Want Need Wear Read – Simplifying Eid Gifts for Kids

With Eid just around the corner, I’ve been doing some thinking about how we want to handle gifts for kids in our family. Gift giving can very quickly spiral out of control, as I’m sure you’ve experienced! And I am not speaking from a mountaintop here…one year my daughter ended up with SEVEN Elsa dolls. Seven! I don’t even know how it happened, and that’s how easy it is to lose focus. There even comes a point where kids are unable to be appreciative of everything they receive if there is just too much, which is the opposite of the beliefs we are trying to cultivate with our Ramadan and Eid practices. Generous gift giving for Eid is important, yes, but it should not interfere with true gratitude and appreciation for those gifts.  

So, I’m implementing a very simple formula for gifts this year! The formula is “Want Need Wear Read”. It’s easy to remember and it even rhymes! My daughter will receive a total of four gifts that all have significance. Perfect. 

Want

First, something she wants: Gabby’s Dollhouse accessories. I got her the Garden Treehouse Playset. I like that it comes with toys that will add to a collection she loves, and that it will provide a new way for her to play with the toys and figures she already has. And let’s face it, even when our kids’ gifts aren’t practical it is so lovely seeing their little faces light up with joy when they get something they REALLY wanted! I’m looking forward to seeing that look on my daughter’s face when she opens this.  

Need

Next, something she needs. She has needed a new prayer mat for a little while now, so this is a great time to buy her that particular item! I got her these beautiful custom prayer mats from @themuslimmoon. I just love the images and the colours, and I am sure they will help her find a feeling of peaceful calm while she prays. I’m so happy with this Eid gift and I’m sure other kids would be also! 

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Wear

Then, something to wear.  I purchased this beautiful outfit from Sapphire.  I just love its cheery yellow colour and the gorgeous embroidery. Perfect colours for spring, and I know my daughter will love it!

Read

And finally, something to read. I got her a book called “The ABCs of Islam”, which is a nice educational book with beautiful illustrations that felt appropriate as an Eid gift for kids.  It explores the meaning of many important concepts and can be used as a great discussion starter.

And just like that, all the guesswork, overspending, and stress of gift selection has vanished! These simplified gifts for kids are now just another part of the Eid fun and do not overwhelm the true meaning of the holiday, which is feasting and celebrating with loved ones. Giving four (mostly) practical gifts also means a more sustainable gift giving practice that I can feel better about, rather than the guilt over the clutter of too many gifts that my daughter does not even appreciate from previous years.  

If this speaks to you as well, feel free to tag me @mintcandydesigns with your ideas for a “Want Need Wear Read” holiday!

And if you are stuck for ideas about Ramadan-themed gifts and books, or are just looking for more ideas in general about how to celebrate Ramadan and Eid with your family, check out my 7 Ways to Celebrate Ramadan with Kids post. You are sure to find something inspiring there! 

Eid Mubarak everyone!