this! Especially what you and your husband give each other! I just have to say oh my goodness that’s a LOT of batteries!🌹😉😊❤️ Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved your video about Cristmas traditions!!!
Economically hard to be buying lots tbh. I reminded my husband again this year that we will do what we have done for the last few Christmases(since my 3rd was born) we will gift 1 gift per kid for Santa and the same for the 3 kings(we are in Puerto Rico and celebrate both) It is more than plenty when I add the envelope with money my mom sends and whatever my sister and brother who are both on different states too send. They also get something from their grandma, my aunt and my dad. Lately my niece have also gifted them something so I don't feel the need to over spend as they know more gifts will come
Thank you for showing your spreadsheet! Simple and very helpful!
My budget for my child is about 400$ but I focus on something educational. So right now he is interested in space so he gets books and puzzles and toys related to that.
His birthday is dec 1st so we got him a balance board and saved his 24-27 month old lovevery box for that event. A couple of toys to play in the snow and materials to make Christmases activities.
I always focus on things that will also be used for our future children and pay a little more on quality. He is also a first grand child on both sides of our family so he gets a lot. Even if he's home, I know that I wont need to buy him something new to play with before spring.
We use Pinterest boards for Christmas Wishlist. Older kids create their own and share with everyone in the family. I create some private Pinterest boards for each kid and as I buy something I add to the board so I can view their gifts and remind myself they have enough. It’s also fun to look back and see what they got for Christmas a few years ago if you don’t delete them.
Love the organizing gift for yourselves! How perfect is that!
I've been using them for many many years. and I use them all year round. and Fetch! and Ibota those three.
We always do the number of gifts for each child. The older kids get one big gift for like their home or something like then and then two personal items the would like or need. The grand babies usual get the most gift because we can get them usually cheap. And I usually wait until later until most of the items are on clearance. And really cheap helps our budgets.
Love the garage - best gift! 🥰
You are the reason we have such a great Christmas, the kids get some amazing things and I don't get the mum guilt by sticking to your trick of the amount of presents each child get. I'm in love with your mind ❤
Love that!
@@jordanpagecompany don't you worry about them seeing this video lol???
@@jessicagilbert8187 I was wondering the same thing!
Your dancing at the end...cracked me up.🤣
Purrfect Jodan!
What Pawsome ideas!
Meowww!
Thanks for sharing its a really informative video.
Last year was great because we stayed with our budget for 2 girls. One is 13 and one is 7. Last year we spend $200 for a giftcard for 13 year old and $200 for 7 year old. This year will be different. I will get only 3 things you want and rest is need. Like clothes..stuff for school or maybe could be tickets to a iceskating show. My daughter has gone through the ads for kids and circle what she likes. She does know everything she likes she will not get i pick 3 and santa picks one
When I was a single mom, I never had the money to Christmas shop at the last half the of the year. So I do buy throughout the year. I pick a person every month/2 months and put it in a tote. Then around Thanksgiving, I actually go through all my stuff in my tote to find out who I might still need, I might just need one or 2 gifts for the last month instead of all.
So for the Christmas vacations, do you guys take it as a business trip and write it off at tax time? Would love a video on how you budgeted and saved for taking 10 to Hawaii! That’s amazing! What did you all do there, any budget tips for that too?! Would love to hear and be able to one day take our family on a trip like that!
Our stockings had an orange, chapstick, nail clippers, and then like candy or socks
Wow, your garage is huge! That's a great idea to gift yourself garage organization!
My trick is to buy second hand. I start early and keep an eye out for interesting things at charity shops.
For my X-mas shopping, it is mainly what does everyone need more than want. A need could be upgrading cooking appliances or a new sweater, whereas a want is what is seen on TV and everyone else has. I also like to shop early, depending on what's on sale at the time.
We do the something you want, something you need, something to read, and something to do. We fill their stocking with gift cards and small items, and we always buy a family board game to play as a family on Christmas Day.
We try to get our kids the things they want. And they do get most of it but every Christmas we give away a lot of their old toys that they no longer use or need. It’s teaches our kids that we give to those in need and we make room for what’s new all at once. We also take them to do toys for tots so they know it’s not all about them.
Starting January all the way to November I put a little bit of money away. I also saved my change and $1 bills. Once Christmas comes I don't have to worry about gifts.
We ended up making an amazon christmas wishlist this year. I've been adding to it since August whenever the kids mention something or if hubby or myself needs/wants anything I just have been adding it and revising it as we go. It's nice because you can put who the "gift" is for which I love since we send it to family who asked us what we all want... Our kids get 2 small things from Santa and a few gifts from us. (We've only got 2 boys!) My in-laws send in gifts for them to open here and my mom brings her gifts here as well. All the cousin/great grandparent gifts are opened at grandmas house and it's so much stuff so I'm glad we have the list and that people are actually using it!
🥰🎄
Side note- I've been loving buying consumable gifts the past few years. My oldest loves cosmic brownies and gummy worms he rarely gets them throughout the year so I wrap them up for him for Christmas. He also loves using his dad's body wash and shampoo so I'm getting him his own bottles.
Jordan, do you have your children but gifts for their siblings? If so, how do you help them budget and purchase those items?
We have a set budget. We save Oct-Sept. I do lists in September for child & relatives & shop online in September. Tick off the list as I buy. So I don't forget what I have. Everything is sorted.
I have some kids born in September, October, November, December, and January. I start shopping in late August and try to get those birthdays and all Christmas gifts purchased before the September birthday. My kids get 1 main present or 2 smaller main and then 2 or 3 smaller things. At times we pack away toys my older kids aren't using and regift them to the younger toddler siblings.
Love these tips! We set a budget per kid too. Makes it so much easier! Are you planning a house tour?! Would love to see the new house!
We have five kids. We do two small gifts and usually a big all together gift at our house. Then they have a large family get together with presents and food at my in-laws.
My boyfriend is getting something he needs/to wear, something he wants and something to enjoy.
I usually spend $100 or under on my family members. And his relatives were ~$75 each.