How Many Presents Should a Child Get for Christmas? (2024)
There’s nothing quite like Christmas morning. From the sound of crinkled paper to the smell of cinnamon rolls and (of course) coffee, the wee hours of the day are something special. Many parents treasure these moments, even if they are bleary-eyed and sleep deprived. But what kids are on the lookout for are presents. Every child wants to see gifts under the tree because, as Mariah Carey puts it, “it’s the best time of year for the family.” But can you overdo it? Can there really be too much of a good thing?
According to the experts, yes. Overgifting, particularly at the holidays, is common. “Overgifting can be a real issue,” says Mark Joseph, a father and the founder of Parental Queries. “It may lead to children becoming overly materialistic and expecting too much from gift-giving occasions.” It can also lead to a lack of appreciation. Many children feel entitled, he adds.
So how many presents should a child get for Christmas? What is the appropriate amount? Well, it depends on numerous factors.
“Gifting will look different for each family, depending on various things, including family size and budget,” says Elanna Yalow, Ph.D., an educational psychologist and chief academic officer at KinderCare Learning Companies. “You may not be able—or willing—to buy the latest and greatest toys for your child. Consider your personal values and be realistic about what you can afford,” she adds. “You may also want to make a list with your child about what they want and prioritize it based on your child’s interest—and your judgment.”
“When it comes to gift-giving, moderation is key,” Joseph adds. “Quality is always better than quantity. Your child doesn't need 20 presents to be happy; a couple of thoughtful, well-chosen gifts will do just fine.”
Of course, parents have varying opinions. Some follow the “rule of three.” This means that a child gets three presents, one for each gift baby Jesus received. Others believe in four: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. And some follow other guidelines entirely. In my family, for example, we set a budget and go from there—and many families do the same. According to a November 2022 study, most parents are budgeting $220 for each child—with the highest budgets for 7 to 12-year-olds, though 28% of those surveyed are trying to keep it below $100.
The gift of experience is also a popular alternative, with many families now opting to take their children to shows, performances, concerts, and/or on trips.
So how do you decide what is right for you and your family? According to Dr. Yalow, the first thing you should do is to set limits around holiday gift giving. Figure out what is reasonable and doable. Make a budget—or plan, depending on your family’s tradition—and stick to it.
“Really think about what will work for your family and what you want the holidays to be about for your children,” she says. Be realistic and, if your children are older, explain your position.
“Staying within your budget will ensure you don't overspend or over-indulge in buying gifts for your children,” adds Joseph. “Considering your children's ages and interests will also narrow down your choices and help you select the right gift.”
That said, it’s important to note that you should let your child dream big. Dr. Yalow says kids of all ages should be encouraged to put whatever they want on their wishlist—and they should add it whenever they find it. If your child spots a toy they like at the grocery store, for example, it should go on a year-round list. The reason? Time breeds perspective. It will reveal what they truly desire.
In the meantime, remember to be present and breathe. Sure, you want your children to be happy, but happiness cannot be bought. It is moments and memories which breed contentment, not things. So do what you can with what you have, and enjoy the day. Your way. No pressures or stressors.
Some people say that three gifts are sufficient since that's all the baby Jesus got. Others go by a “rule of four” or seven or 10. And some parents delight in celebrating abundance and want Christmas to be a time of merry excess in contrast to the disciplines of regular life.
There is no magic number but the general consensus seems to be between three gifts potentially up to around five. There will be many factors that contribute to this decisions; how many children you have, presents other family members may buy, how old your children are and, of course, budget.
In the 10 gifts rule, the four basic gifts remain the same and 6 more are added. These include something to give others, something to do for others, a toy to play with the family, something to make, and footwear.
What is the five gift rule? In the five gift rule, the first four gifts are pretty straightforward - something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Then, the last gift is where you can really have fun. The fifth gift is something they didn't know they wanted.
There are other variations, such as the “7 gift rule” which includes: something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read, something to do, something for me, something for the family. Making up your own gift giving tradition in a way that gets everyone involved might lead to more buy in too.
Meanwhile, 35% of parents plan to spend between $50 and $150 per kid, while 12% are budgeting between $150 and $200. Just 19% of American parents say they'll spend more than $200 on each child's gifts.
Gifts from a donor in excess of $15,000 within one year must be reported to the IRS using Form 709, even if the donor has not exhausted his or her lifetime gift tax exemption. In 2021, the lifetime gift tax exemption is $11.7 million.
Pop Sugar reports that three is the best number for presents when it comes to gifts under the tree. One of the main reasons is because after three, it all just becomes a jungle of opening presents. Children become so involved in ripping off wrapping paper that they don't even stop to appreciate what they have opened.
One thing we can do to slow the piles of presents is to redirect well-meaning family members toward alternative gift ideas. Start the conversation with “I have some fear in telling you this.” Try explaining to family members how the kids don't play with the toys they have and they are overwhelmed by all the stuff.
It's called Want, Need, Wear, Read. The idea is that you only give four gifts to each child: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This allows you to bring your kids into the decision-making process.
The 5 Gift Rule offers a practical and thoughtful approach to Christmas gift-giving. By selecting something they want, need, wear, read, and experience, you ensure that each gift holds significance and brings joy.
Follow the "rule of three." This means getting your child three presents: something they want, something they need, and something to read/play with. Get your child involved. Ask them what they want or need for Christmas. This will help you avoid getting them gifts they don't want or need.
A: Family, believe it or not, will survive without a few presents from us. They can continue to shop and give presents, but you can simply tell them that you don't want to participate this year.
For teenagers, the quantity of gifts doesn't matter. You should select at least three favorite items of your teenager and pack them nicely. If your teenager loves gift opening, you can pack a small gift in a large package. Your teenager will really love and enjoy this gift opening.
Now you simply need to substitute 'n' with the number 12 (the twelfth tetrahedral number) and you've solved our puzzle! So there you've got it! Your true love has given you a whopping number of 364 gifts over the 12 Days of Christmas. That's almost one gift a day for a whole year!
There appear to be many variations of the Rule, but the number of gifts given to another is limited to three. The origin stems from the biblical legend of the Three Kings who followed a star and gave the baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. Three kings: three gifts.
Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379
Phone: +2678139151039
Job: International Administration Supervisor
Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports
Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1336673086-4662a9c6124a49d4a84e478469693fc4.jpg "How Many Presents Should a Child Get for Christmas? (1)")
