🎁WHAT I GOT MY KIDS FOR CHRISTMAS 2022! Minimalist, affordable gift ideas + stocking stuffers!

[@cajbaf]

What I like about this is that you recognize the differences between your twin boys. So many people just buy them the same things so they don't " fight" over the same thing. As they are separate people, they can have different likes.

[@NatalieBennett]

Thank you for the kind words of affirmation! We've been working since before they were even born to foster their individuality so your comment really means the world to me! 🥰

[@jessicaladd85]

I wish my mom could adopt this mindset with her two grandsons! :)

[@bethw3573]

As a twin, all of this!! 👆

[@joannehopesLife_After_40]

As a mom of twins who are now 19, they still want some of the same of what the other one got. It never fails, every year. Sibling jealousy at its finest haha!

[@courtney9694]

“Sad beige toys for sad beige children” 😂 I love that you referenced that 😂😂

[@NatalieBennett]

😂 we can’t do that here. We do ALL the colors including beige. If someone could find me the original creator of that TikTok I’d be so grateful! It’s a hoot!

[@brittanyapolzer6505]

I like my quiet beige toys 😏 helps me not to feel overwhelmed. I’m raising happy beige kids 😉

[@NatalieBennett]

@@brittanyapolzer6505 we have plenty of beige toys! I was quoting a famous tik tok parody!

[@brittanyapolzer6505]

I got the reference!😂 I commented in case someone didn’t. Toys that work for your family are good toys no matter the colour 🥰

[@catwmn14]

Omg I love that Tik tok, it cracks me up!

[@letitiasangster8054]

Hide gifts in suitcases! It's wonderful! When my husband takes the kids out to shop for Mom, I just roll them out of the closet and into my wrapping area. If I don't want to put them under the tree yet, they get loaded back up all wrapped and rolled back to the closet. Use a luggage lock if your kids are extra nosy.

[@jodytigges1830]

We wrap all the gifts for one person in the same wrapping paper. A small piece of the paper is put into their stocking, that’s how they know what presents are theirs. No names on packages under the tree = no shaking packages to try and figure out what’s inside. Plus it’s a fun little surprise element.

[@kathrync.144]

My siblings and I are 32, 30, and 26, and my mom still does matching Christmas pajamas every year 😂 It wouldn't be Christmas without them!

[@Ccnewman17]

This is probably one of the best and diverse gift spreads I’ve seen. I love that you established this early on. Such a great way to keep the spirit of Christmas magic and not go overboard. Extremely refreshing!

[@NatalieBennett]

Glad you enjoyed it! ❤

[@lesliedawson7364]

I have told this before. But when my daughter was little I would give her a large appliance box (think stove, dishwasher) and an art set. She could sit inside the box and art as much as she wanted. The set would stay inside the box so her art didn’t end up on walls!!! She loved it

[@toohottohandle0_0]

Ooh great idea! But just how many large appliances did you own LOL

[@lesliedawson7364]

@@toohottohandle0_0 I went to the home improvement stores and just asked for the boxes

[@kaym1621]

To hide the presents from my children, I wrap the gifts right away! Ashlee from Grace and Grit wraps all of her children's gifts with different wrapping paper and then puts a little piece of their wrapping paper in their stocking so they don't know which gifts are theirs until Christmas morning... I think I might implement something like this when my children are a bit older!

[@SharpLife4]

I would mess the up. The teenager would end up with toddler items lol

[@kaym1621]

@@SharpLife4 haha, I've had that thought too!

[@HappilyOrganizedChaos]

I do this as well, this year I'm hoping to do brown paper with special ribbon for each person!!

[@kaym1621]

@@HappilyOrganizedChaos that's a great idea!

[@amandalashley3819]

When I was a teen, my mom just stuffed everything into boxes, marked them with a number and had my siblings and I wrap all the presents. We didn't know who had what number, so we never knew whose gift we were wrapping, we thought it was so much fun wrapping mystery presents.

[@alanad2339]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you gave permission to yourself and others to pull presents and save them for a different occasion!!!!!! This is soooo thoughtful and it is something that I will also do in the future (my kids are still young and we haven’t had a ton of birthdays/Christmas’ yet).

[@NatalieBennett]

I do this with almost every holiday or birthday. Online shopping on the couch and what it actually looks like wrapped up can look different!

[@madeleinep7103]

It always really touches my heart that you are so responsive to what your kids like with your gift giving. That may be obvious to many, but I think for others we may not have always received gifts that felt picked out with us truly in mind. ❤️

[@abbydavis6930]

You’re such a good mom 🥺 I love the idea of the December box and breaking up some presents for stockings instead of purchasing something totally new

[@cari7751]

I love the idea of the Christmas box on December 1. Makes way more sense than on Christmas Eve so it is enjoyed for longer!

[@SteveSmith-vj1bv]

Well done Natalie, you are the first person to mention "Jesus" and that perfect gift of love that he represents.

[@Visionsofjade]

I actually love how much thought went into your present buying..love that it isnt over the top and its what they want :)

[@brookesides5554]

I’ve been wanting a new tradition to start with my kids so I’m thrilled to find the “December box” idea. This is the kinda thing I’ve been looking for. Thank you!

[@nicholemaclean1888]

This is the only gift round up that I’ve ever seen that makes me feel peaceful and content. I have a similar pile for each of my three kids. I was avoiding watching gift round ups because I was feeling either like I’d gotten too much or too little but this reassured me that my intentional little piles are just right for our family ❤️

[@teresacalderon502]

This is my first time watching you and I’m forever grateful for your video. I can’t wait to put these into practice next year with my three girls. I can’t wait to watch the rest of your videos.

[@jeannerolig6042]

Natalie! Such forethoughtful gifts you have chosen for your children for Christmas! Kudos for your perception of what they need or want to receive!

[@racheldav4643]

I like your rhyme. We have one too, Something they want, Something they need. Something to wear, Something to read. Something to give someone else in need.

[@maddie1519]

Thanks for sharing and giving me some ideas to do with my family trying to live a minimalist life.

[@laurenamaral6964]

I love that shot of your kids looking out the window on Christmas with the snow falling. I recently watched that video from last year and had to show my husband that specific shot because it really made me want to give my daughter a sibling to enjoy moments like that. I'm not kidding!

[@cruiser122s.d.8]

Great video!!! I love your Christmas gift categories!!! We do a Christmas Kickoff box. It has Christmas Pajamas, a Christmas ornament, a Christmas decoration, a Christmas movie, a Christmas book, and some treats. We sometimes do a Christmas mug, too. That's when we put up our Christmas tree and decorate it, along with decorating the house. We have cookies and hot chocolate that night, too. We also get take-out for dinner. We don't do food in our stockings, but we have a reusable Christmas bag with snacks and goodies in them instead on Christmas Eve. We do put some novelty candy in stockings like Pez dispensers, Kinder Eggs, candy filled toys, etc.

[@kimjaymama26]

I love the idea of giving the their Christmas jammies early! We usually do it christmas Eve but then they are out of season sooner

[@karinakissell9565]

Love these! I've been trying to include a book of some sort and an experience as the big "gift". Snack box subscription was a huge hit last year, so did that again also. Started doing a December box last year because of you! This year's includes a couple Christmas puzzles,mugs, cocoa, fuzzy socks, advent calendars, and gingerbread/sugar cookie decorating kits.

[@wachol3]

Love the idea of a snack box subscription!

[@alicat818]

Thank you so much for this video. Your wisdom will help me immensely! I’ve been stressing out about gifts and shopping all week and after watching this I feel prepared with a plan and much less anxious.

[@evd22713]

I love the December box idea! I might do that next year! We have an 18 month old. So we got a zoo membership and a kids' table and chair set. Then, I made him an alphabet set out of fabric and quilt batting.

[@jesshappy2193]

I love this video Natalie. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I appreciate you❤️

[@madelineslifemanagement8546]

I love this! As Christians we give gifts because God gave us the undeserved gift of Jesus! I always love to tell my little girl, “the question is never why do bad things happen to good people but rather why do good things happen to bad people”

[@pjkuhn57]

I love this! Perfect and thoughtful gifts.

[@shelbyanem]

We do the same thing! Every child gets a lego set (they are the best toy!) That's usually their main gift and then a couple smaller gifts.

[@kristarockwell3977]

Hiding presents…I have one wrapping paper for each child (always take a scrap and write their name on it and tape it in my planner so I don’t forget) and as the gifts come into the house I wrap them and then just put them in my closet…unnamed. Then on Christmas I put the scrap in the toe of their stocking and when they get to the end they know which gifts are theirs. I’ve also done the number system. Number the gifts and assign certain numbers to certain children.

[@kimberlyklein8806]

Always enjoy your content, and your strategy of gifting. Since my girls were babies, we have always done three gifts. Because if three gifts is enough for baby Jesus, it's enough for them. Stocking stuffers are still relatively new to us (started that 2 years ago?), so we keep that very simple (maybe a lego mini-figure, a book they have been requesting, and candy cane tube of m&m's). My girls, now 8 & 10, share so many things, so I pick items that I know they will both enjoy. Double love! For the past 3 years, one out of the three gifts comes from me and my husband (it will be the more expensive of the gifts) and will get opened last. My girls have never found my hidden stash of gifts, although I may have to change my giftwrapping style going forward, they are getting smart and notice that mom does a lot of curly q's with her ribbon. On a sad note, I know there is a 1 year anniversary of your Grandma Judy's passing coming up, so lots of warm hugs coming from Texas. Happy Holidays Natalie!

[@tiffanycollinsworth6001]

I am 26 and my mom gives us Christmas pj's as a Christmas eve gift. We look forward to it every year. 🥰 they may loose interest for a couple years but it will come back as a treasured Christmas tradition. 💕

[@nancygold2928]

Great video, 📹, beautiful tree, all nice, nice gifts. 🎄 🎅

[@usmosers2495]

My buying categories are very similar to yours! A larger gift they asked for specifically, a craft kit/puzzle/activity set or two and their new book they get on Christmas Eve with their new jammies. Last year I gave them each a box of macaroni specific to their tastes as well, and they loved that! I think I’ll give them a box of sweet cereal to share this year as it’s not something I buy often so it feels like a treat. And our stocking always have something that can keep them busy as they wait for gift opening time - math war card games and rainbow scratch pads this year. As for hiding the gifts, top shelf of the closet is my go-to. Hope you have a fabulous holiday season, Natalie!

[@billieschleiger8753]

I hide Christmas gifts in a big tote in the storage room labeled “baby stuff.” It started with me trying to hide gifts from my husband and has worked pretty well 😂 (he’s in on the secret now though so I’ve had to find other means of hiding his gifts)

[@sabsi5391]

I love the kategories you choos for your Kids. That is such a good idea. Thanks for charing. Love from Germany .

[@cack121]

We do something similar for our kiddos too...Something they WANT, something they NEED, something to WATCH OR DO, something to READ

[@carlacrouch6785]

I put all my kids gifts in a bin , on the top shelf of my closet , they really can’t reach plus , they don’t go to my room without me knowing, benefits of living in a small house 😉. Great video !! I have kids the same age as you ..

[@thewadsquad]

I’m sorry- I haven’t even started shopping yet. 💀💀💀 here you are all put together!! 🎉🎉🎉- your jingle really hits 💃

[@NatalieBennett]

Haha I’m early this year compared to most years! I also don’t have a scrumptious newborn so you have every excuse in the world, my friend! ♥️

[@leahhanson6379]

I have a son named Judah as well. Just stumbled upon your channel and am now binging

[@gali_velazquez]

I SPY! Omg, I loved those books.

[@breezyvibe]

You did a GREAT job choosing gifts!!!! Fun video!!!!

[@lenicelacourdia]

I absolutely love this! Thank you for being so open with your daughter!!!! I'm not one of those who believe in the color of doll skin, but thank you!

[@avad.4370]

Omg! I was just rewatching the old ones the other few days and was so excited for the next. I was hoping it was soon… YAY!!!

[@kathyzakharyuk8050]

Love your ideas of building wonderful Christmas traditions without having it be overwhelming ❤️

[@nicolecroy5949]

I absolutely love this video. We doing small gifts and stockings because we’re heading to home to see family for Christmas. That is a big thing for us. We love to spend time with family and see some friends.

[@RohdeFam]

Once my kids started getting a bit older, we transitioned from those snug pajamas to more lose ones and that makes them feel less “babyish”. We just got matching pajamas and they’re 14 and 10. They’ll do it because it makes me happy and it’s a tradition ❤ Thanks for sharing your jingle.

[@myshaharmon6808]

I love your take on the 4 gifts strategy. It’s very practical and right up my alley. I’ll have to remember it for next year. We hide our Christmas presents in a closet in our bedroom that the kids don’t go into…but if they get snoopy then we remind them of the house rules “if you know what you are getting for Christmas then you will definitely not get it. It will go right back to the store. Otherwise you are taking the fun out of the surprise of Christmas presents.” That usually works 😉

[@katemiller7874]

Sounds like a horrible house. Christmas isn’t for being practical. It’s for fun and Jesus.

[@Chell1496]

Nice gifts you picked out this year Natalie! I always look forward every year to see what you did for your December Box. What a fun tradition. 🎄❄️⛄️

[@alyssatonking9985]

I love the December box idea! There are so many Christmas-specific items I’ve seen in the stores that I’d love to buy but always think, “Christmas will be over by the time my kids get these gifts”. That’s a great way to get them into the Christmas spirit and build anticipation for Christmas Day! My girls are still little, 2 and 3 weeks, so I have their whole lives still to come up with fun things like that!

[@stephanie7776]

I like to wrap the gifts and put them under the tree. We have Christmas bags from Amazon that a family member gifted a few years ago, we love them under the tree. Hidden gifts (santa) usually fit in the Christmas decor tubs in the basement.

[@Adrilevels]

8 months pregnant decorating my Christmas 🎄 and watching Natalie ❤

[@aprilsmith6587]

A Christmas baby perhaps?

[@Adrilevels]

@@aprilsmith6587 omg it would be so sweet, the most special gift 🎁 ! ❤️

[@carnivore_princess]

Congratulations 🥹

[@everyoneknowsitslindy6074]

Hey! Cool!!! Also 8 months pregnant and watching Christmas gift videos!!! The minimal ones are the best!! They aren't exactly relevant to me yet since this is my first. lol. She was due on Christmas, but I've had complications and have an induction date for three weeks early. Only two weeks to go!

[@Adrilevels]

@@everyoneknowsitslindy6074 Best of luck for the both of you, sending you positive vibes. Everything will turn out great!

[@annijewiss3142]

Looking forward to a nice sit down and coffee with you Natalie xx

[@mirandakh17]

I had one of those art kits as a kid & I thought I was THE coolest kid on the block. 😎 I loved it!!

[@kamilamullen2897]

I get some medium moving boxes and write stuff like bed sheets, kitchenware etc. and put all their stuff in those and then I put some extra bedsheets, plates (depending on what is written on the box). That way my kids never thought about looking into those. The younger kids are luckily not snoopy 😅

[@kavali938]

I started doing the Christmas box a few years ago because you inspired me. I also do a bunch of consumables like chocolate advent calendars, a gingerbread village kit, and some melting snowmen hot chocolate bombs from Trader Joe’s.

[@clairewessels2603]

I would LOVE for you to make a Minecraft 101 video for us clueless parents! Minecraft is a big part of our homeschool curriculum and my girls are obsessed! But I am so confused about the different versions, platforms, mods, ability to play with friends/each other, etc. It’s overwhelming and your videos are so well organized and articulate.

[@mackenziemoore78]

Your content it always so helpful!! I love this! I have been struggling this year with just how to organize the gifting for the kids! Thanks so much Natalie ♥

[@8000kh]

My daughter Haley (an adult) still loves Lego and I think it actually inspired her to go to school for architecture. We also had the Eye Spy books when she was little spent many hours sitting with her on our laps or next to us looking through those books. The books are something that I have saved for when we have grandkids.

[@machaelaailene]

We are investing in board games this year and looking forward to the family fun up ahead. Love the way you did gifts. It will be something we will have to think about for the future.

[@sharonshmuel3386]

I loved this ❤ you got some amazing things - your children will absolutely love everything 🥰

[@aprilyeno1919]

❤❤❤what happy babies you will have!!! Enjoy and God bless!!!

[@leeyar77]

I love this approach to gift giving for the kids. We do something similar, less is definitely more! I just wish we could get the grandparents on board. We struggle with them going all out and giving tons of stuff on top of just huge toys that we don't have the space for.

[@annw1395]

Maybe you can ask the grandparents to keep those huge things at their house. Then they might realize. Lol.

[@catharinabra]

@@annw1395 I did this! Worked out great 😂

[@rebeccab_bwlt]

Love these. We do want/need/wear/read + Santa gift and stockings - it really helps to keep balance and feel abundant without feeling like overkill! Like you, we prioritize consumables over things which can become clutter in our stockings, and like you, we prioritize things they want and will use over purity of concept or aesthetics (within reason). I love wooden toys, but won't choose them to the exclusion of a doll, plastic toy, or the like that they want. Our family dynamics are pretty similar - I have b/g twins who are almost 7.5, and a 5yo daughter who is just a few weeks younger than Hailey! For stockings, they are getting oranges, KinderJoy, chocolate, Lego, LOL and art supplies. For under the tree, they are getting book sets (Junie B. Jones, Marvel, and Frances), tee shirts from their fave KZbin channels, dolls/figurines they picked out (LOL OMG and Marvel), and as a family gift, we are looking at a game system we can all play together.

[@elizabethdirks6533]

Lol! I had not heard of the sad beige toys for sad beige children yet! 🤣 I paused your video and educated myself with the videos. Had a good old laugh, so thank you kindly for that.

[@paulajames6149]

When my kids were younger I got a shadow puppet book for them. Magic books are also fun.

[@Emily._.Dickey]

As someone who works with children's books everyday, books are by far my favorite item to gift! I don't have kids (yet) but, my husband and I agreed that we are not the Auntie and Uncle who gift a lot of toys (since we know that will come back at us someday!) so our 6 nieces and nephews always get books as part of all their gifts.This year each family gets a set of christmas books (a lot of classics, a lot of new releases that I stumbled across) as well as a few interest/age specific holiday books for each kid (as well as a set for our personal library!) It's so hard buying for so many kids with so many interests so books are an easy go to, plus discount book sites and used books are amazing! Also that I-Spy book brought back memories! I recieved the same one when I was around Hailey's age, we still pull it out 20+ years later!

[@nattyophelia7879]

I got my son a lot of things to use to build. He’s 2, we got him those magnetic tiles that you can build, and then a wooden train and train track set and table. Honestly I’m a 34 year old woman and it was fun for me to play with 😂 got my 4yr old and 10 month old some wooden play food and a play kitchen and some soft baby dolls. Though realistically the girls will play with brothers toys and he will undoubtedly play with the kitchen and baby dolls too.

[@bhritneytaylor2728]

I love the December box idea I started doing that a few years ago after watching you share about it and it's added so much fun to our holiday season.

[@nicoleszpila4934]

My 6yo daughter had that exact sewing kit and LOVED it!! Such a cute little starter.

[@lorizielinski227]

I love the gifts you picked out , the kids will love them ❤️

[@prasnlrdsheilawalker5241]

I loved this video and your approach to gifting children at Christmas.

[@jensimpson483]

Thanks for the tip about the Lego magazine - my son has recently gotten into Legos and will be thrilled to get a magazine addressed to him!

[@bettywinslow6387]

As a school librarian, I discovered the free Lego magazine and it was a huge hit!

[@erinowens]

I'm appreciate that even though you're minimalist, you still give your kids a reasonable amount of fun kid stuff.

[@NatalieBennett]

Practicing minimalism in our every day life allows us to splurge a little when it counts! ♥️

[@amberlin8668]

Thank you so so so much. I’ve been stressing due to our lower Christmas budget this year, but this is doable. I love that sensory kit you got your son, I’m going to get my daughter one 😊. My daughter is neurodivergent too and loves sensory stuff. Also some of those flying disk things cause ours broke recently and they loved it. Also my youngest would love drawing supplies. This video has me thinking about their personalities and what they’d like. You literally just basically gave me a shopping list lol. I’ll personalize it a little though 😂.

[@kacilindsay8880]

I love this approach to gift giving! My little girl is 4.5 and was very specific with her requests this year. So, she's getting a tablet since we spend lots of time in the car, a couple of toys, a couple of board games and of course, a few books! I also do a Christmas Eve gift with a book and Christmas PJ's but I'm loving the idea of the December box. We also have a nosy rosy living in our house lol! To give you an idea of what we do, we have two options. We have a small closet in our bathroom with a lock on it that we keep stuff that came in a concealed box in until we can get them wrapped. For the bigger items or items that don't come in a concealed box, I'm blessed to have my parents down the street from me so we keep some things down at their house. I usually go down there to wrap most of our gifts too so I don't chance her seeing what she's getting!

[@katmccoy34]

Love the ideas! My kids also love Lego and get the Lego magazine. Their favorite tradition is getting the Lego advent calendars! Thanks for your suggestions!

[@melaniemallozzi3851]

Great gifts I bet there gonna be happy with what they get my family does secret Santa and it’s so fun to see what people get each other I love creative gifts like your picks

[@siochainmama5025]

This is so lovely!! My daughter is the same age as yours and this year we're doing stockings on St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) as we are considering converting to Orthodox Christianity. We actually did this last year too. We put a chocolate orange in her stocking toe, little wooden dreidels, gelt (golden chocolate coins), a Russian nesting doll (not made or sold from Russia this year for obvious reasons), a rose quartz crystal for her rock collection, candy canes and we also got her a little stuffed, light up teddy bear lol. We're still working on the Christmas presents for Christmas day but I love the idea of the I Spy book. That is brilliant!! Thank you for sharing this with all of us!! ☺️👍❤️

[@missyroo]

Yes, this is when I give them their book. And the occasional year, they'll get some pj's. Not in the budget this year

[@siochainmama5025]

@@missyroo That's a lovely tradition!! ☺️❤️

[@christinabautista8759]

I love your thoughtful gifts for your kids. Love the something for your minds category. I always enjoy your videos/vlogs. 😊🎄

[@willowgirl2635]

Great thoughtful presents. Enjoy it while they are young, my baby is 30 and isn’t fussed about Christmas anymore.

[@amymckinnon7293]

My 10 year old twin boys still love the I Spy Christmas book. We get it out every Christmas along with several other books.

[@erikastanger7848]

Stockings are my favorite! I do consumables in the stockings. Underwear is a must, but fun snacks that they don't usually get, little puzzles, and for my teen girls, I do face masks, travel shampoos, nail polish, etc.

[@hannepalovaara8659]

I finally find perfekt box to become desember box ❤️ last year i fell in love the idea and sens then i have been looking for perfekt wooden box and now i have it ❤️❤️❤️ little paint and then i can fill in something christmasy 😊

[@skyearmitage867]

Ahh this is exactly the video I needed! I've been struggling with the new, wear, want etc stuff and keeping minimal ... Your four categories are perfect!

[@samanthakwait8782]

I love your minimalist gift guide. We moved across the country last year and our Christmas was excessive. Family sent so much stuff on top of what I bought. This year, my “minimalism” is 10 gifts each and 2 combined gifts. Family is limited on what they can send. We got a tonie box so I hope they will just send little tonie figures.

[@paytongeorge1]

Love this guide for kids gifts!! I’ll have to remember this in the future/ for my niece and nephews! 🤍✨

[@hannahbentson9374]

I love your stocking stuffer ideas! I keep forgetting your tip of breaking up gifts that coordinate with the bigger gift.

[@hayleymoreno6258]

Love these videos of yours! So thoughtful and well balanced :) I have not heard of those "My first little house" books, so cute!

[@NatalieBennett]

Ohhhhhh girl. You are in for a treat! These books are incredibly sweet!

[@danielleewing5769]

Yes Natalie yes

[@wolflover4life19]

Love this! Super helpful for my older two. Now just gotta tweak for my baby 💓

[@katiewilson8169]

Oh my word ...all this is spot on with my own children's interests this year! It is killing me trying to wait until the end before I go clicking on the links to these items in your blog post!! Thank you SO much for taking the time to put this together!! I love how mindful you are about not bringing additional clutter into your home around the holidays. Awesome video!

[@fionawhelan522]

On December 1st we get out the Xmas books, and I do a new one everyday till they are all out. Usually add a new one every year, and in January declutter the ones they have grown out off or too worn etc. We dont decorate for Xmas till mid-December, but last year we did one small thing a day in from December 1st with them. They loved it. And chocolate advent calendars.

[@belvederebuslife8761]

The I Spy books was such a great idea! I paused your video half way to quickly order one for my son 😁 Love that you have those categories, I'm definitely going to do that next year 🎄

[@alexandramelius8427]

I love your jingle, I’m going to use it! Your gift guide has some really neat ideas ❤thank you always for sharing!

[@britniewing4012]

A couple years ago I decided not to put any presents under the tree until after my neurodivergent daughter goes to bed on Christmas Eve. Otherwise it was overload and overwhelm leading up to Christmas. If she can't see it she does not think about it. It has helped with Christmas morning meltdown!

[@alexnygren5397]

I don’t have any kids, but I think I want to start doing a December box for me, my partner, and our pets! Ha ha. Such a fun idea! I also grew up with the Klutz crafts and I vividly remember getting a hair scrunchie maker one year. Loved that thing.

[@annw1395]

You have outstanding gifts, and I love the amount of thought and planning you put into them! So loving. I do something similar to a December box: when I put up the decorations and the tree, the little ones would want to play with everything. And even though most of the things are child-friendly, they're still not toys. So I have a basket every year with Christmas things that are meant to be played with: a Nativity scene of cloth figures; a Xmas ball (knitted of red and green yarn); a wooden Xmas village; a toy Santa that moves; some jingle bells, etc. It's the same every year -- I just pack it away with the rest of the decorations, but they look forward to their old favorites each time.

[@juliannelindeman9996]

Love those gift categories!!