Could YOU stick to the ‘four present rule’ this Christmas? Mumsnet users can’t decide if this mum’s plan to buy just four gifts for her kids is a good idea
One they want, one they need, one to wear and one to read
HOW much do you spend on your kids’ Christmas presents?
A fed up mum is “taking a stand” on and introducing a “four present” rule for her kids this December 25.
Member Joanne H wrote: “I’m taking a stand.
“I have two teenage children, plus the children I childmind for.
“I have always found it very difficult when it comes to presents as the amount they get it's just way too much.
“So this year, for my children I’m going to give them only four presents.
“One they want. One they need. One to wear. One to read.”
She does explain that she isn’t a Christmas Grinch, it’s just the amount they get doesn’t sit well with her.
She said: “I do love Christmas, but even over the past four years it just seems to have gone over the top. ie. Elf on the Shelf, Christmas jumpers etc.
“Does anyone else feel like rebelling?!”
Designed to help parents band together and support each other while navigating child-rearing, Netmums forum users generally agreed.
RELATED ARTICLES
Amiee F said: “I agree. Christmas gets too much.
“I only spend what we can afford and I spread it evenly between the kids as best I can.
“Some years that’s meant two gifts each, some 10.”
Nikki J is also following the “four present rule”, saying: “My little girl will be two and I have bought her four things.
“It has come to £65 but it should be £90 because I used my Boots Advantage card points.
“ I never spend for the sake of it.”
Not everyone totally agreed. Netmums user Shellie said that things they need are the responsibility of the parents - not a Christmas present.
She said: “I don’t go over the top, but I do buy what they want.
“I never buy clothes as that’s just what they need anyway. I think it’s my job as a parent to buy what they need - including clothes.”
Others believed that the rule wasn’t strict enough as with four presents, you could still find yourself seriously out of pocket come Boxing Day.
Jennie C said: “I’m not sure that this would save me any money…
“For my 14 year old daughter it would be: WANT - smart TV (£200), NEED - new ice skates (£150), WEAR - River Island or Topshop outfit (£60-£70) and READ Miss Peregrine audio book and hardback (£30).
“That’s still around £450 for one child and only four gifts!”