Simple Preparations for Meaningful Gift Giving

By Meagan Rose Wilson |  |

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In our home we try to keep gifts simple, small, meaningful, purposeful, and quite often handmade, as well as balancing and honouring the wishes of the person receiving the gift as much as we can.

One way to help us stay clear and on budget with gift giving is by creating a list well in advance. This list includes all the recipients we wish to give gifts to and make gifts for, alongside our own small family’s gift ideas.

Another way in which we try to minimize unneeded or excessive gift giving is by following a little gift giving verse such as this one.

  • Something you want
  • Something you need
  • Something to give
  • Something to read

I ask the children for ideas about what they might want. They usually need updated art supplies, crayons, paints, paper, clothing, or accessories. Each child chooses a charity to give to and I choose a seasonal book to read for each. The third line in this verse ‘something to give’ emphasizes the true spirit of Christmas, and many other charitable holidays, by giving to others. The children receive money that they can donate to a charity of their choice. You can read more about this tradition of giving here.

Below are some gift suggestions to help inspire you this season.

1. Something you want

2. Something you need

3. Something to give

4. Something to read

How do you organize gift giving in your home? Do you make gifts, follow any traditions, or celebrate festivals throughout the season in a special and meaningful way?  Feel free to add to the list in the comments section, we would love to hear from you and what you are planning for the holidays.

PS. Here are are few more Journal Posts that might help inform your gift-giving this season.

When It Comes to Toys Less is More

5 Gifts You Can Make with Your Kids Right Now.

DISCLOSURE: This journal entry contains a link to Amazon.com. Meagan from Whole Family Rhythms is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. amazon.ca and amazon.uk Thank you for your support.

Meagan Rose Wilson

Meagan Wilson is a parent educator and author of the now-retired seasonal series of Whole Family Rhythms. After finishing a BA, she went on to complete her Foundations in Steiner Education and Anthroposophy at Sydney Steiner College, as well as her Waldorf Early Childhood Certification at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto. She has received her certification as a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach and has supported hundreds of parents to create a strong family rhythm unique to their own values and culture. She has four young children. Meagan provides resources, support and information to parents who are looking for a bridge to cross between their unique family life and their children’s (often but not always) Waldorf schools.

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