We have a new Christmas shopping tradition at our house. We’ve done it for two years now, so that makes it a tradition, right?
We take a day (and believe me, it does take an entire day) for our kids to Christmas shop for each other, one boy at a time. This means that everyone else stays home playing games with Dad while I take one boy to the store to pick out gifts. The two of us finish, I drop off that boy at home, pick up another, and head back to the store. I do this four times. It’s the best. Not only does each boy get to have one-on-one time with Mom, they get to go to the toy aisle too. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The boys get to spend their own hard earned money on these gifts; what better way to learn about budgeting and spending. Our five year old still doesn’t quite understand that a $119.96 price tag is a bit over $5, so even though his brother would surely love it if he were to purchase the very large and exciting box of Star Wars (trooper, fighter, land speeder, warship, yada yada…) Lego Set, it just costs too much and he’ll have to pick out something else.
The other boys have a little bit better understanding of how to read a price tag. Usually, as we drive to the store, the two of us talk about how much they plan to spend on each gift and what amount would be wise.
This is always such a heart-fluttery time for me, as I love spending rare one-on-one time with each boy. Listening to them plan for how they’re going to spend and what they want to get for their brothers (“because I think he’d really, really like it”) makes me get all melty inside.
And then, my eight year old….oh my eight year old. He was beside himself with excitement during his shopping trip, feeling so grown up with his wallet in his pocket and his list prepared. He was all smiles, but oh so serious about what he had come to the store to do.
As he was picking out a toy for his little brother, I jokingly pointed out a big ticket item and said, “Hey Bud, I think you should get this for him, what do you think?” Looking at the triple figure price tag, his eyes got big and apparently not catching on that I was just kidding, he shook his head and said, “Oh boy. I’d sure like to, but it’s just not in my budget.”
The little cutie. I could have given him a big fat wet kiss right there in front of all the shoppers and Buzz Lightyear for his grown up and wise statement. I resisted and instead snuck in a quick peck on the top of his blond head. He finished his shopping, staying well within his budget and finding fun presents that he was proud to pay for with his own money.
May we all be like the eight year old shopper this year as we make our holiday purchases: Set a budget. Stick to it.
It’s surprisingly uncomplicated.
Sami says
My mom always took us out for our shopping day, and we would get to go out to lunch with her, so rare (she homeschooled us, so it’s not like we didn’t see her, but like you said, 1 on 1 when you’re 1 of 4 is rare!)… What special memories, love it!!
josette says
I love the one-on-one time treat too with each of my kiddos. What a nice tradition.
Sarah Beth says
Super cute tradition and moments with each child! I will have to try this!! I know the kids would love to pick out alittle something for eachother.
Stacy @ Delighting in the Days says
That is adorable. What a wise little guy.
Jill Roper says
I remember you writing about this wonderful tradition of your last year and thought it was such a neat idea. Once a child gets that “budget thing” you have taught a valuable lesson, great job Mama! God is so pleased Laura.
Lotsa love honey to you and your precious family.
ShorterMama says
That’s so great! He must be very well taught.
Amy Lynne says
Good job mom and dad! What a wise kid!!
Hope says
That is a fantastic tradition! Perhaps I can borrow it with my four
Anitra says
So cute! Although I was an only child, I did something similar with each of my parents before Christmas, going with Dad to buy a present for Mom and vice-versa.
As my two young ones grow, I think this would be a great tradition.
Kimberlee says
Keep up the good work, Mama!
Tara says
Last night I took our seven-year-old shopping for a friend’s birthday gift when we found ourselves wandering down the stationery aisle. He then picked out $1-$2 items for each of his siblings and his dad! I can’t wait until Christmas morning when my husband opens his package of gold foil stars “because I think Daddy needs some sticker stars!”. The funniest part? Later that evening I was grading papers and had a sheet of stickers by me. DH, who happens to be a teacher, asked, “why don’t I have a sheet of stickers for when I grade papers?” Little does he know!!!
Linda says
So much of what your child will be when they are adults can be seen at this age. When my oldest son and daughter were 10 & 8 respectively, I took them shopping with $10 in their pockets to buy 5 gifts for the family. My son spent every last penny delighting in the whole thoughtful process of pleasing the receivers. My daughter bought something thoughtful for everybody, and had $4 dollars to spare! Today, they are 26 & 24, and my son still spends every last dime to please his receivers, and my daughter is still thoughtful and frugal. My daughter is getting ready to leave for the mission field, and will most likely live on a frugal budget- O the wisdom of God in designing each child with their purpose in mind!!
Suanna says
We have used a budget the last several years, but this year, so far, we have been sticking to it or under it better than ever.
1ofeach says
Good boy! He’s way ahead of most adults in this country.
Ya know, I have two children and my first born (15 yo) loves Christmas shopping w/ her daddy. She doesnt’ drive yet, so she needs him to drive her. I think this is her favorite Christmas tradition. He took her the other night. (And she always stays w/in her budget too. Smart girl!)
Thank you for sharing this. My son (11) read something sad today and came over and sat by me and let me hold him while he told me about it. He’s older now he sheds fewer tears now, but it just made my heart melt that he still wants a hug from Mommy when he’s sad. I didn’t want to let him go.
Lindsey @ Enjoying Healthy Foods says
I love it!!! What a great tradition to start!!!!
Miracle Quelle says
We do something similar at the dollar store. I think we’re going to start an allowance with Mikaela this year, and I love the idea of having them use their own money. That makes it so special and meaningful and what a great lesson in money management!
Hannah @ Treasuring it Up says
Adorable! Thank you for sharing :-) I love it when children are wise beyond their years – I think it just shows the work of the Holy Spirit in them!
Lisa says
How precious! A very wise boy, indeed :-)
Holly in Virginia says
How wonderful! I love that tradition. I remember my parents having a similar method, and then all of us kids would go out to shop with dad for mom. It was always special. This year I am really having to fend off well-meaning advice on sales and etc from family and friends. I am planning to give some of my preserves and some baked goods to each of my extended relatives, and nothing more.