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Thrifty Thursday - The Five Gift Rule

Thrifty Thursday - The Five Gift Rule

Some years your kids want everything for Christmas. Other years they don’t seem to really want anything at all. Both are hard situations to navigate. And regardless of which it is, we all seem to go overboard anyway.
Every Christmas, the kids faced a disorganized mountain of presents from us and from extended family.
All of which resulted in overwhelmed kids, frustrated parents, a mess, ridiculous waste and a huge credit card debt.
 
The Four Gift Solution
Limit gift-giving to four gifts, where each gift fulfills a specific gift parameter. These parameters are:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
WANT: This is a “big item” - the thing your child really wants.
NEED: This allows us to give our kids something they need that might relate to their learning or new life stage (starting school or kinder for example) without it being unexpected or a big deal. For example, a new lunchbox, sunglasses or something for their room.
WEAR: This is when we can take into account each kids’ unique sense of style and any sensory issues too. It may take a little more effort to find a soft, quality kids garment these days but it’s worth it! And if you take the time to pick something that is uniquely them (not the same as everyone), you can guarantee they’ll wear it until it falls off.
READ: One of my favorites. This gives us a chance to choose titles and books that speak to their interests and reading level. We can think outside the box and not worry about making sure they’re getting traditional reading materials. What about some classic literature, something inspirational, a cookbook or something really fun?
The Benefits of the Four Gift Rule
Want, Need, Wear, Read has meant less chaos, clearer expectations and less disappointment for our family. And even with fewer gifts, both kids are now happier because they are not over-stimulated with toys everywhere – they can focus, engage, learn and really enjoy.
The Four Gift Rule has also allowed us to teach thankfulness. So many times, children get wrapped up in the gifts, and even though they know true meaning of Christmas, it’s still all about Santa for them - it’s all about those presents under the tree. It teaches them to be thankful for the few presents that they receive, rather than simply expecting loads – and this hopefully will make them better human beings.
Plus you can donate the same number of toys that the kids receive – only giving away four is MUCH easier.
Enter the 5 Gift Rule.
What Is It?
In the 5 Gift Rule, the first four gifts are the same - something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
But the 5th? The 5th is the real winner. It’s something they need or want but don’t really know it. It’s that X-Factor gift that just blows them away - that surprises them entirely and fills a void so perfectly that you get tears of joy.
This is the gift that gives us the chance to really listen to our kids, watch them live and understand their passions. Instead of buying the hot toy of the season, we try to find out what makes them truly happy. We give them something they’ll really enjoy and use.
And this is the gift that is from us.
Why is it so special?
Because you need to listen - and listening to your kids means really connecting with them and that is a gift you simply cannot put a price on.
Plus, coming up with this gift, wrapping it, feeling the anticipation, and then seeing their faces as they open it is where you will feel the true joy of Christmas again.
Try It – You’ll Love It
The 5 Gift Rule makes shopping easy because 4 are no brainers and the 5th is where you feel that magical feeling of doing something amazing for someone - and it will be amazing because you were able to put 90% of your effort into it instead of spreading the 100% across a bunch of stuff no one wants or needs.
 
#naturalhomebrands #5giftrule #thriftythursday #christmasjoy
  • Carole Zellers
Fact or Fiction Friday -  Christrmas trivia fun

Fact or Fiction Friday - Christrmas trivia fun

Holiday Games for Family and Guests
  • Carole Zellers
NEWS & MEDIA SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

NEWS & MEDIA SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Created By Carole A. Zellers

News & Social Media Announcement – Beginning in Late June, subscribers, friends and customers will begin to see an exciting NEW & IMPROVED format to our News Blog and Social Media Structure.

In an effort to make our news articles and vast libraries of sustainable tips and resources about "GO GREEN" and " ECO FRIENDLY" movements easier to sort and access, we have designed a new framework and approach to reporting  that will help you sort and access topics of personal interest in a more entertaining and "user-friendly manner.  We hope you will enjoy.  See the details below about how you may now search the latest post using the SUB MENU at the top of all NEWS Blog Sections;
  • Toby Zellers
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to a Grassy Lawn

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to a Grassy Lawn

Americans have a love affair with sprawling green lawns. Although originally created by European aristocrats in the 17th century as status symbols, today's lawns are a symbol of the American dream. Unfortunately, they also can be a source of unnecessary burden for homeowners, which has led to a recent, and growing, interest in alternatives to grass in backyards. If you're looking to cut down (pun intended) on your grass while still maintaining a luscious green landscape, we've got some great eco-friendly landscaping options for you!

75 + Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life

75 + Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life

 

Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life

How do you define living a more sustainable life? Whether it be consuming less meat, reducing single use plastics, carpooling or riding your bike, making decisions to be more sustainable can turn into something bigger than yourself. You make not think you’re making a difference, but you are – if everyone in the world thought they wouldn’t make a difference if, let’s say, they decided not to recycle, it would cause a big impact - wouldn’t you say?

Below are a few simple tips to live more sustainable. Some of them may be easier than others for you, but even adding 2-3 of these items to your lifestyle can cause a difference and may even strike others you surround yourself with to take action as well!

  • Gabriella De Luca
25 Ways to Conserve Water at Home

25 Ways to Conserve Water at Home

25 Ways to Conserve Water At Home

Ah – water! One of the Earth's most precious resources! With the increase of population and more areas struggling with drought & conservation efforts, making a conscious decision to cut back on water usage means a lower utility bill, a better environment, & a continued effort to keep water drinkable and affordable for all humans & animals on our Earth.

We’ve gathered some ways to help conserve water at home. We recommend picking a few to start out with, and gradually adding more to your conservation list! Deciding on just a few small challenges can make an impact on water usage, reducing hundreds of gallons of water each year.

  • Gabriella De Luca
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