This was a great video Kristen! I'm showing this video to our children at Thanksgiving dinner today...where we will all discuss the gift giving plan for Christmas. Our 4 children are all professionals and all have much more money than my husband and I do, we also have 8 grandchildren! They "expect" a great Christmas! Though money is no object for all of them, it most definitely is for their dad and I. The stress is puts on us is crazy and my husband is usually quite grouchy the entire holiday season. My husband and I decided to do a little experiment for Christmas. We are giving all of our grandchildren and kids a stocking like we received as kids in the 60's and 70's which consisted of an insulated sock, with an orange, peanuts in the shell, brachs hard candies ( which stuck to the inside of our sock) a fun pad, a toothbrush and a large peppermint stick and on a good year a pair of mittens too! We just want to see their reaction!!!!!! It should be hilarious! We will still give them a good stocking, but we want them all to realize how good they really have it, if only for a brief moment! When we were kids, we got 1 affordable toy, and a pair of pajamas and a game to share.....oh, how times have changed!!!!!
Your reply to Kristen reminded me of when we and my siblings would receive our stockings, my parents hung actual socks we used and hung them to nails in the wall with a christmas orange, apple, pecans and hard candy/peppermints and we were so happy to receive those on Christmas day! yes, oh how times have changed. But memories to share with my family now.
I was born in 85' and my sister and me would get one affordable gift we ask for and I had one uncle that bought one gift for every nephew and niece and that was it! The family would get together on Christmas Eve.. mind you I have 5 aunts and 4 uncles and too many cousins ( i really lost count) and all the kids would end un playing with everyone's toys... and those were the best Christmas ever :). BTW my grandma didn't buy anything for the kids but she would always bring hot cocoa and Bundt cake for everyone.
Thank you Shelly for such an honest and sincere post. I think you and your husband have a great idea. God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you for this great video Kristen!! Our two families have not exchanged Christmas or birthday gifts for years!!! We all have what we need and more!! Our children know they are not to get us gifts for Christmas or birthdays. We have even cut back on cards. Instead we ask for a note or letter. NO card buying!!! As far as Christmas, we give our two sons and their wives money to be used as they need and generally they use the money for a family experience. We have 6 grandchildren and we give them each one gift. We have been giving them either one gift each or for the past couple years we have done an experience as a gift such as a zoo pass, trampoline park visit, or arcade, bowling, water park. They love it and thus they have less stuff in their homes. I have been downsizing my home, decluttering etc. for the past couple of years and take everything to our local thrift stores. The thrift stores benefit our community. It is so freeing to spend less and give the gifts of our time and attention. You are 100% right in everything you have stated in this video!!
My sister in law and I decided years ago when we both had only one child that we would forgo the gifts but instead do something together. So now instead of stressing over buying something we all spend the day doing something together, skating and dinner or sledding etc. the kids enjoy it just as much and love spending time with their aunt and uncle and cousins and isn’t that the real reason for the season ❤
My husband and I are a one income family. Every paycheck we set aside a set amount of money. This is our Christmas fund. We have 2 children, their spouses, and 6 grandchildren. We determine from that money how much we can spend on each. Every grandchild gets the same amount, our 4 adult children get a larger amount and the rest is for us to get each other something. Some years we have more and some less but this works for us. Great tips Kirsten, thanks so much for sharing.
I'm a practical person too and these tips are great! I wish more people thought this way. I would not mind at all getting thrifted gifts. My wardrobe and home is 90% thrifted. There are so many great things out there in thrift stores, new isn't always best. I can't understand why more people don't thrift. Love you style, channel, and outlook on life. 😊
There is NOTHING at Target that interests me but I recently spent $8.00 on a classic Coach purse and $2.00 on a Fossil wallet at neighboring yard sales. After a little saddle soap,shoe polish and elbow grease,I have an awesome,quality set that everyone complements me on.(and saved from the land fill) If someone had given me these,I would be over the moon!( especially already refurbished 🙌🏻) 😂
I would love to thrift more for gifts but my choice of places is not good. Most of the thrift stores are junky, items are dirty, and prices are high. Congratulations on those of you who can and will.
I agree with every single word! I am an empty nester with six grandchildren. Last year I had a tough time preparing for the season. I gave a card with money and put zero thought into it. I would love to start gifting experiences. We shall see.
Love this idea! I use to be a massive gift giver for my grandchildren but no more. You are so right my granddaughter would keep ripping them open and then said "Is that all mema". This year I got her clothes with a game and an art easel where she can create. I am retired and on a fixed income so things will be different now.
Great advice! I bought a sweet tea set (teapot and cups) at a resale shop. We got invited to a party that was doing white elephant gifts (honestly, I dislike the concept). I loved the tea set, but decided to give that. The lady who got it was so thrilled. I volunteered at our church school and her little girl recognized my name and said, “ your the lady who gave my mom her pretty tea set!” Whenever I run into the lady, she mentions the tea set. Such a simple thing was a big blessing and a continuing connection. When I get a gift I don’t really like, I see beyond the gift to the generosity and thoughtfulness and the love. I can decide to donate it and that blesses someone else to be able to buy it. So- the gift blessed yet another person. My family was always loving in gift giving. I have seriously had trauma from my husbands family with comments that my gift was stupid or comparing to the expensive gifts the rich family members gave them. My husband is practical. I bought him new sports socks and undershirts and he will seriously be so happy! 😂
I love, love, love that you put this video out there! It goes against everything that one is taught nowadays! Very old school thinking that is missed! Life has become about "things" and "more is better" and that couldn't be further from the truth. Thank you for bringing attention to this subject that should come as common sense but unfortunately does not to some. God bless!
In a way in so thankful that my son never expects anything for Christmas or has a wish list for Christmas. I’m not sure if it is because I’m a single mom and he doesn’t want to put me in a difficult situation. I do get him something or a couple of things and all these years he appreciates everything that I am able to provide him. He never complains. On this Thanksgiving day I praise the Lord for everything. This is indeed a great video Kristen! ❤️
Hi Kristen I told my sister yesterday people need to go back to more simple for everything, birthdays, showers, Christmas etc, if like you said , they need to. I have bought my family lots of gifts from estate sales and they were thrilled with them. I help furnish my nieces with basic things when they got married. I commited to bringing favors to our ladies church group Christmas dinner. I am making soaps and cinnamon applesauce ornaments and chocolates. I needed tissue paper and wrapping paper. I was close to Goodwill so went in. I found beautiful tissue paper and the most beautiful nice white paper with gold trees made in US. When I was leaving I saw a INC chocolate brown short cardigan with a beautiful ruffled neckline. Sweaters are $4.29 but rang up 2.30. When I went home I saw the tag from Macy's was still on so never been worn. I live in a house that was a fishing cottage in the forties. I find beautiful things at estate sales for it. I think all of your ideas are great. Kids need love and your time more than tons of stuff.
I love all of your ideas. Our family is also low income, and I wish I would have had your foresight about gift giving when my kids were young. The older they get, the more they want. When they are young, one gift is enough. My kids would usually find the one gift they really liked, the rest was clutter!
@@KristenHoffman I agree. Peer pressure is so hard! You are one smart cookie. I’ve watched another one of your “tips” videos, and you are spot on. I’m in my 40’s, have raised 5 kids (3 adults, 2 teens), and I’ve done it all low income. Your tips are the real deal, and so helpful! 😊
No bad comment from me,you are amazing. This is such a needed message right now. You are so blessed with the right idea and I love how you use your platform to spread it. Keep it up, I have one thing though you refer to yourself as a low income family. You are not low income you are so rich in all the right things, what matters most and what we can all learn by. I 64 and you are refreshing thank you. Christine
I love your message. I agree with everything you said. Your term ‘low income’ disheartened me. I had a husband that worked hard every day, as did I. But we chose that I would stay home while our boys were young. Later I worked in a flexible job, that would give me time to experience the boys activities. Because we made those choices, our incomes were not high.but we never were low income, because we had everything we wanted!!! In the end we have had financial success because of the life style we lived. We have retired with enough money to finance our future. You definitely are not low income!
I love this! Another non traditional gift I like to do is to print photos! I feel like now with phones we don’t have a lot of printed photos, so for friends and family I will print a couple photos at Walgreens for them and then put them in a holiday card and call it a day!
Practical and smart ideas thank you. I have started doing things for family members instead of buying things they don't need. I offer my time instead such as cleaning a fridge, organizing cupboards, closets or pantry, cleaning a bathroom, doing windows etc.
Love this video so much! It's so much healthier for me mentally to go into this season with realistic and practical expectations. Christmas is about being together and sharing time and experiences, not about the gifts. Thank you for being honest and thoughtful about the content you put out! ❤️
This is great advice Kristen. In past years I've given things to family members just to have them put aside and never see them again. A few years ago, I decided to have my family give me a list of wants or needs like you suggested. It works so much better, and I don't throw money away. There's absolutely nothing wrong with giving or receiving thrifted gifts. Quality is so much better! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Good morning Kristen, I hope your followers will listen and take to heart what you are saying, because you make a LOT of sense.What you are saying about children not appreciating getting lots of gifts is true. Your children sound normal to me, from what I have seen.
I completely agree with you, so practical. Plus it teaches children what the holiday is about. Been a thrifty Mom for over 30 years and I believe it made a huge difference for myself and my loved ones. Let's not forget the environment 👍
Great tips! I have 3 grandchildren under 10 so what we have been doing the last several years is my daughter gets the kids to look at what they want and then she gives me the list and my Mom, my son (her brother) and me pick thru the lists and buy what we can afford. It has been working out good.
Hearing you describe gifting \ receiving as a practical person resonated so much with me. I'm not a clothing or jewelry person so it's hard for me to express to others what I enjoy and would love to receive and since gifts are not a love language for me I often cringe when someone spends too much on a gift for me or over does the gifting to me because it makes me uncomfortable. Thanks so much for putting this out there. It may not be for everyone, but I totally hear what you're saying. Thanks, happy Thanksgiving!
Pitching in with helping out or food is so important! Thank for sharing! I like buying three gifts for close family and I try to think of mind, body and soul which is close to what you mentioned. When I was first married, I bought Christmas gifts for 43 people! That was a lot, especially when we were putting ourselves through college. I love the Secret Santa idea!!
Ignore the trolls Kristen. God blessed you with your platform. Your channel is helping people, don't let the trolls steal your hard work, your joy and your accomplishment. These people we all know about love to steal your joy. Do not give them their satisfaction. Great video. Happy Thanksgiving!
Great ideas:) On my side of the family we stopped gift giving and instead do experiences. We will all go out bowling with all the cousins and just spend that time together. Kids remember the experience but they don’t remember what they got as a gift last year. Now the kids look forward to the experience with their cousins every year:)
GREAT suggestions!! Many hands make for light work! Everyone can help in the kitchen! Or those helping to get dinner on, get to sit while those who sat, now clean up everything! If people have a problem about some not giving enough, their heart sure needs realigning because THAT is not the true meaning of Christmas, anyway. God bless you and your family this Christmas! May your hearts and home be filled with peace, contentment, love and togetherness!
Your tips were fantastic! Most of us do not need a ton of gifts to make us happy. Sadly, many people are guilted into buying more gifts at a higher dollar amount than they can really afford. Then, they suffer for it in January with the bills that arrive in the mail. I have used many of your tips in my life. Great video!
Enjoyed your video! When our children were growing up money was so tight, Christmas became a very stressful time. You were right to point out that it would be so nice and appreciated if people offered to help with the food, it is added cost and stress. I always take food to gatherings and jump in and start cleaning up. May your holidays be blessed!
Your the best 💚♥️ This year I kept a gift idea list all year with my loved ones names & kids ideas, woman & men ideas etc. Helped with birthdays as well !! As the year went on I was able to jot down meaningful & useful things so when the last minute came down I wasn't grabbing things off the checkout isle haha!! Life is busy and that helped so much! This year for the kids I've warned everyone we are NOT going BIG this year! At all your comments on the kids not being greatful your apsoluetly correct I sware everything's in the garbage/broken by Easter!! Not this year!! I'm only doing the specific things they asked for. We've been going more minimal and it's the only way for me to have sanity now. Less stuff, less mess!! I'm over it ♥️💚
Thanks for this helpful video. One way which we save is by completely skipping the turkey, ham and other meats. We have a plant based meal which is much less costly and is also a way to encourage compassion for all living beings.
You are so right, we are overwhelmed with stuff. I do a lot of homemade Christmas gifts, but make sure it's something I think the recipient will love. I have my 20-something kids give me a list (that family can use as well). I like the concept of getting people things they wouldn't necessarily splurge on for themselves. My family has also done the secret Santa. Works out great.
I love Christmas so much I like the way it makes me feel inside. Now my children are more about gifts. I seriously could care less about getting a gift. It’s the family time, the food, music and the movies. It’s also a sad time for me. I’ve lost both of my parents and my mom use to have the biggest get together and I miss that. But I’m doing the honors now with my family my kids and grandkids. I have 3 children and 4 grandsons. Getting a granddaughter and a grandson first week of May 2023. Love your outlook and I agree with what you are saying. My husband and I are antique collectors and we love old stuff. We actually have things from 1600s.
Oh yes after listening more children are definitely that way. My grandsons don’t even pay attention to what they are getting. When it’s all done we don’t even know who got what
Kristen, great video and tips! I am a gift giver love selecting a new item I think they "might" like, I'm sure many have ended up in the goodwill. However, receiving gifts for me is different, I enjoy gifts that are homemade, they mean so much more to me! Homemade gifts mean that someone, spent time planning the gift, choosing the materials, spent time making the gift that was made especially for me! Those gifts I call "heart gifts"♥️ I have received many store bought gifts through the years most I don't remember or have donated BUT I remember every handmade gift and who made it AND I still have them ALL and they give me the same Joy and Grateful feelings today, as they did the day I received them! I will be retiring in a little over a year from now and many of your practical tips I will be putting into use NOW, as my income will be drastically reduced. Money is tight these days for everyone, this video is Perfect advise for such a time as this! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
100% Agree with you!! We are also a low income family. It can be uncomfortable telling people what your budget it when they want to spend 3 times that. Great advice!! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
I agree! I’m practical & don’t like to see someone waste money on something I don’t want or won’t use. I appreciate their generosity, but I’d rather have something I will use.
My in laws were notorious for this. They would give us accessories/attachments for things we didn’t even own and they often wrapped the FREE gifts they got in the mail like pens and letter openers 😅😅. We just thanked them and counted ourselves blessed to just have them in our lives.
Thrift stores are the best for toys from Santa... I loved buying wooden toys, cleaning them up & painting them. Like baby doll cradles, baby doll highchairs etc. You can even buy from thrift store or make little blankets for cradle. I also loved putting a small, cheap stuffed animal or doll popping out of the stockings. You are so right!! Kids get way too much if you don't budget😊 I never worried about giving them a gift specifically from Mom & Dad because they will realize when they get older how much you did for them! Great video! I think anyone that has something to say about this video would've stopped watching yours along time ago ❤️. Make it a Magical Christmas 🎄
I agree 110% with everything you listed! I use to tell my parents that they could always shop their own home for gifts for me. It took awhile But those are the gifts I now treasure more than anything! Especially if they came with a great hand written history of the piece!
Preserved, I still give my kids and grandson gifts of their list but I set the amount I will spend.I also have started to give gifts from my home, with the handwritten history. They love it. Last year it was jewelry ( not valuable) from my parents and grandparents I realize that they don’t want sentimental stuff but the small items and photos, have been a big hit!
I am a NEW Subscriber & I absolutely LOVED this practical video!!! I grew up shopping at Thrift Stores, but now that I’m older, I am an Amazon Addict!!! I have had the tendency to spend on random things & I want to change that!!! You’re a GREAT inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing!!!🎄🎄🎄
Fantastic video Kristen! You were definitely speaking my language on this one. Some of my favorite received gifts have been vintage items and I love to give gifts that are unique and can’t be found at big box stores. ❤
This is excellent advice, Kristen! You are so right and we all must remember the true reason for the Christmas season which is the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
We are very thoughtful when giving gifts. It's such a waste to give just to give, without the thought behind it. I ask people what they would like. This year I am only buying for my young adult children. But we gift friends and family throughout the year. We enjoy thrifting. Recently my daughter and I thrifted very high quality frying pans, Hers is a never used, preseasoned cast iron pan and mine is just what I was looking for stainless steel Cuisinart pan. We love buying clothes there. My daughter has started her cookbook collection. Seasonal decor, lampshades, so many great buys for so little and you are right, our purchases help others. Merry Christmas !! 🥰🎅🎄❄☃🎁🎉✝💝🥰🎅🎄❄☃🎁🎉✝💝
Kristen, you are so refreshing! I look forward to your videos, you are beautiful inside and out and I love how you are raising your beautiful little girls. Happy Holidays to you! ❤️
I loved this so much 💛 I love watching your videos and love the heart behind your practicality. Thank you for speaking life and financial peace into our Holidays through these great tips!! It was so encouraging 😊
I have to say this video is so helpful! Thank you Kristen. There is no budget when it comes to my extended family. They expect a gift every one of them. It’s hard financially on me because I prefer not to spend a fortune every year. Thrifting for a gift or seeing if I have something nice to give away at my house are great ideas. Thank you again for the great tips. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I wish I had known this when my children were growing up but learned this while teaching in a Catholic school. Your children get three gifts to represent the gifts of the wisemen. #1 something to read, #2 some to wear, something they want.
I am a Nana, retired and have 10 grandchildren. They don’t “need” anything. I used to go way overboard with how many gifts each. Recently I have changed to less gifts and more experiences, I used to do both. I do a lot all year long for kids and grandkids. I do also thrift lots and love finding items that I know they will love while costing me less. I am Canadian so any thrifting money will stay in Canada. Pls. Remember you have followers from other places then US.
Please just don’t pay any attention to these negative people and the negative comments that they leave. Just block those people. This is the way that works for your family and so many other families and that is perfectly fine !!
I'm watching you, and think that is so me. I am the hardest person to buy gifts for. I've been married for 43 years to my best friend, but bless his heart he sometimes get most random things even when I have a list. I am extremely pictular about my decor style,and forget clothes they never fit. I appreciate your courage to put out this video knowing that some just love to make nasty comments. You keep being yourself real and honest. Happy Thanksgiving 😊
Good morning Kristen, I agree with you. I have been thrifting for 20 years. My family has followed my lead. You are such a joy to watch, have a blessed Holiday. Linda from south Arkansas💕💕
Hi, Kristen. Great wisdom for the Christmas season. Thank you for reminding us that Christmas is more than gift giving. We do ask our adult children to share the responsibility of the holiday meal.....they always want to help. They also help in the clean up which is a gift in it's self for me. We love "Dirty Santa" exchanges which really gets everyone involved!! And ,yes, I have shopped out of my own jewelry box. Enjoy your Christmas shopping . I know you have all ready been thinking who to gift some of your finds!! Greetings from Oklahoma. Jane Greene
I love this video, This has been a hard financial year for us, not much but we are making the best of it. Please continue to make money saving videos to share with us. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your beautiful family.
Thanks for this video. I’m one of those older women that subscribes to your channel. My husband and I were forced into retirement during the plandemic. We have been very generous over the years with our children and grandkids. Now that our 401k is bleeding money, we had to be realistic and scale way back. Last year, I made quilts for my older grandkids. I had been collecting fabric for awhile, so I wasn’t putting out a lot of money when I actually made them. This year, I am giving one toy that’s low cost but fun, like a bracelet making kit for the older girls. But I am super excited about the other gifts. My younger grandkids are getting pillow cases in favorite character prints that I’m making, but the older kids are getting their pillow cases in form of a kit, because during Christmas break, I will be sitting down with them and teaching them how to sew their own pillow cases. I feel like they get so many toys and it’s overwhelming. But we love doing things together and I’m super excited about these gifts and the memories we will be making together!
You have some really good ideas. In our family we draw names for all the adults. My husband and I like to give something nice to the grandchildren. They are all grown men now, 26,24, and two that are 19 ( cousins). I ask them for lists of what they want so we can get things that they really want. Some of them are very practical and ask for things they can use. One of the 19 year old boys is in college and he is enjoying shopping for clothes at the thrift store. If we find something we think he will like, we send him a picture and if he likes it, we buy it for him.
Thank you for the video. I brought my 3 boys up on my own. They are now adults. Right from the start of their lives due to my limited finances I gave only a couple of gifts to each of my boys each Christmas or birthday. I had a small budget. My boys grew up with low expectation and appreciated what they received. Lack of presents did not affect them in a negative way 😘
I was on a strict budget too. my kids received 2 or 3 gifts. Each. but the big surprise was our After Christmas trip I left clues in a card but never told what it was until we were there. it could be a trip to the Childrens museum, or a day at a local planetarium watching a meteor shower. Or a afternoon. Sledding. when they were in high school it became. The one thing the looked for first. The experiences made memories they still talk about. Remember to enjoy your children. And the season
So our kiddos only got one gift from and sometime it was something they all wanted so yes they got a play station but it was wonderful and they a game from mom and dad . We asked grand parents to only give each child one gift. They also gave gifts to each other. Opening gifts was one child gets to open a gift while we all watch, if the gift giver was in the room they were thanked. I must say gift giving took a while but then there is appreciation for what they got and the giver felt awesome. My one son was at a friends house one Christmas he phoned and was so sad that the children of the group wanted more. My most wonderful treasures are what people made me. How I love when someone takes the time to make me a beautiful gift, how much thought went that gift. It’s easy to teach your children appreciation for what was given to them. But sing happy birthday to Jesus always touched our hearts.
Great tips Kristen! I’ve definitely worked thrifted items into gifts for several family members over the last few years. My husband’s (he is the youngest of 4) side of the family there are 12 adults and 14 kids. Thank goodness we do know have to buy for all! The adults play white elephant and the kids do secret Santa. It’s always a blast!
Hi Kristin, I agree with everything you said/suggested. In my family we tell each other what we would like to receive. My kids/grandchild know I need specific ideas for them. For example, I asked for a metal reusable water bottle and an external battery charger for my cellphone. We don’t “need” an over abundance of gifts. For the kids we usually do clothing/ toy. I’m also a DIYer so I often give gifts I’ve made to extended family members before Christmas Day. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You’re so Right I have nine grandchildren and the last thing I wanna do is give them something that’s just gonna go to the trash or to the Goodwill when I know I’ve worked hard to get them that gift Thank you for sharing
Another gifting idea is subscriptions! You can get for children Highlander, science center, museums, skating, YMC, etc…For adults magazines, spa, messages, manicure or pedicure or both, hair cuts or colors at their favorite salon! Etc… gifts that they actually use
Great tips. Here is one more. My kids always received gifts and giftcards. I let them enjoy the presents and then saved the giftcards to buy the round of gifts for the next holiday /birthday.
Oh my word! I wish EVERYONE could see your video! I have been regifting, donating, or tossing out so many “thoughtful” gifts! Please give us a useful gift card or cash to put towards our list! And it would be a miracle if our adult children would put down their phones and help with the meal, corralling the children, and housework when you visit. We’re exhausted preparing for your visit and then spending a couple days after you leave cleaning up and then look forward to quiet and rest. What a great video, Kristen.
I'm the practical kind. When asked, I say "money". Literally, they give me money. Or any gift of experience. I like to travel, that's where I like to put the money on. Not some stuff that I will eventually pass on to somebody else.
You are so NOT a jerk for being practical or just having a particular taste - haha I’m so the same! 😂😅😊 I’ve thrifted so many items for this Christmas - so many beautiful things for so cheap. And feels so good knowing those things have been saved from going into landfill. Thanks for the tips on saving money. Super helpful! ❤
Great ideas...in the 1980s when I was in my 20s.....we all decided to not give presents to each other.We decorated, cooked ,baked ,went to Christmas light shows, Christmas church services.....no stress and everyone was happy .Santa still came fir the children.As my children grew up i told them don't ever buy me anything I need nothing.Soebd your money on yourself and that will make me happy just give me the gift if your time.
I always rotate gifts my kids received. I would put a couple away and then bring them out a month or two later or tell family members to get outside toys so they can have them for spring.
Our kids all have great jobs earning more than us and now most of the grandkids do too. We have cut down to 5-10 dollar items that we put on lists like Starbucks cards. Then we gave everyone 50 dollars. That times 11 just got cut to 25 dollars. We love the fun of finding something someone wants for five dollars. My oldest daughter puts Puffs with lotion every year. You are doing a great job.
we also live in poverty level. single income family. I agree with your list,,,, your videos are always entertaining,,, the highlight of my large family get together Is BINGO. All year long we collect little things from around the house we no longer want or need, and we put them on a table as prizes for Bingo... we can get QUITE competitive, the big hit prize is usually dvds, but we have a fun and get new THINGS FOR OUR HOME AS WELL....
All of your ideas are great! I am a very practical person but my primary love language is giving gifts so it can be a frustrating and challenging ordeal to shop for birthdays and Christmas. Weddings are easier because there is usually a gift registry or "list" to take ideas from. Amen to the list! 😉 Cheers to a great Christmas season!!!
A great gift from grandparents to their grandkids would be passes to the zoo, museums, etc. That's not necessarily inexpensive but it's fun for kids and parents and doesn't clutter the house!
I think many of your tips make a lot of sense! I wouldn’t worry what others may say or think because their credit cards are probably maxed out! My husband and I work hard for our money, and I’d much rather buy someone a gift they would want off their list than something (like you say) will eventually end up a Goodwill. Great video with practical advice! P.S. - You look so pretty in your video today! ~ Linda
We told our children this is a $50 gift Christmas for each of our 7 children. One mentioned it was less than last year and we reminded them that food, gas and almost everything costs us twice as much this year sadly because of the economy. We are gifting our sil a book from our collection of first edition or leather bound books bought used.
This was a great video Kristen! I'm showing this video to our children at Thanksgiving dinner today...where we will all discuss the gift giving plan for Christmas. Our 4 children are all professionals and all have much more money than my husband and I do, we also have 8 grandchildren! They "expect" a great Christmas! Though money is no object for all of them, it most definitely is for their dad and I. The stress is puts on us is crazy and my husband is usually quite grouchy the entire holiday season. My husband and I decided to do a little experiment for Christmas. We are giving all of our grandchildren and kids a stocking like we received as kids in the 60's and 70's which consisted of an insulated sock, with an orange, peanuts in the shell, brachs hard candies ( which stuck to the inside of our sock) a fun pad, a toothbrush and a large peppermint stick and on a good year a pair of mittens too! We just want to see their reaction!!!!!! It should be hilarious! We will still give them a good stocking, but we want them all to realize how good they really have it, if only for a brief moment! When we were kids, we got 1 affordable toy, and a pair of pajamas and a game to share.....oh, how times have changed!!!!!
This is fantastic! Some kids don’t know what it’s like to have little or nothing. Hopefully it will teach them to appreciate things!
My xmas stocking was a tangerine in the toe of it and a handful of ribbon or hard candy stuck to the fur.lol. not like my daughters stocking today!
Your reply to Kristen reminded me of when we and my siblings would receive our stockings, my parents hung actual socks we used and hung them to nails in the wall with a christmas orange, apple, pecans and hard candy/peppermints and we were so happy to receive those on Christmas day! yes, oh how times have changed. But memories to share with my family now.
I was born in 85' and my sister and me would get one affordable gift we ask for and I had one uncle that bought one gift for every nephew and niece and that was it! The family would get together on Christmas Eve.. mind you I have 5 aunts and 4 uncles and too many cousins ( i really lost count) and all the kids would end un playing with everyone's toys... and those were the best Christmas ever :). BTW my grandma didn't buy anything for the kids but she would always bring hot cocoa and Bundt cake for everyone.
Thank you Shelly for such an honest and sincere post. I think you and your husband have a great idea. God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you for this great video Kristen!! Our two families have not exchanged Christmas or birthday gifts for years!!! We all have what we need and more!! Our children know they are not to get us gifts for Christmas or birthdays. We have even cut back on cards. Instead we ask for a note or letter. NO card buying!!! As far as Christmas, we give our two sons and their wives money to be used as they need and generally they use the money for a family experience. We have 6 grandchildren and we give them each one gift. We have been giving them either one gift each or for the past couple years we have done an experience as a gift such as a zoo pass, trampoline park visit, or arcade, bowling, water park. They love it and thus they have less stuff in their homes. I have been downsizing my home, decluttering etc. for the past couple of years and take everything to our local thrift stores. The thrift stores benefit our community. It is so freeing to spend less and give the gifts of our time and attention. You are 100% right in everything you have stated in this video!!
My sister in law and I decided years ago when we both had only one child that we would forgo the gifts but instead do something together. So now instead of stressing over buying something we all spend the day doing something together, skating and dinner or sledding etc. the kids enjoy it just as much and love spending time with their aunt and uncle and cousins and isn’t that the real reason for the season ❤
My husband and I are a one income family. Every paycheck we set aside a set amount of money. This is our Christmas fund. We have 2 children, their spouses, and 6 grandchildren. We determine from that money how much we can spend on each. Every grandchild gets the same amount, our 4 adult children get a larger amount and the rest is for us to get each other something. Some years we have more and some less but this works for us.
Great tips Kirsten, thanks so much for sharing.
I'm a practical person too and these tips are great! I wish more people thought this way. I would not mind at all getting thrifted gifts. My wardrobe and home is 90% thrifted. There are so many great things out there in thrift stores, new isn't always best. I can't understand why more people don't thrift. Love you style, channel, and outlook on life. 😊
There is NOTHING at Target that interests me but I recently spent $8.00 on a classic Coach purse and $2.00 on a Fossil wallet at neighboring yard sales. After a little saddle soap,shoe polish and elbow grease,I have an awesome,quality set that everyone complements me on.(and saved from the land fill) If someone had given me these,I would be over the moon!( especially already refurbished 🙌🏻) 😂
I would love to thrift more for gifts but my choice of places is not good. Most of the thrift stores are junky, items are dirty, and prices are high. Congratulations on those of you who can and will.
I agree with every single word! I am an empty nester with six grandchildren. Last year I had a tough time preparing for the season. I gave a card with money and put zero thought into it. I would love to start gifting experiences. We shall see.
Love this idea! I use to be a massive gift giver for my grandchildren but no more. You are so right my granddaughter would keep ripping them open and then said "Is that all mema". This year I got her clothes with a game and an art easel where she can create. I am retired and on a fixed income so things will be different now.
Love it!
Great advice! I bought a sweet tea set (teapot and cups) at a resale shop. We got invited to a party that was doing white elephant gifts (honestly, I dislike the concept). I loved the tea set, but decided to give that. The lady who got it was so thrilled. I volunteered at our church school and her little girl recognized my name and said, “ your the lady who gave my mom her pretty tea set!” Whenever I run into the lady, she mentions the tea set. Such a simple thing was a big blessing and a continuing connection. When I get a gift I don’t really like, I see beyond the gift to the generosity and thoughtfulness and the love. I can decide to donate it and that blesses someone else to be able to buy it. So- the gift blessed yet another person. My family was always loving in gift giving. I have seriously had trauma from my husbands family with comments that my gift was stupid or comparing to the expensive gifts the rich family members gave them. My husband is practical. I bought him new sports socks and undershirts and he will seriously be so happy! 😂
Hi
I love, love, love that you put this video out there! It goes against everything that one is taught nowadays! Very old school thinking that is missed! Life has become about "things" and "more is better" and that couldn't be further from the truth. Thank you for bringing attention to this subject that should come as common sense but unfortunately does not to some. God bless!
Kristen, great ideas. Don’t apologize for your ideas. People follow you because they see something that appeals to them! Be blessed!
In a way in so thankful that my son never expects anything for Christmas or has a wish list for Christmas. I’m not sure if it is because I’m a single mom and he doesn’t want to put me in a difficult situation. I do get him something or a couple of things and all these years he appreciates everything that I am able to provide him. He never complains. On this Thanksgiving day I praise the Lord for everything.
This is indeed a great video Kristen! ❤️
What a wonderful son!!
You have an awesome son! ❤️
@@jannier9766 thank you, he is…
@@jannier9766 thank you…he is.
Hi Kristen I told my sister yesterday people need to go back to more simple for everything, birthdays, showers, Christmas etc, if like you said , they need to. I have bought my family lots of gifts from estate sales and they were thrilled with them. I help furnish my nieces with basic things when they got married. I commited to bringing favors to our ladies church group Christmas dinner. I am making soaps and cinnamon applesauce ornaments and chocolates. I needed tissue paper and wrapping paper. I was close to Goodwill so went in. I found beautiful tissue paper and the most beautiful nice white paper with gold trees made in US. When I was leaving I saw a INC chocolate brown short cardigan with a beautiful ruffled neckline. Sweaters are $4.29 but rang up 2.30. When I went home I saw the tag from Macy's was still on so never been worn. I live in a house that was a fishing cottage in the forties. I find beautiful things at estate sales for it. I think all of your ideas are great. Kids need love and your time more than tons of stuff.
I love all of your ideas. Our family is also low income, and I wish I would have had your foresight about gift giving when my kids were young. The older they get, the more they want. When they are young, one gift is enough. My kids would usually find the one gift they really liked, the rest was clutter!
It is not easy! Especially when we have so many loving people in our life who do not agree with us on this.
@@KristenHoffman I agree. Peer pressure is so hard! You are one smart cookie. I’ve watched another one of your “tips” videos, and you are spot on. I’m in my 40’s, have raised 5 kids (3 adults, 2 teens), and I’ve done it all low income. Your tips are the real deal, and so helpful! 😊
Thank you for the practical list of things…we need to get back to the basics. Everyone, please put down the devices and truly enjoy one another.
No bad comment from me,you are amazing. This is such a needed message right now. You are so blessed with the right idea and I love how you use your platform to spread it. Keep it up, I have one thing though you refer to yourself as a low income family. You are not low income you are so rich in all the right things, what matters most and what we can all learn by. I 64 and you are refreshing thank you. Christine
I love your message. I agree with everything you said. Your term ‘low income’ disheartened me. I had a husband that worked hard every day, as did I. But we chose that I would stay home while our boys were young. Later I worked in a flexible job, that would give me time to experience the boys activities. Because we made those choices, our incomes were not high.but we never were low income, because we had everything we wanted!!!
In the end we have had financial success because of the life style we lived.
We have retired with enough money to finance our future.
You definitely are not low income!
I love this! Another non traditional gift I like to do is to print photos! I feel like now with phones we don’t have a lot of printed photos, so for friends and family I will print a couple photos at Walgreens for them and then put them in a holiday card and call it a day!
I do this but use thrifted frames. It’s always a hit.
Kristen- You show such wisdom at a young age. Thank you for all these practical and wise tips
Practical and smart ideas thank you. I have started doing things for family members instead of buying things they don't need. I offer my time instead such as cleaning a fridge, organizing cupboards, closets or pantry, cleaning a bathroom, doing windows etc.
Love this video so much! It's so much healthier for me mentally to go into this season with realistic and practical expectations. Christmas is about being together and sharing time and experiences, not about the gifts. Thank you for being honest and thoughtful about the content you put out! ❤️
This is great advice Kristen. In past years I've given things to family members just to have them put aside and never see them again. A few years ago, I decided to have my family give me a list of wants or needs like you suggested. It works so much better, and I don't throw money away. There's absolutely nothing wrong with giving or receiving thrifted gifts. Quality is so much better! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Good morning Kristen, I hope your followers will listen and take to heart what you are saying, because you make a LOT of sense.What you are saying about children not appreciating getting lots of gifts is true. Your children sound normal to me, from what I have seen.
I completely agree with you, so practical. Plus it teaches children what the holiday is about.
Been a thrifty Mom for over 30 years and I believe it made a huge difference for myself and my loved ones. Let's not forget the environment 👍
Great tips! I have 3 grandchildren under 10 so what we have been doing the last several years is my daughter gets the kids to look at what they want and then she gives me the list and my Mom, my son (her brother) and me pick thru the lists and buy what we can afford. It has been working out good.
Hearing you describe gifting \ receiving as a practical person resonated so much with me. I'm not a clothing or jewelry person so it's hard for me to express to others what I enjoy and would love to receive and since gifts are not a love language for me I often cringe when someone spends too much on a gift for me or over does the gifting to me because it makes me uncomfortable. Thanks so much for putting this out there. It may not be for everyone, but I totally hear what you're saying. Thanks, happy Thanksgiving!
I feel this way too!
Yes 100% me!
Pitching in with helping out or food is so important! Thank for sharing! I like buying three gifts for close family and I try to think of mind, body and soul which is close to what you mentioned. When I was first married, I bought Christmas gifts for 43 people! That was a lot, especially when we were putting ourselves through college. I love the Secret Santa idea!!
Ignore the trolls Kristen. God blessed you with your platform. Your channel is helping people, don't let the trolls steal your hard work, your joy and your accomplishment. These people we all know about love to steal your joy. Do not give them their satisfaction. Great video. Happy Thanksgiving!
Great ideas:) On my side of the family we stopped gift giving and instead do experiences. We will all go out bowling with all the cousins and just spend that time together. Kids remember the experience but they don’t remember what they got as a gift last year. Now the kids look forward to the experience with their cousins every year:)
Fun!
I am with you on all that!! And it would get tiring keeping up with decorating trends. Vintage is literally timeless.
GREAT suggestions!! Many hands make for light work! Everyone can help in the kitchen! Or those helping to get dinner on, get to sit while those who sat, now clean up everything! If people have a problem about some not giving enough, their heart sure needs realigning because THAT is not the true meaning of Christmas, anyway. God bless you and your family this Christmas! May your hearts and home be filled with peace, contentment, love and togetherness!
I have 5 grown children plus their spouses and 5 grandkids . I’m giving all consumable gifts and experiences to them this year❤
Your tips were fantastic! Most of us do not need a ton of gifts to make us happy. Sadly, many people are guilted into buying more gifts at a higher dollar amount than they can really afford. Then, they suffer for it in January with the bills that arrive in the mail. I have used many of your tips in my life. Great video!
You are wonderful! Such a refreshing change, you are teaching your daughters a very valuable life lesson xxx
You are a breath of fresh air!!! Amen! I love your honesty!!
Enjoyed your video! When our children were growing up money was so tight, Christmas became a very stressful time. You were right to point out that it would be so nice and appreciated if people offered to help with the food, it is added cost and stress. I always take food to gatherings and jump in and start cleaning up. May your holidays be blessed!
Kristen, you are a great woman! Please stay humble when your channel hits 100k. Happy Thanksgiving to you guys!
In my dreams! Haha. But thank you!
Your the best 💚♥️ This year I kept a gift idea list all year with my loved ones names & kids ideas, woman & men ideas etc. Helped with birthdays as well !! As the year went on I was able to jot down meaningful & useful things so when the last minute came down I wasn't grabbing things off the checkout isle haha!! Life is busy and that helped so much!
This year for the kids I've warned everyone we are NOT going BIG this year! At all your comments on the kids not being greatful your apsoluetly correct I sware everything's in the garbage/broken by Easter!! Not this year!! I'm only doing the specific things they asked for. We've been going more minimal and it's the only way for me to have sanity now. Less stuff, less mess!! I'm over it ♥️💚
Thanks for this helpful video. One way which we save is by completely skipping the turkey, ham and other meats. We have a plant based meal which is much less costly and is also a way to encourage compassion for all living beings.
You are a wonderful person stay that way
You are so right, we are overwhelmed with stuff. I do a lot of homemade Christmas gifts, but make sure it's something I think the recipient will love. I have my 20-something kids give me a list (that family can use as well). I like the concept of getting people things they wouldn't necessarily splurge on for themselves. My family has also done the secret Santa. Works out great.
I love Christmas so much I like the way it makes me feel inside. Now my children are more about gifts. I seriously could care less about getting a gift. It’s the family time, the food, music and the movies. It’s also a sad time for me. I’ve lost both of my parents and my mom use to have the biggest get together and I miss that. But I’m doing the honors now with my family my kids and grandkids. I have 3 children and 4 grandsons. Getting a granddaughter and a grandson first week of May 2023. Love your outlook and I agree with what you are saying. My husband and I are antique collectors and we love old stuff. We actually have things from 1600s.
Oh yes after listening more children are definitely that way. My grandsons don’t even pay attention to what they are getting. When it’s all done we don’t even know who got what
Me too!
I love the thought of three gifts per child/person, because that’s all baby Jesus received.
Lovely thought!
Kristen, great video and tips! I am a gift giver love selecting a new item I think they "might" like, I'm sure many have ended up in the goodwill. However, receiving gifts for me is different, I enjoy gifts that are homemade, they mean so much more to me! Homemade gifts mean that someone, spent time planning the gift, choosing the materials, spent time making the gift that was made especially for me! Those gifts I call "heart gifts"♥️ I have received many store bought gifts through the years most I don't remember or have donated BUT I remember every handmade gift and who made it AND I still have them ALL and they give me the same Joy and Grateful feelings today, as they did the day I received them! I will be retiring in a little over a year from now and many of your practical tips I will be putting into use NOW, as my income will be drastically reduced. Money is tight these days for everyone, this video is Perfect advise for such a time as this! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
100% Agree with you!! We are also a low income family. It can be uncomfortable telling people what your budget it when they want to spend 3 times that. Great advice!! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
I agree! I’m practical & don’t like to see someone waste money on something I don’t want or won’t use. I appreciate their generosity, but I’d rather have something I will use.
My in laws were notorious for this. They would give us accessories/attachments for things we didn’t even own and they often wrapped the FREE gifts they got in the mail like pens and letter openers 😅😅. We just thanked them and counted ourselves blessed to just have them in our lives.
YES !!
Thrift stores are the best for toys from Santa... I loved buying wooden toys, cleaning them up & painting them. Like baby doll cradles, baby doll highchairs etc. You can even buy from thrift store or make little blankets for cradle. I also loved putting a small, cheap stuffed animal or doll popping out of the stockings. You are so right!! Kids get way too much if you don't budget😊 I never worried about giving them a gift specifically from Mom & Dad because they will realize when they get older how much you did for them!
Great video! I think anyone that has something to say about this video would've stopped watching yours along time ago ❤️. Make it a Magical Christmas 🎄
I agree 110% with everything you listed! I use to tell my parents that they could always shop their own home for gifts for me. It took awhile But those are the gifts I now treasure more than anything! Especially if they came with a great hand written history of the piece!
Preserved, I still give my kids and grandson gifts of their list but I set the amount I will spend.I also have started to give gifts from my home, with the handwritten history. They love it. Last year it was jewelry ( not valuable) from my parents and grandparents
I realize that they don’t want sentimental stuff but the small items and photos, have been a big hit!
I am a NEW Subscriber & I absolutely LOVED this practical video!!!
I grew up shopping at Thrift Stores, but now that I’m older, I am an Amazon Addict!!!
I have had the tendency to spend on random things & I want to change that!!!
You’re a GREAT inspiration!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!🎄🎄🎄
I love Amazon too but lately some items on Amazon can be found so much cheaper elsewhere. I guess I love the convenience of Amazon also.
Fantastic video Kristen! You were definitely speaking my language on this one. Some of my favorite received gifts have been vintage items and I love to give gifts that are unique and can’t be found at big box stores. ❤
I appreciate your honesty and practicality. It is definitely refreshing. Have a wonderful holiday season with your family.
This is excellent advice, Kristen! You are so right and we all must remember the true reason for the Christmas season which is the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
We are very thoughtful when giving gifts. It's such a waste to give just to give, without the thought behind it. I ask people what they would like. This year I am only buying for my young adult children. But we gift friends and family throughout the year. We enjoy thrifting. Recently my daughter and I thrifted very high quality frying pans, Hers is a never used, preseasoned cast iron pan and mine is just what I was looking for stainless steel Cuisinart pan. We love buying clothes there. My daughter has started her cookbook collection. Seasonal decor, lampshades, so many great buys for so little and you are right, our purchases help others. Merry Christmas !! 🥰🎅🎄❄☃🎁🎉✝💝🥰🎅🎄❄☃🎁🎉✝💝
Kristen, you are so refreshing! I look forward to your videos, you are beautiful inside and out and I love how you are raising your beautiful little girls. Happy Holidays to you! ❤️
I loved this so much 💛 I love watching your videos and love the heart behind your practicality. Thank you for speaking life and financial peace into our Holidays through these great tips!! It was so encouraging 😊
I have to say this video is so helpful! Thank you Kristen. There is no budget when it comes to my extended family. They expect a gift every one of them. It’s hard financially on me because I prefer not to spend a fortune every year. Thrifting for a gift or seeing if I have something nice to give away at my house are great ideas. Thank you again for the great tips. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kristen, thank you so much for doing this video. You are spot-on with your suggestions.
I love it, Kristen. Very affirming and great ideas. Thank you for sharing.
I wish I had known this when my children were growing up but learned this while teaching in a Catholic school. Your children get three gifts to represent the gifts of the wisemen. #1 something to read, #2 some to wear, something they want.
I am a Nana, retired and have 10 grandchildren. They don’t “need” anything. I used to go way overboard with how many gifts each. Recently I have changed to less gifts and more experiences, I used to do both. I do a lot all year long for kids and grandkids. I do also thrift lots and love finding items that I know they will love while costing me less. I am Canadian so any thrifting money will stay in Canada. Pls. Remember you have followers from other places then US.
Please just don’t pay any attention to these negative people and the negative comments that they leave. Just block those people. This is the way that works for your family and so many other families and that is perfectly fine !!
In this day and age, and economy... These are all great things to stick too!!!!!
Excellent insight and ideas! I couldn't agree more!
Great suggestions. You are wise beyond your years.
I love your practicality! White Elephant Gift Exchanges are always lots of fun.
I'm watching you, and think that is so me. I am the hardest person to buy gifts for. I've been married for 43 years to my best friend, but bless his heart he sometimes get most random things even when I have a list. I am extremely pictular about my decor style,and forget clothes they never fit. I appreciate your courage to put out this video knowing that some just love to make nasty comments. You keep being yourself real and honest. Happy Thanksgiving 😊
Good morning Kristen, I agree with you. I have been thrifting for 20 years. My family has followed my lead. You are such a joy to watch, have a blessed Holiday. Linda from south Arkansas💕💕
Hi, Kristen. Great wisdom for the Christmas season. Thank you for reminding us that Christmas is more than gift giving. We do ask our adult children to share the responsibility of the holiday meal.....they always want to help. They also help in the clean up which is a gift in it's self for me. We love "Dirty Santa" exchanges which really gets everyone involved!! And ,yes, I have shopped out of my own jewelry box. Enjoy your Christmas shopping . I know you have all ready been thinking who to gift some of your finds!! Greetings from Oklahoma. Jane Greene
I agree with you. Everyone should bring food and supplies to big family dinners.
Hi there. I use those tips all year round, and I teach my students on how to follow most of your tips. Thank you for sharing that!
I love this video, This has been a hard financial year for us, not much but we are making the best of it. Please continue to make money saving videos to share with us. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your beautiful family.
Thanks for this video. I’m one of those older women that subscribes to your channel. My husband and I were forced into retirement during the plandemic. We have been very generous over the years with our children and grandkids. Now that our 401k is bleeding money, we had to be realistic and scale way back. Last year, I made quilts for my older grandkids. I had been collecting fabric for awhile, so I wasn’t putting out a lot of money when I actually made them. This year, I am giving one toy that’s low cost but fun, like a bracelet making kit for the older girls. But I am super excited about the other gifts. My younger grandkids are getting pillow cases in favorite character prints that I’m making, but the older kids are getting their pillow cases in form of a kit, because during Christmas break, I will be sitting down with them and teaching them how to sew their own pillow cases. I feel like they get so many toys and it’s overwhelming. But we love doing things together and I’m super excited about these gifts and the memories we will be making together!
That is a great idea! Teaching them to sew is a gift that will last forever!
What a great idea. I would have loved to have Granny like you💖🎄
Teaching them to sew is the best idea! They will always have that wonderful memory of the time you spent to show them how to make something.
This is so special!
You have some really good ideas. In our family we draw names for all the adults. My husband and I like to give something nice to the grandchildren. They are all grown men now, 26,24, and two that are 19 ( cousins). I ask them for lists of what they want so we can get things that they really want. Some of them are very practical and ask for things they can use. One of the 19 year old boys is in college and he is enjoying shopping for clothes at the thrift store. If we find something we think he will like, we send him a picture and if he likes it, we buy it for him.
Thank you for the video. I brought my 3 boys up on my own. They are now adults. Right from the start of their lives due to my limited finances I gave only a couple of gifts to each of my boys each Christmas or birthday. I had a small budget. My boys grew up with low expectation and appreciated what they received. Lack of presents did not affect them in a negative way 😘
I love this video!!! Glad to know I'm not the only one who does these tips. Love your videos!
I’m just like you…practical for sure! I feel the same way about Christmas for our type of taste. Thank you for admitting it!
I was on a strict budget too. my kids received 2 or 3 gifts. Each. but the big surprise was our After Christmas trip I left clues in a card but never told what it was until we were there. it could be a trip to the Childrens museum, or a day at a local planetarium watching a meteor shower. Or a afternoon. Sledding. when they were in high school it became. The one thing the looked for first. The experiences made memories they still talk about. Remember to enjoy your children. And the season
So our kiddos only got one gift from and sometime it was something they all wanted so yes they got a play station but it was wonderful and they a game from mom and dad . We asked grand parents to only give each child one gift. They also gave gifts to each other. Opening gifts was one child gets to open a gift while we all watch, if the gift giver was in the room they were thanked. I must say gift giving took a while but then there is appreciation for what they got and the giver felt awesome. My one son was at a friends house one Christmas he phoned and was so sad that the children of the group wanted more. My most wonderful treasures are what people made me. How I love when someone takes the time to make me a beautiful gift, how much thought went that gift. It’s easy to teach your children appreciation for what was given to them. But sing happy birthday to Jesus always touched our hearts.
Great tips Kristen! I’ve definitely worked thrifted items into gifts for several family members over the last few years. My husband’s (he is the youngest of 4) side of the family there are 12 adults and 14 kids. Thank goodness we do know have to buy for all! The adults play white elephant and the kids do secret Santa. It’s always a blast!
Hi Kristin, I agree with everything you said/suggested. In my family we tell each other what we would like to receive. My kids/grandchild know I need specific ideas for them. For example, I asked for a metal reusable water bottle and an external battery charger for my cellphone. We don’t “need” an over abundance of gifts. For the kids we usually do clothing/ toy. I’m also a DIYer so I often give gifts I’ve made to extended family members before Christmas Day. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You’re so Right I have nine grandchildren and the last thing I wanna do is give them something that’s just gonna go to the trash or to the Goodwill when I know I’ve worked hard to get them that gift Thank you for sharing
Another gifting idea is subscriptions! You can get for children Highlander, science center, museums, skating, YMC, etc…For adults magazines, spa, messages, manicure or pedicure or both, hair cuts or colors at their favorite salon! Etc… gifts that they actually use
I really enjoyed this video! I think there are very doable takeaways. Thanks for sharing
Love these ideas so much that I forwarded this video to several of my family members.
Great tips. Here is one more. My kids always received gifts and giftcards. I let them enjoy the presents and then saved the giftcards to buy the round of gifts for the next holiday
/birthday.
Oh my word! I wish EVERYONE could see your video! I have been regifting, donating, or tossing out so many “thoughtful” gifts! Please give us a useful gift card or cash to put towards our list! And it would be a miracle if our adult children would put down their phones and help with the meal, corralling the children, and housework when you visit. We’re exhausted preparing for your visit and then spending a couple days after you leave cleaning up and then look forward to quiet and rest. What a great video, Kristen.
Thank you Kristin for these helpful tips. I am so grateful for ur channel! U r such an inspiration to me!
I'm the practical kind. When asked, I say "money". Literally, they give me money. Or any gift of experience. I like to travel, that's where I like to put the money on. Not some stuff that I will eventually pass on to somebody else.
You are so NOT a jerk for being practical or just having a particular taste - haha I’m so the same! 😂😅😊
I’ve thrifted so many items for this Christmas - so many beautiful things for so cheap. And feels so good knowing those things have been saved from going into landfill. Thanks for the tips on saving money. Super helpful! ❤
Great ideas...in the 1980s when I was in my 20s.....we all decided to not give presents to each other.We decorated, cooked ,baked ,went to Christmas light shows, Christmas church services.....no stress and everyone was happy .Santa still came fir the children.As my children grew up i told them don't ever buy me anything I need nothing.Soebd your money on yourself and that will make me happy just give me the gift if your time.
I always rotate gifts my kids received. I would put a couple away and then bring them out a month or two later or tell family members to get outside toys so they can have them for spring.
Such good tips! Especially the one about the phones!!! ❤
Bravo!!!! Such wisdom and delivered with joy & refreshing frankness!!! Thank you!! I love the way you share from your heart!❤️
Our kids all have great jobs earning more than us and now most of the grandkids do too. We have cut down to 5-10 dollar items that we put on lists like Starbucks cards. Then we gave everyone 50 dollars. That times 11 just got cut to 25 dollars. We love the fun of finding something someone wants for five dollars. My oldest daughter puts Puffs with lotion every year.
You are doing a great job.
I 100% agree with ALL of this!!!!
we also live in poverty level. single income family. I agree with your list,,,, your videos are always entertaining,,, the highlight of my large family get together Is BINGO. All year long we collect little things from around the house we no longer want or need, and we put them on a table as prizes for Bingo... we can get QUITE competitive, the big hit prize is usually dvds, but we have a fun and get new THINGS FOR OUR HOME AS WELL....
That sounds like so much fun!!
All of your ideas are great! I am a very practical person but my primary love language is giving gifts so it can be a frustrating and challenging ordeal to shop for birthdays and Christmas. Weddings are easier because there is usually a gift registry or "list" to take ideas from. Amen to the list! 😉 Cheers to a great Christmas season!!!
A great gift from grandparents to their grandkids would be passes to the zoo, museums, etc. That's not necessarily inexpensive but it's fun for kids and parents and doesn't clutter the house!
Practical person here🙋♀️…These are great tips girl. Keep doing you!
I'm the 2nd person to comment and noticed your last name had gaard in it like mine! Crazy!
@@katiesettingsgaard2484 so cool! Is your name Dutch?
@@saraloftsgaard3105 it is Norwegian. It's my husband's family name.
So neat! My father was adopted so I don’t know much about it, but I’ve been told it’s Dutch and gaard means farm.
I think many of your tips make a lot of sense! I wouldn’t worry what others may say or think because their credit cards are probably maxed out! My husband and I work hard for our money, and I’d much rather buy someone a gift they would want off their list than something (like you say) will eventually end up a Goodwill. Great video with practical advice! P.S. - You look so pretty in your video today! ~ Linda
We told our children this is a $50 gift Christmas for each of our 7 children. One mentioned it was less than last year and we reminded them that food, gas and almost everything costs us twice as much this year sadly because of the economy. We are gifting our sil a book from our collection of first edition or leather bound books bought used.