03 Benefits Of Gifting Fewer Toys

I want to thank Bee from Mind Beauty Simplicity for writing this lovely guest post on the benefits of having fewer toys this Christmas season. Please make sure to check out her blog and social media!

Do you believe that less is more? Read this guest post on the benefits of gifting fewer toys this holiday season.

The holidays are a time of giving. It’s a way to show appreciation for the people in your life & I’m all for it. But when does it all just become too much? Do things become less appreciated when they’re accompanied by overindulgence? I think it does. And this is why I believe even in the season of giving. Less is more. For those who have or want children in the future, I think teaching them early is important, and gifts aren’t at the forefront of the holiday. 

When I had children, I was taught to limit the number of presents under the tree. Why? So there is no expectation of excess things, so they don’t become spoiled by the idea that they get everything they want. And this is not me being a Grinch about the holiday. It’s to teach them the true importance of the holiday, which is the religious history (if you celebrate) and the quality time spent with family and loved ones. 

Not to mention, I feel society spends much of its time decluttering & donating throughout the year. But, to quote the Grinch, where do so many gifts go? “In Your Garbage!” And to that, maybe it’s time to focus on the season’s true meaning & think about what we are gifting, especially to children.

Check out her other guest posts.

• Life-Changing Self-Love Habits
• Clutter-Free Self-Care Activities

Why Having Less Toys Is More

The Wish List Becomes More Expensive as They Age

It’s all good & cute when they are babies & toys are $10 to $20 a piece (even that adds up if you let it). But you wait until they are teenagers begging for the new $800 PlayStation system. What will you do then? Call Santa? If they grew up in a household that only gave a few gifts, they wouldn’t think differently as they got older. It saves you money in the long run & your children learn the value of a dollar & value what they’ve been given.

They Understand The True Meaning of The Holiday 

Whether you follow the religious practices of Christmas or just the commercial aspect, it is still a time of family, kindness (which should be a daily routine), and making quality memories. Sure, I remember a few presents I received over the years, but the actual traditions and the people are what I hold dear to my heart.

I look back to my Nana’s cooking & visiting with my mom’s side of the family on Christmas Eve. I remember countless years driving to the mountains & staying in a cabin with my grandparents on my dad’s side and 15 other family members. I remember skiing down those mountains & sipping hot chocolate in the lounge. Those moments stick out, not the beautifully wrapped toys under the Christmas tree. 

It’s Not Just a Minimalist Practice 

I believe that less is more in all aspects of my life. But I find this idea of fewer gifts to be useful for everyone. And it’s not a deprivation of giving. It’s just a suggestion on quality over quantity & remembering the valid reason for the season. I think many people focus tradition on things when focusing on experiences. For example, I love going to a local tree lighting by the beach around Thanksgiving weekend or going downtown Baltimore & seeing the Hampton Christmas lights (which are unfortunately & understandably canceled this year).

I even love going to this garden shop with my mom & looking at all the decorated trees & home décor. Of course, we don’t always buy something, but just walking around aisles adds a bit of excitement for a holiday. When people change their mindset this way, it creates a happier time than a stressful one. Why would you want to feel overwhelmed around the holidays anyway? It would be best to cherish these moments that quickly become memories. 

Do you believe in this mentality for the holiday season?

-B