want-need-wear-read

This is how we gift to each other. Something we want, something we need, something to wear, something to read. It limits us to four gifts, but still gives us a variety. It's how we plan to gift to our children as well. I know many families {both of ours included} who give their children a bunch of gifts, and while gifts are fun to give and receive, my husband and I decided that we like how finite this list is. Four things. One has to be a book. One has to be something you wear {but this can range from pajamas to jewelry}. One has to be something they need {this is the least fun one, but it's still nice to get something you've needed}. One has to be something they want {this is the most open ended one, and thus the most fun}.

This year, we bought each other a record player/cd player/radio for "something we want". Normally we won't go in together to get each other the same gift, but since it was $40 {second hand} and we both had been wanting one, we sprung. Matt's family grew up with one, and I think it's a nice tradition for our little family as well.

For the something we need, we talked about some things that we have been needing and then bought them separately. I could tell you what I got Matt, but I'll wait.The clue on the present is "something to encourage make-out sessions". Mull that one over for awhile.

For the something we wear, we went different directions. I'm getting Matt's wedding ring resized because he currently has to wear it on his middle finger. My husband's getting super skinny. He's getting me something more traditional in the clothes arena.

For the something we read, we exchanged book lists and then bought one for each other. His clue is "A Tater you can read."

Does your family have a pattern of gift giving? Maybe a spending limit? For the other side of the family we have a spending limit. How about clues on gifts? Is that only my family? Tell me about your gift giving/opening traditions.