I will say, that since we started using his spend/save/share jars, D has been a lot better about asking for things, but will instead ask how much something costs, and if he has enough to buy it.
But today's shopping excursion reminded me that it's about time to bring out the December List. December is an insanely busy time for us, not only because of Christmas, but also because it's D's birthday Sinterklaas, which is Dutch Christmas on December 5, and a pretty big deal, too because Sinterklaas has lots of traditional foods and activities, and treats he likes to give good little boys.
As you can imagine, December has the potential to be a little crazy with gifts for our little boy. (Kind of a bummer for him the rest of the year, but we tend to buy what he needs when he needs it, and give him opportunities to earn money for the times when he finds something he wants but we don't think he needs). Even before D was born, we decided that we would limit his gifts.
For each of the big three December holiday, he gets:
- Something he wants: a toy usually
- Something he needs: a new item of clothing
- Something to read
- Something to experience: a special movie, a trip to a museum, etc....generally something to do with his current interests. For the last two years, it's been a train ride.
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| The Sparkle Box (<--affiliate link) |
We do other giving at Christmas, using The Sparkle Box as our inspiration, like filling out boxes for Operation Christmas Child, but the "Something to give" gift is selected by D and then we drop it off at Toys for Tots, which is really cool around here because we get to drive through a blimp hangar to do it.
All that to say, we came up with "The December List" as a way for our son to write down all the fun things he sees and wants starting around this time of year. He has seen me take photos of things I like in stores because I have no memory, so now he asks me to take photos of the things he likes, like in the photos
above.
above.
With the December List, he has a place to write down his suggestions. Closer to Thanksgiving, he'll prioritize the list because he knows his gifts are limited. It's also nice for grandparents looking for ideas!
I realize that not everyone has three major events to celebrate in December, so I made a free printable wish list for those of you who celebrate only Christmas at the end of the year.
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Glad that "box" worked so well for you! And I love hearing how you guys approach Christmas gifts when it comes to D. I love the idea of including a "something to give" category on the list...that's something great for adults, too! And look at all those fun printables! Thanks for compiling them all in one place for us. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Lauren
The Thinking Closet
Thanks, Lauren! I've been wanting to do that for awhile. Next I need to figure out how to do a project gallery. Can you teach me about that, too :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all those cute printables! I love the idea of the Christmas wish-list :) Thanks for sharing it at the Less laundry, More Linking party.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute idea for a Christmas List! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend! Pinning to our party board. Have a wonderful week and please join us next Friday.
ReplyDeleteHey Jen,
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Friday with Friends Link Up Party. Just wanted to say Hey and Thanks for posting the printable and for the way you handle the gift giving ideas with your child. My grandsons were taught to always ask Santa for something for less fortunate children than they were before they asked for themselves. They are the types of children who would give what little Halloween candy they had collected to other children just to see the delight on their costumed faces. I am very proud of my grandsons and my daughter for teaching them that no matter how little you may have there may also be someone else less fortunate than you. Thanks for all the fun printables too. <3 Kim
Pinned the printable- great idea for small kids (and even some adults!). My parents do a similar save/spend/share situation with my little brother who is 6 and that has been so helpful with keeping the "I Wants" at bay. hanks for sharing at the Foodies and Crafties Soiree!
ReplyDeleteHow fun - pinning! My daughter has just done her letter to Santa:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Foodies & Crafties Soirée, hope to see you tomorrow!
Gosia | Kiddie Foodies
Love the idea of this printable. We always try to make sure everything on their list isn't just crazy toys. Thanks for sharing at the Pinworthy Projects Party.
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