Here is an idea that I wanted to share with everyone real quick – it is something that we have done the last couple of years to get the kids more involved!
We always have fun homemade gifts that the kids actively partipate in making, especially for grandparents. But one thing that we started a couple of years ago was to allow them to buy presents for each other. Taking them to a regular store was a struggle as it was difficult to keep them on an “affordable path or selection” of gifts as they would choose something that was pricey! So, we decided to give them $1.00 (plus tax) for each of their siblings and let them peruse the aisles of the Dollar Store to find that special something for their brother or sister. This has become quite a fun tradition. They love being able to pick out just what they wanted and we loved being able to know it was only going to be $1.00. Even if that meant that it was spent on something silly, it was only $1 out of our budget and our children felt like they were really having the opportunity to shop on their own for their sibiling! When we get home, they get to do the wrapping themselves too! What a mess at times – but what fun it was! It is also so fun and interesting to see how each of them interacted with each other and how excited they were to hand over those gifts to each other on Christmas morning – They are so excited to see their siblings reaction! What a special and cheap memory making tradition!
There is a priceless lesson learned too, and that is developing and loving the spirit of giving! This prepares them for giving to others and that this is more special than receiving!
Also, our kids love to get notes and cards in the mail – the kids can make and send each other Christmas cards “made with love” and literally send them in the mail. Cost: .44 – results and memories, PRICELESS!
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