Give books with a message that resonates. Put meaning and effort into time together or giving to causes that are important to you. Even if you can afford it, don’t buy them everything on their Christmas list.

Share your savings plan, how you plan to retire and the real decision you make right now that affect how the family spends money. Discuss how much home repairs cost and why, while the kitchen is dated and old, it won’t be remodeled anytime soon because there are more important things to spend money on. When your kids hear and see that you would rather put your money into time together camping than buy a new car, they’ll see what you really value. Talk about how you decide on what to buy and where to spend your money. Show your children the pleasure and joy of an active life that gives back to your community. Develop some family activities that are free and/or do good in the world. Show the value in activities, community and relationships over things. What they don’t know about they won’t want. Cut that advertising line to your kids as much as you can. A streaming service like Netflix is a great option. If you can’t do that, record shows your kids watch with the commercials removed. Cut the cable or seriously limit cable television viewing.

Remove the influence of wanting more stuff for your kids. Parents can teach their kids to want less stuff. Are you constantly discussing the new things you want or pining for a better kitchen/car/vacation? Is your iPhone upgraded as soon as a new model comes out? If so, you’re modelling the exact type of behaviour that you want your kids to reject. How can you get your kids to stop asking for stuff? Start with yourself. We’re in a battle to show our kids the value of the simple pleasures of life that don’t come with receipts. From ads for toys and video games to the illusion that that newer and more expensive bike will be more enjoyable to ride (truth: it won’t be!). They are constantly told to want more and newer stuff. Kids are no stranger to the messages of advertising. Kicking off a series of posts on clutter free or minimalist inspired gifts with 10 Books to Inspire Kids to Want Less Stuff. Want to discuss big topics like consumerism, minimalism and materialism with a five year-old? These books are a gentle entry into why less can be better. Are there gifts you can give that inspire kids to want less stuff?

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau