Grandparents love to shower the grandchildren with gifts but you’re trying to avoid the excess.
Kids are often overwhelmed at opening too many presents, and I know my own children are happy with the first thing they rip open. Why does there need to be more?
There will be presents
Some families, no matter how simple or tight the budget, are going to insist that there be presents under the tree.
Suggest gift ideas that will serve a simple purpose and still allow generous gift-givers to give how they want:
- books at your child’s reading level
- arts & crafts items
- gift cards to the movie theatre
- item of clothing they need
- one toy they really want
In my experience, your in-laws won’t want more stuff either. They love anything that reminds them of their family. Simple and affordable gifts for the family include:
- pictures of the family or kids in a nice frame
- picture ornaments
- recordable voice photo frames, ornaments, books
- professional photography session for them with the whole family or grandkids
- gifts of experience- treat them to a day in a big city, at a museum, or symphony
What are the best simple gifts you’ve given or received?
photo credit: alancleaver_2000
For a few years now, my mother in law has given us a box full of gift cards for Christmas. Movie theater, restaurants, ice cream shops, it’s all in there! It gives us (almost) a year’s worth of dates! Best gift ever!
Each year we take a vacation at the beach. While we’re there, I take pictures of relatives’ and friends’ names in the sand. A quick print from the drugstore plus a nice frame equals an affordable, quick and unique gift!