As the holiday season draws near, many parents face a familiar challenge: how to create a magical Christmas without being buried in a mountain of presents. The “four gift rule” has long been a popular way to curb holiday excess, giving parents a simple framework to follow. Most of us know the catchy rhyme: “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.”
Now, a growing trend on TikTok is giving this classic rule a modern twist. Parents are upgrading to a “five gift rule” to guide their holiday shopping. The goal is to keep gifting intentional while adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities.
Adding an Experience to the Mix
The original four-gift method streamlines present-buying into clear categories. The five-gift approach, which usually adds “something to do,” has found a large audience on TikTok, where parents share their unique takes on the rule.
One creator, @amothersfriend_, recently posted a video showcasing the gifts she bought for her young son. The video, which has earned nearly 25,000 likes, walks viewers through her choices for each of the five categories. Her selections highlight a thoughtful blend of fun and function. The “want” was a toy, the “need” was a practical item, the “wear” was new holiday clothes, and the “read” was a cute, age-appropriate book. For the fifth category, “something to do,” she included an activity-based gift, shifting the focus from material items to creating shared memories.
This structured approach resonated with many viewers. “I wish I had done this,” one commenter wrote. “I went too over the top to begin with and now it’s what’s expected every year.” The rule offers a helpful framework for parents hoping to manage expectations and avoid the pressure of an ever-growing pile of gifts.
A Spectrum of Family Traditions
The video’s comments section offered a fascinating look into how different families handle holiday gifting. While many praised the idea, others shared a different perspective. One user noted, “Love the idea but clothing and items my child needs aren’t considered gifts in my household. They’re necessities that get bought without hesitation.”
This highlights how family traditions and financial situations shape what counts as a gift. For some, necessities are part of the holiday magic. For others, gifts are strictly for fun and indulgence. The discussion showed that there is no single right way to celebrate the holidays.
Ideas for Your Five-Gift List
If you’re inspired to try the five-gift rule this year, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Something they want: This is often the big-ticket item on their list, like a new video game, a scooter, or a special craft kit.
- Something they need: Think about practical items they’ll use daily, such as a new school backpack, updated sports equipment, or a high-quality water bottle.
- Something to wear: You could choose cozy pajamas, a fun graphic t-shirt, a warm winter coat, or stylish sneakers.
- Something to read: Encourage a love of reading with a novel from a favorite author, a magazine subscription, or a set of graphic novels.
- Something to do: This additional category is all about experience. Consider tickets to a concert, or a gift certificate for a pottery class. Other ideas include robotics kits, magic sets, or other creative gifts that will keep the kids busy through Christmas afternoon, and beyond.
@amothersfriend_ The countdown is on! Here’s my interpretation of the five gift rule 🎄 #fyp #5giftschallenge #viral #giftsfortoddlers #christmas2022 ♬ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Ultimately, the conversations on TikTok point to a universal holiday truth. As one commenter wisely put it, “Lesson here ladies and gents is that we all do Xmas different but we all try our hardest for those smiles. That’s what matters.” The creator, @amothersfriend_, wholeheartedly agreed, replying, “Couldn’t have said it better.” Whatever the number of gifts you slip under the tree, the real magic comes from the love and effort behind them.
