Christmas time is upon us and with it comes the age-old tradition of gift giving. If you're like most people, you have a long list of family and friends that you need to find gifts for. This can be a daunting task, but luckily there's a rule of thumb that can help make things easier. It's called the 5 gift rule and it goes like this: each person on your list should get five gifts total. Sounds simple enough, right? So what counts as a gift? The 5 gift rule is a great way to keep your Christmas shopping simple and organized. By following this rule, you'll be sure to get everyone on your list something they'll love without going overboard. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Christmas shopping today!
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The 5 Gift Rule for Christmas.
The time when families gather together, homes are decorated with care, and everyone is in good cheer. But it can also be a time of stress, worry, and even dread. Why is that? Because of the pressure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Well, this year we're here to help take some of the stress out of your holiday shopping with our 5 Gift Rule for Christmas.
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
5. Something else (a toy, game, etc.)
These are just guidelines, of course, and you may need to adjust them depending on the person you're buying for. For example, if you have a friend who loves fashion, you might want to put more emphasis on finding something "to wear." Or if you have a family member who is really into baking, you might want to focus on finding them a new cookbook or kitchen gadget. The important thing is to keep the 5 categories in mind so that you can be sure to find a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list.
What Counts as a Gift According to the 5 Gift Rule
We'll take a closer look at each of these five categories to help you decide what to give your loved ones this holiday season.
Wanted
A wanted gift is something that the recipient has expressed interest in or has been wanting for some time. This could be a new book by their favorite author, tickets to see their favorite band, or a piece of jewelry they've had their eye on. If you're not sure what your loved one wants, ask their friends or family members for ideas.
Needed
A needed gift is something that the recipient needs but may not necessarily want. This could be a new set of sheets for their bed, a new coffee mug for their office, or a new pair of gloves for the winter. If you're not sure what your loved one needs, take a look around their home or office to see if there's anything they could use.
Used
A used gift is something that the recipient can use on a daily basis. This could be a new planner to help them stay organized, a new set of towels for their bathroom, or a new pair of shoes to replace their worn-out ones. If you're not sure what your loved one could use, think about the items they use on a daily basis and see if there's anything you could improve upon.
Worn
A worn gift is something that the recipient can wear on a daily basis. This could be a new shirt with their favorite band's logo on it, a new pair of jeans that fit them perfectly, or a new sweater to keep them warm in the winter. If you're not sure what your loved one would like to wear, ask them about their current style and see if there's anything they'd like to change or update.
Read
A read gift is something that the recipient can read on a daily basis. This could be a new book by their favorite author, magazines related to their hobbies or interests, or even just a nice journal to write in. If you're not sure what your loved one would like to read, ask them about their current favorite books and see if there's anything else they'd be interested in exploring.
Surprise
This is the wild card gift! It could be anything from tickets to a concert or show to a gift certificate for their favorite restaurant. It doesn't have to be big or expensive it just has to be a pleasant surprise.
How to Follow the 5 Gift Rule
We'll show you how to put this rule into practice so that your loved ones are guaranteed to have a merry Christmas!
Step 1
Make a list of everyone you want to give a gift to. This includes immediate family members, extended family members, friends, co-workers, etc. Once you have your list, it's time to start brainstorming gifts!
Step 2
For each person on your list, think of 1 gift that they want. This is the easy part! Chances are, there's already something that they've been dropping hints about or that you know they've had their eye on for a while. If you're stuck, take a look at their social media pages or ask people who are close to them for ideas.
Step 3
For each person on your list, think of 1 gift that they need. This could be something practical like a new coffee mug or a nice set of sheets. Or it could be something that helps them with a hobby or interest that they have. For example, if they're into gardening, you could get them a new set of gardening gloves or a fancy new watering can.
Step 4
For each person on your list, think of 1 gift that they can wear. Clothing items always make great gifts! If you know their style and size, go ahead and pick out an item of clothing that you think they'll love. If you're not sure about those details, you could always get them a gift card to their favorite store instead.
Step 5
For each person on your list, think of 1 book that they would like to read. This step is perfect for all the bookworms in your life! Whether they prefer fiction or non-fiction, romance or mystery, there's bound to be a book out there that they would love to get their hands on. If you're not sure what type of books they like to read, ask someone who knows them well or take a look at the bookshelves in their home.
Step 6
For each person on your list, think of 1 additional gift (wildcard). This is where you can get creative! This gift could be anything from tickets to a concert or show to a basket filled with their favorite snacks and treats. The sky's the limit! Just make sure that it's something that the recipient will appreciate and use.
Conclusion
The 5 gift rule for Christmas is a great way to make sure you don't go overboard on gifts. If you're looking for a way to simplify your holiday shopping, be sure to try the 5 gift rule this year! Have questions about how it works? Leave a comment below and we'll be happy to help!
See even more gift ideas we recommend here.
Merry Christmas!
