Christmas Want, Need, Wear, Read Shopping and Wish List

Four gifts for Christmas has become a popular way to give. The idea is to give recipients something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. It’s a great idea and has proven to be an excellent guide for us!

This is what Christmas might look like with the want, need, wear, read philosophy:

  • Want: LEGO set
  • Need: A suitcase for an upcoming trip
  • Wear: A new pair of pajamas
  • Read: A book or gift card to Barnes & Noble

Not a bad idea!

To help you out with this Want, Need, Wear, Read way of giving, I’ve created a few printables!

Want, need, wear, and read printable wish list and shopping list.

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Benefits Of The Four Gifts For Christmas Tradition

Gifting this way shifts the focus from spending a set budget on just anything to choosing each gift with intention. It simplifies shopping and allows you to invest in a few quality items that your child really wants and will use. After all, you would probably rather give a handful of meaningful gifts that will be appreciated than a mountain of presents that will end up at the next garage sale. (Here are a few garage sale tips for those of you who prefer to gift piles of presents.)

Want, Need, Wear, Read Wish List

Print the Christmas Want, Need, Wear, Read Wish List and give one to each of your kids. This is their chance to write down their wishes for Christmas. When they’re finished, collect their lists and determine what out of each section you’d like to purchase for them.

Want, Need, Wear, Read Shopping List

This is where we, as parents, get to take all those wishes and make a few reality! There’s space for up to three kids on one sheet. If you have more than three kids, you can print extra copies.

  1. Write the name of each child and your budget amount.
  2. Go over your kids’ wish lists and decide which item from each category you are going to purchase.
  3. Write those items on the appropriate line, along with the price.

If the Want, Need, Wear, Read way of giving isn’t your cup of tea, check out our Christmas Gift List printables!

Wrapping Ideas

Many people use specific tags for each gift so your child knows which gift is something they want, something they need, something to wear, or something to read. It has also been popular to use different gift wraps for each category. When we gifted this way, I chose not to identify the category of the gifts and just wrapped them like normal.

You could add a special touch to the gifts by including a handwritten note explaining why you chose the gift that you did.

Implementing the Four Gifts For Christmas tradition can bring a sweet simplicity and focus to your Christmas. By thoughtfully picking one gift from each category – something they want, need, wear, and read – youโ€™ll create a meaningful Christmas that emphasizes quality, thoughtfulness, and joy. This way of gifting eases the pressure of shopping and teaches kids to appreciate each gift for the care and love behind it. This tradition can become a fun part of your familyโ€™s Christmas memories that shows the best gifts are given with intention, not in quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some people have expanded on this idea and added gift ideas that work well for their kids. Here are a few ideas that might work for you, too:

  • Something To Spark Joy
  • Something To Relax
  • Something To Share
  • Something To Do
  • Something To Eat
  • Something To Create
  • Something To Learn
  • Something From Santa

I hope those ideas help you to think outside the box and get creative with your gifting!

In my experience, it’s always good to be fair and spend the same amount on each child. However, if one child’s want is more expensive, it might be a good idea to choose something to wear that is less expensive on their list to try to even it out.

I think the answer to this question depends on what your kids have learned to expect at Christmas. Some kids may love this idea while others may not. The benefit of gifting this way is that it gives kids a mix of fun and practical gifts which helps kids learn to be grateful for both. It also gives kids an appreciation for each thoughtfully planned-out gift rather than an overwhelming pile of presents that have little meaning. It is important to involve your kids by encouraging them to make a wish list for each category that you can choose from.

Red three-ring binder with a cover insert that says Christmas Planner with a picture of a cute reindeer.

It’s Time To Get Organized For Christmas!

The Printable Christmas Planner is here to help you plan the best Christmas yet!

It provides you with space to make lists, and check them twice, plan parties and projects, and create a schedule so you can enjoy your Christmas this year!

Bridget

Hi! I’m Bridget!

I create printables and DIYs to help you get organized and celebrate special occasions! It’s my mission to inspire you to get creative and find joy in the everyday!

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