The “Want, Need, Wear, Read” Gift-Giving Tradition

This year, Michael and I decided to embrace the “Want, Need, Wear, Read” approach to gift-giving with Wyatt—and it’s a tradition we plan to continue as he grows. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and keeps the focus on the magic of the season, not a mountain of presents. Here’s why we’re making this shift, along with gift ideas for both one-year-olds (like Wyatt) and three-year-olds!

Why We’re Choosing This Approach

Reason 1: Wyatt’s Birthday Is in November
With Wyatt’s birthday falling just a few weeks before Christmas, he already receives plenty of gifts around this time of year. Keeping the holiday presents simple ensures we don’t overwhelm him — or our home!

Reason 2: “Santa” Gifts Aren’t Always Fair
Look, today’s economy is crap and not everyone has the budget to go crazy when it comes to gifts. I grew up with a single mom, so I get what it’s like to live with very little. I never want our family to be a reason another child feels bad about themselves because they can’t give/do as much for their kids.

Reason 3: Generous Grandparents
Wyatt’s grandparents love to spoil him throughout the year and especially during the holidays. By keeping our gifts intentional, we strike a balance and focus on what really matters.

Reason 4: Teaching Gratitude
We want Wyatt to grow up appreciating what he has, rather than focusing on what he doesn’t. This tradition encourages quality over quantity and fosters a sense of gratitude.

Reason 5: Christmas Isn’t About “Stuff”
The heart of Christmas is family, traditions, and love — not gifts. This approach will hopefully help us teach Wyatt (and any future siblings) that the holidays are about giving, connection, and celebration, not getting stuff.

The “Want, Need, Wear, Read” Rules:

Something You Want
This is the fun, wish-list item — a gift that sparks joy and excitement. It’s all about giving something your child will love and use for play or exploration.

• Example for a One-Year-Old: A balance bike, a ride-on toy, ball pit, mini trampoline, or musical instruments.
• Example for a Three-Year-Old: A dollhouse, a toy kitchen, dress up clothes, baby dolls, cars/trucks, tonies, or dinosaurs.

Something You Need
This is a practical gift that supports your child’s everyday needs or development. It could be something they’ve outgrown or an item to make life a bit easier for them (and you!).

• Example for a One-Year-Old: A convertible car seat, snack containers, cups, high chair, or bath toys.
• Example for a Three-Year-Old: A personalized backpack/lunchbox, storage bins for toys, reading chair, bookshelf, or an upgraded booster seat.

Something You Wear
This gift keeps your child comfortable, stylish, and ready for our Florida weather. Think essentials like shoes, pajamas, or outerwear.

• Example for a One-Year-Old: Soft-soled shoes, bamboo pajamas, socks, or a new swim suit.
• Example for a Three-Year-Old: Sneakers, dress shoes, underwear, rain boots, or a cozy sweater.

Something You Read
Reading is essential to inspire imagination, curiosity, and a love for learning. Choose age-appropriate stories that your child will enjoy again and again.

• Example for a One-Year-Old: Interactive board books like Dear Zoo or Goodnight Moon, the Moonlite projector, or the Little Tikes Dream Machine.
• Example for a Three-Year-Old: Picture books like Dragons Love Tacos or personalized storybooks, The Otis and Charlie Series, a moonlite projector, or Dr. Seuss books.

Bonuses:

We plan to do more than one thing from each category but are not going to over do it. Think the moonlite projector and some indestructible books, a cutlery set, and a new water cup.

Some people also add in a “Something to DO” rule – since we plan to do experiences/a trip for Wyatt’s birthday for the year in between milestones with big parties, we decided not to do this one. But it would be fun to plan a family experience – it could be as simple as a gift card for dinner out, a movie night gift basket, or if it’s in your budget a day trip or vacation.

Why We Love This Tradition

This simple approach to holiday gifting helps us create intentional, meaningful celebrations. Wyatt still gets to experience the joy of unwrapping presents, but without the overwhelm.

As he grows, we hope he’ll come to value not just the gifts but also the thought, love, and lessons behind them.

Do you have unique holiday traditions in your family? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!