Christmas Gifts 2023 || BUDGET || MINIMAL || THRIFTED ❤️

[@katenoke1571]

You're so generous to your children's teachers! I have to say that my dream gift was always a letter from students expressing the difference I had made in their lives. I kept every one of those. That's why teachers teach!

[@maryannker2998]

That is So great to know - adding to our list for this year - thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@heatherlivingood5326]

It’s always interesting to see what other families do for Christmas. We forgo any adult gifts in our family so we can spend more on our kiddos. I think this time of year is so magical for them. I’m okay without getting a gift. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@maryannker2998]

Totally agree Heather - so interesting to hear everyone's own traditions. Thanks so much for sharing ❤

[@jennburk]

I watched this last week and have been thinking about it all week. I had to come back and say thank you for your transparency and for sticking to your budget, and showing that Christmas gifts on a budget is possible and even fun! We have a really strict budget this year and I was starting to feel a bit shameful about that, watching others' videos of all the expensive, big gifts they got their kids. I'm so glad to see this. Our kids are each getting one gift (within a budget) and then stockings, but we have some really fun experiences planned too! I'm much more hopeful now that we will have a really special Christmas while staying within our means. So thank you!

[@maryannker2998]

Oh my gosh Jennifer thank you so much for the feedback!!! ❤️ I’m so happy I was able to share something helpful. Living within a budget can seem a bit tricky beforehand but not having to stress about money is SO worth it!!!!!! Your kids are so lucky to have you. I hope you have a very very merry Christmas ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@katemiller7874]

Kids don’t want experiences. The parents do

[@sarahboo5540]

I totally understand budgeting however, I definitely think the teachers could’ve been left out completely (as a former daycare teacher there’s a lot of gifts we get that we don’t even want or need. I do like that you gave them a walmart gift card rather than like a coffee cup) and the budget for the parents should definitely be a bit lower.

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you for the feedback Sarah - I truly appreciate it!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mackie1901]

Hard disagree. Teachers do so much and are so underpaid in Canada. Maryann is so thoughtful for including her parents!!

[@sarahboo5540]

@@mackie1901 you can disagree until you’re blue in the face. I have a right to an opinion as do you!

[@tracieschrock9519]

@@sarahboo5540 i have to agree with you Sarah...if your on a budget it should go to only the children...adults will understand that

[@talishastevenson3345]

This is not at all how we do Christmas, and I love to see it! So interesting and detailed, thanks for sharing!

[@maryannker2998]

So interesting how everyone has their own styles right?! Thanks so much for watching ❤️❤️❤️

[@LifeWithTheLovedays]

You did awesome on a budget!!!

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mstorry9325]

So happy you used my library birthday card tip!! My kiddos still love using there cards. Enjoy!

[@maryannker2998]

I LOVE this idea so much!!!! Probably my favourite gift this year 💞. Thank you again for sharing this idea!!! 💗💗💗

[@luvghd]

Don’t know how I stumbled across this but my initial reaction was $60 per a child that is going to be nothing. Dam I was wrong thank you for educating me on budgeting.

[@maryannker2998]

I’m so glad you’re here - thank you so much for watching!! 💞💞

[@JNM1009]

Same! Not sure how I stumbled upon this video but I’m so glad I did!! LOVE the library card idea. Our daughter is still a little young to understand that but I will for sure be using that one soon!

[@maryannker2998]

@@JNM1009 yayyy!!! I’m so so glad. Thank you for watching!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@oliviahardy2839]

How you spend more on your adult parents. $75 for each parent, but only $60 for your kids. $40 per teacher? How about $20 and increase ur children’s budget $20 each

[@maryannker2998]

Good thinking Olivia! Maybe we will try that next year ❤

[@mackie1901]

What a rude comment! Maybe because she loves her parents and from how she described it, they help out so much. Why do kids need endless toys and an almost $100 budget? They don’t, they need their parents love and enjoyment of the holiday season. Maybe you should appreciate your elders more!

[@kjking66]

​@@maryannker2998it's good of you to rise above ❤

[@tracieschrock9519]

i agree..kids first

[@tracieschrock9519]

@@mackie1901 no rude comment at all. kids first

[@bessycorrales6405]

Just found you! Great tips. Excited to watch your other videos.😊

[@maryannker2998]

Yay!!! Thank you so so much for being here and following along 💞💞💞

[@eliciaeldridge3452]

I love getting the second hand books as well , I will consider the other ideas for when my son grows as he is just a baby right now (such as the library card idea.) Also I almost got teary eyed myself towards the end as your so sweet and gracious to think so much of your children's Educators and all of the hard work they put in. Before becoming a stay at home mom I was working as a preschool teacher and all though a lot of parents appreciate our work and are amazing , a lot are also very ungrateful and entitled sadly. So it was really nice to hear that thank you so much.

[@maryannker2998]

Aww thank you so much for sharing that Elicia! I am even more of a wreck when I try to talk about our old daycare provider when the kids with babies LOL. She helped me raise them and I am eternally grateful for her! So thankful for our little village ❤❤❤

[@samthenotetaker1]

You spend soo much on your parents, Christmas is about the kids, maybe a bit of that should be going towards their gifts 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@maryannker2998]

Great feedback! Thank you so much for watching :)) ❤️

[@MissBeeGood]

Christmas is not just about kids

[@katemiller7874]

Mis- yes it is most def about Jesus and his love for the children.

[@TheFirstLady-]

Great job! I think its great you're so intentional with the gifts you get for the kids(no matter if they're thrifted, if thats what their interested in) and for the adults. Things look different for each family. We homeschool so i don't have teachers gifts but i understand why that is so important to you. They are investing in your children and you want to show how important that is to you. Don't let others tell you what's best for your children, they will appreciate how intentional you are and they'll always remember that. Thats much better than getting a ton of "stuff". Merry Christmas 🎄

[@maryannker2998]

What a lovely message - thank you so much!! Your encouragement means a lot. Thank you so much for being here and Merry Christmas!!! ❤❤❤

[@anabanana5009]

I think that is super nice that you do that for your kids’ teachers.

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much Ana!!! ❤️

[@jodifox9041]

It's terrible who on earth would spend that on teachers and so little on the kids. Shameful!

[@seasonsofwonder]

This sounds so organized and planned out. Love it! 🙌☺️

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much!!! Feels so good to have it all done ♥️ Happy Saturday!!

[@jeanninepike8426]

Your parents are suppose to understand that your budget is low . I realize they do a lot for you . I'm in the same situation. I have 3 children and my husband has brain cancer. I could not see tho spending that on my parents and so little on my kids . Especially when things are so expensive these days. Bake your parents a cake or make them a fruit basket and give them a beautiful card . I feel like the kids should have had at least $200 or $250 if you could afford it that is 🙏🤗 Merry Christmas to you all ❤️❤️ and teachers I always buy a Christmas coffee cup from hobby lobby or TJ Max and fill it with Christmas candy and maybe tie a $2.00 Christmas ornament on it and a Card and they always love it 🤗❤️❤️

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much for sharing this Jeannine - this is great feedback. I love hearing how other families budget and plan for Christmas!! It always gives me new ideas to try next year. Thank you so much for following along. Merry Christmas to you and your little ones!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@my7wondersoftheworld763]

So sweet. Love it

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much !! 💞💞💞

[@3Gbh]

I love your ideas 💡 TFS with us… Each year we switch it up. As a family of 9 members we would only have the Christmas dinner (distant family members will gift us grocery gift cards only)with no stockings and presents. If we have gift cards leftover we still use them for emergency use purposes. Then the next Christmas we do stockings ($20-$30 each) gifts ($100-$200 each) as teenagers through adult aged this some what reasonable…same rules applies from distant relatives for dinner.

[@maryannker2998]

This is so interesting - I love hearing how other families come up with their own traditions and routines that work for them. And a family of 9 - those would've been very full holidays! ❤Thank you for watching !!

[@cwells2676]

Love the video! I try to keep it simple for my two boys for Christmas as well 💙 would love to see some more Christmas videos 🎄

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much!! Awesome I can definitely do that 🎄❤️

[@Rootsofgrace]

We do a lot of second hand too! Our budget allows us to live life more freely and say yes to so much more! Both of my boys play hockey - ages 10 and 7. My husband was a goalie 😊 Just wanted to mention this incase your son really begins to enjoy hockey - goalies play for free for many teams. Goalie equipment can be expensive, although I usually find great deals. In our area this is something every team offers but you are obviously responsible for their equipment.

[@maryannker2998]

Grrrreat point about goalies - totally forgot about that little bonus! Thanks for the reminder! And YES - budgets allow so much more freedom!! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing ❤️✨❤️

[@bn5202]

''He will probably never be a goalie in real life ''......this IS real life.😊.....he will love the gear!!!

[@maryannker2998]

Haha you are SO right!!! Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bn5202]

@@maryannker2998 love seeing ppl buy previously loved items for gifts! It's so practical and makes our money stretch a bit further! Great vlog!

[@filmedbycharlotte.]

Your kids are going to love there gifts! Your such a great mom.

[@maryannker2998]

Aww thank you so much !!! 💞💞💞

[@williamfrncs6]

Nice haul......my 4 yr granddaughter is obsessed with bandaids to & being a doctor 😊...we go to dollar tree and rack up....she gets character bandaids only to plays with...the have Scooby-Doo, snoopy, my Lil pony, monsters, dino, hot wheels, crayons,camo

[@maryannker2998]

Hahaha there is something about band-aids eh?! Little ones just can’t get enough! So cute!! 😍

[@vickyfisher-bz4jj]

Lol with your son, you definitely done the need want where am by kind of thing without realising

[@maryannker2998]

Hahaha oh my gosh I totally did!! 😂🤣

[@jillrobertson2841]

I know this has been repeated, but since we are inching closer to christmas time...PLEASE spend more on your kids and less on everyone else. I dont care the amount per say, but the actual comparison. You parents got 75 each. And kids 60. What world would even grandparents be okay with that ? My mom would refuse to take my gifts if she knew her a cost more than her grandkids.

[@katemiller7874]

Agreed. My mom would be mad at me

[@sophiemanning7710]

printable heaven do realy cheap craft new things if you wanted to try them

[@maryannker2998]

Oh neat, I’ll have to look them up. Thanks so much for the tip!! ✨❤️

[@Lydt95]

$40 per teacher is ridiculous!! 😂 they have their own family’s. A Christmas card suffices.. you could have spent that on your kids. How wild.

[@jodifox9041]

It's crazy. $40 on teachers $60 on kids and $75 on parents 🤦‍♀️ sorry but if I only had that a small budget for my kids I'd be baking a cake for teachers and grandparents!

[@melr.1271]

Do you set boundaries for family and friends when it comes to purchasing gifts for the kids?

[@maryannker2998]

Oh my gosh such a great question!!! We are actually super lucky that way. They just get one gift from their cousins and one from my in-laws. We are super open about trying to reduce clutter so they are really good about focusing on experiences and keeping it simple. Thank goodness!! ♥️

[@kateywallis1238]

So basically the parents and teachers had more thought put in than the kids. Wow feel sorry for kids it’s Christmas Day and wake up to second hand stuff while parents get restaurants and movie theatre this an that and other and teachers get near anuf same spent in them I’m sorry but it’s Christmas one day in year

[@conniesomers4504]

Leave teachers out and lower parents to 50$ . Christmas is for children

[@maryannker2998]

Wonderful feedback! Thank you so much for sharing Connie!! 🎄❤✨

[@Shay-q3y]

saddest haul regret watching

[@katemiller7874]

I know I don’t know how this came up in my feed

[@katemiller7874]

I know. Not sure how I got on this feed.

[@vickyfisher-bz4jj]

He needed like a goal set, or he wanted one basketball as his need or want is well. Something to wear is those trousers that you’ve got him and something to read is the books

[@maryannker2998]

That’s so funny! I’m cracking up so bad right now!!! I can’t believe I even talked about it and never clued in! 😂🤣

[@vickyfisher-bz4jj]

@@maryannker2998 I was just thinking of all that you had gotten like you kind of basically doing it Wumi read, and where and sometime you can mix them more. Sometimes when we think about things we don’t even realise you’re actually

[@possumcolvett5722]

Hi iam possum and budgeting for Christmas is great market place is a great place to find gifts hope you have a great day possum cheers from Australia possum 😊

[@maryannker2998]

Thanks so much for watching Possum!!!! 💞

[@possumcolvett5722]

@@maryannker2998 hi always a pleasure watching your videos have a great

[@margaretghirardello5933]

I agree give parents less they r not kids kids come first

[@topflightsecurity2310]

Wow, i just can't with this lady i dont care what your parents do or even the teachers that's their job you should be ashamed spending so much on other people and having your kids wake up to close to nothing for Christmas she couldn't even stop laughing about that shit for their stocking i can never watch her again

[@LatoyaSmith-p5i]

I know right my kids are getting so much presents I when overboard and I got presents for my parents and one sister and little brother and my mother in law and 2 sister in laws and both nephew's and a girlfriend and are niece and I buy for my hubby and 2 bus drivers

[@shahwilloughby4603]

I'm all for saving money .. but there is saving money and then there's just being tight. My kids are my priority. Gifts for adults are more a token gesture. Everyone is different I suppose and people have to do what works for them 🙆🏻‍♀️.

[@anastaciarodriguez2381]

I’m blown away that teachers get a 40 dollar gift card and YOUR CHILDREN get used toys.. I could never.

[@amycolvin9437]

This is a wonderful video. As a minimalist mom, I completely agree that kids do NOT need all the things. And as a teacher, I love that you're making your children's teachers feel appreciated this time of year. ❤️

[@maryannker2998]

Thank you so much Amy!!! I so appreciate the feedback and encouragement. Thanks for sharing and have a very Merry Christmas !! ❤❤❤

[@jodifox9041]

As a teacher how could you not be horrified that she used that money on you rather than her kids. I'd be mortified that's over half the budget for kids. How selfish you would love that 🙄

[@angelapalmer6782]

Im sorry i watched this. Bandaids and tissues for christmas?; Poor kids.

[@sophiewordsworth2806]

Love your video! I would personally spend more on my kids I agree but yous literally telling her she’s wrong is wrong in it’s self. It’s not like she hasn’t bought her children anything & you can see how much effort & thought she put into picking presents for her children. Adult presents are more expensive anyway just for one present if you don’t wanna just get them chocolate, flowers or a bottle of wine. There’s no wrong here. If she’d of spent only 20 dollars on each child & didn’t appear happy showing them while she was happy showing 35 gifts for each other person she gets presents for I’d understand where the problem is. Everyone can have a budget that’s appropriate & feasible to them, not to you.

[@maryannker2998]

Thanks for your support ❤

[@kateywallis1238]

What there saying is that other money could gone on her children instead of teachers 🥴. Not to get um 35 gifts

[@angelapalmer6782]

How much thought do you put into tissues, bandaids and a free library card? I feel so bad for those kids.

[@sophiewordsworth2806]

@@angelapalmer6782 what you mean?