Becoming Minimalist
Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.
35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget
Written by joshua becker ·
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you
truly give.” —Kahlil Gibran
I have countless holiday memories. Most of them center around faith, family, and traditions.
Very few childhood memories actually include the gifts I received. I distinctly remember the
year that I got a blue dirt bike, the evening my brother and I received a Nintendo, and opening
socks every year from my grandparents. But other than that, my gift-receiving memories are
pretty sparse. Which got me thinking… what type of gifts can we give to our children that they
will never forget? What gifts will truly impact their lives and change them forever?
To that end, here is an alphabetical list.
35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget:
1. Affirmation. Sometimes one simple word of affirmation can change an entire life. So make
sure your children know how much you appreciate them. And then, remind them every chance
you get.
2. Art. With the advent of the Internet, everyone who wants to create… can. The world just
needs more people who want to…
3. Challenge. Encourage your child to dream big dreams. In turn, they will accomplish more
than they thought possible… and probably even more than you thought possible.
4. Compassion/Justice. Life isn’t fair. It never will be – there are just too many variables. But
when a wrong has been committed or a playing field can be leveled, I want my child to be active
in helping to level it.
5. Contentment. The need for more is contagious. Therefore, one of the greatest gifts you can
give your children is an appreciation for being content with what they have, who they are, and
who they can become.
6. Curiosity. Teach your children to ask questions about who, what, where, how, why, and why
not. “Stop asking so many questions” are words that should never leave a parents’ mouth.
7. Determination. One of the greatest determining factors in one’s success is the size of their
will. How can you help grow your child’s today?
8. Discipline. Children need to learn everything from the ground-up including appropriate
behaviors, how to get along with others, how to get results, and how to achieve their dreams.
Discipline should not be avoided or withheld. Instead, it should be consistent and positive.
9. Encouragement. Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words
that you choose to speak today can offer encouragement and positive thoughts to another child.
Or your words can send them further into despair. So choose them carefully.
10. Faithfulness to your Spouse. Faithfulness in marriage includes more than just our bodies. It
also includes our eyes, mind, heart, and soul. Guard your sexuality daily and devote it entirely to
your spouse. Your children will absolutely take notice.
11. Finding Beauty. Help your children find beauty in everything they see… and in everyone
they meet.
12. Generosity. Teach your children to be generous with your stuff so that they will become
generous with theirs.
13. Honesty/Integrity. Children who learn the value and importance of honesty at a young age
have a far greater opportunity to become honest adults. And honest adults who deal truthfully
with others tend to feel better about themselves, enjoy their lives more, and sleep better at night.
14. Hope. Hope is knowing and believing that things will get better and improve. It creates
strength, endurance, and resolve. And in the desperately difficult times of life, it calls us to press
onward.
15. Hugs and Kisses. I once heard the story of a man who told his 7-year old son that he had
grown too old for kisses. I tear up every time I think of it. Know that your children are never too
old to receive physical affirmation of your love for them.
16. Imagination. If we’ve learned anything over the past 20 years, it’s that life is changing faster
and faster with every passing day. The world tomorrow looks nothing like the world today. And
the people with imagination are the ones not just living it, they are creating it.
17. Intentionality. I believe strongly in intentional living and intentional parenting. Slow down,
consider who you are, where you are going, and how to get there. And do the same for each of
your children.
18. Your Lap. It’s the best place in the entire world for a book, story, or conversation. And it’s
been right in front of you the whole time.
19. Lifelong Learning. A passion for learning is different from just studying to earn a grade or
please teachers. It begins in the home. So read, ask questions, analyze, and expose. In other
words, learn to love learning yourself.
20. Love. …but the greatest of these is love.
21. Meals Together. Meals provide unparalleled opportunity for relationship, the likes of which
can not be found anywhere else. So much so, that a family that does not eat together does not
grow together.
22. Nature. Children who learn to appreciate the world around them take care of the world
around them. As a parent, I am frequently asking my kids to keep their rooms inside the house
neat, clean, and orderly. Shouldn’t we also be teaching them to keep their world outside neat,
clean, and orderly?
23. Opportunity. Kids need opportunities to experience new things so they can find out what
they enjoy and what they are good at. And contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t have to require
much money.
24. Optimism. Pessimists don’t change the world. Optimists do.
25. Peace. On a worldwide scale, you may think this is out of our hands. But in relation to the
people around you, this is completely within your hands… and that’s a darn good place to start.
26. Pride. Celebrate the little things in life. After all, it is the little accomplishments in life that
become the big accomplishments.
27. Room to Make mistakes. Kids are kids. That’s what makes them so much fun… and so
desperately in need of your patience. Give them room to experiment, explore, and make
mistakes.
28. Self-Esteem. People who learn to value themselves are more likely to have self-confidence,
self-esteem, and self-worth. As a result, they are more likely to become adults who respect their
values and stick to them… even when no one else is.
29. Sense of Humor. Laugh with your children everyday… for your sake and theirs.
30. Spirituality. Faith elevates our view of the universe, our world, and our lives. We would be
wise to instill into our kids that they are more than just flesh and blood taking up space. They are
also made of mind, heart, soul, and will. And decisions in their life should be based on more than
just what everyone else with flesh and blood is doing.
31. Stability. A stable home becomes the foundation on which children build the rest of their
lives. They need to know their place in the family, who they can trust, and who is going to be
there for them. Don’t keep changing those things.
32. Time. The gift of time is the one gift you can never get back or take back. So think carefully
about who (or what) is getting yours.
33. Undivided Attention. Maybe this imagery will be helpful: Disconnect to Connect.
34. Uniqueness. What makes us different is what makes us special. Uniqueness should not be
hidden. It should be proudly displayed for all the world to see, appreciate, and enjoy.
35. A Welcoming Home. To know that you can always come home is among the sweetest and
most life-giving assurances in all the world. Is your home breathing life into your child?
Of course, none of these gifts are on sale at your local department store. But, I think that’s the
point.
Comments
1. howard says
January 2, 2016 at 11:19 PM
Being a parent is a huge responsibility which people go into with their own baggage and
no training. Children will make mistakes, do wrong things, and have their own will, They
need direction, limits, and to be taught the correct ways when they mess up. The word
discipline-hitting-or physical abuse in any form makes me cringe. That is what the child
will remember and hate for life.
o
Chuck says
July 24, 2016 at 1:53 AM
Thanks, and what an inspiring paper you just wrote!
o
Vee says
November 26, 2016 at 8:08 PM
The word ‘discipline’ shouldn’t make anybody cringe. It is not the same as hitting
or physical abuse. You can’t bring up a healthy child without discipline.

David says
December 21, 2016 at 10:19 PM
I believe lack of child discipline (teach/instruct/model with firmness)
should be listed as child abuse because too many young people end up in
prison or worse for lack of proper discipline from caring and present
parents.

Judy Worthen says
April 20, 2017 at 8:13 AM
Amen.
o
Elizabeth says
December 2, 2016 at 6:57 AM
Howard, many incorrectly believe the word “discipline” to mean physical
punishment. However, the original Greek work for discipline means “correction.”
We correct our children primarily through reasoning with them in love, allowing
them to experience the consequences of wrong decisions, and more than anything
else, teaching them how to live by our words and example.

Ben says
January 13, 2017 at 9:34 AM
o
anna says
December 4, 2016 at 8:18 AM
Even to drive a car you need to pass an exam. To have and raise a child, to be
responsible for another human being you don’t need anything but it actually might
end up as tragic as car accident.
o
Karen Askenaze says
December 29, 2016 at 1:12 AM
“Discipline” means to teach, as in “disciple.” I agree that this should not include
hitting or abuse. I understand your cringing; the word “discipline” can trigger me
also because of how it was misused in the church and family environment I was
raised in. “Discipline” was at times used as a euphemism for abuse.T rue
discipline should never involve hitting a child. Some might disagree with me, but
I am firm in my belief and will not be moved on this issue.

Carolyn says
December 29, 2016 at 1:51 PM
Agree
2. online says
January 18, 2016 at 10:32 AM
Plastic car. That’s a good idea too.
3. Tricia says
January 20, 2016 at 7:37 AM
Raising children is such an enormous responsibility that takes a commitment beyond
anything you will understand until you are living it. I learned very little from my family
about being the mother I am today, and mostly from my formal education and training,
and the children and families I have worked with the past three decades in public and
private schools. When I see young people romancing parenthood, or the cultural
expectations and pressure for married couples (or single women to marry) to start a
family, it really bothers me.
The list of 35 things is admirable and I have worked at most of them with my 3 sons, yet
the surprises you get at the end of your parenting role are sometimes bittersweet and
always unexpected. We all need to remember we are doing the best we can with the skills
we have at any given moment. And when we know better, from our mistakes mostly, then
we should do better.
Probably the most significant number in the list for me is faithfulness to spouse. My sons
father was not and they witnessed this during their formative adolescent years and it
impacted them in ways that break my heart. Yet, becoming an independent parent (he
also left) and rebuilding our life in new and improved ways has been the most beautiful
and rewarding experience of my life, and for all of us. Our society needs to stop pushing
the meme that the ideal family is a married couple. This alone keeps people in marriages
that are unhealthy for self and children.
Bottom line, and this comes from 22 years of parenting and 30 years of working with
families of every socio-economic-status (very wealthy to very poor) and ethnicity,
children will grow to be who they were meant to be, yet surrounding them with support
and love from healthy family members, friends, competent teachers, coaches, neighbors,
and families of shapes, kinds and sizes, is what I have found to be most important.
#36 — Let go of the need to control your child’s entire world and let life unfold.
o
DBee says
April 13, 2016 at 2:49 AM
I love addition #36,
Always feeling pressure to be a perfect parent to not damage or disadvantage my
child in any way.

Hamz says
May 16, 2016 at 10:57 AM
Worry like that is an indicator of a good parenting if you ask me. Means
the love be strong within you.
o
Ashley says
July 9, 2016 at 8:48 AM
Great reminder, thank you.
o
Ann says
November 25, 2016 at 5:15 PM
Agree with you for # 10!!

Mary Wasner says
December 7, 2016 at 4:26 PM
Ann, I had to look back to see what # 10 said. I agree, as well, that
faithfulness of spouses, along with respect and kindness for each other. is
very important for children. Some times we just don’t try hard enough to
practice the Golden Rule and set good examples for our families. Seeing
Dad and Mom on an even loving keel with each other is a very important
example for children, plus it makes them feel more secure within
themselves. Great post!
o
nat says
March 30, 2017 at 7:19 AM
#36 – Yes! Because we adults don’t always know better than our younger brood,
and even when we do, people learn by experiencing their own beautiful imperfect
lives.
4. Rashmi says
January 21, 2016 at 9:45 PM
Simply beautiful. I appreciate with all my heart. Too good.
5. Kari says
February 8, 2016 at 10:36 AM
Love love love this!
6. shahi says
February 15, 2016 at 6:41 AM
Thank you. Very useful information. A good lesson.
7. Colleen says
February 21, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Heartfelt reminders of what matters most in our life raising our children. Reading each
one I knew where my strengths and weaknesses are/were now that my kids are all in their
mid 30’s. I’m sharing this valuable information with them as they experience their own
parenthood now. As we know, valuable lessons coming from a third party are a safe
haven for us parents…
8. Emily says
March 1, 2016 at 3:03 PM
Love your list so much. I got some gift ideas for my kid.
o
Tina says
March 1, 2016 at 8:29 PM
Wonderful words of wisdom! Every parent needs to read this and be reminded of
what matters most- spending quality time with our children and family and being
the best examples we can for our children. We tend to get busy with our lives (to
do lists) and forget how much the little things matter!

Hamz says
May 16, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Totally agree, everyone is so busy nowadays, seems like nobody has any
time for their kids!
9. Hamz says
May 16, 2016 at 10:54 AM
Man what a great post on the kinds of lessons on simple living you should impart to your
kids. Really identified all the areas where parents usually tend to have a bit of anxiety so
super helpful post to many I bet! Hope to see more tips like these on the site!
10. Lyto says
May 16, 2016 at 5:46 PM
I was blessed with 3 good, caring, generous kids who grew up to be amazing adults. I
raised them with similar guidelines like the ones shared in this post. There is a
misconception about discipline. Discipline is learning self control. Discipline does not
have to involve body or mental harm. Your children can be free and at the same time
learn in small steps responsibility and the importance of being proud of the things they do
and their accomplishments. A parent has to nurture in love and kindness. In a society run
by technology, discipline is more than ever needed to preserve family life and the bond
between parents and children. I love the advise: Disconnect to Reconnect. By doing that,
as parents, we have to bring discipline into our lives. Therefore, by showing self control,
our children could learn by example.
11. Molly Clark says
May 25, 2016 at 10:58 AM
Giving gifts to the child has always been amazing to me. I have given uncountable
number of gifts to my friend’s children. But unfortunately, I don’t have any child. So, i
have planned that if I have a baby then I will buy him or her an electric scooter. Yes, the
site below has a good number of electric scooters.
http://premiumscootershub.com/
12. goachristmaspackages says
June 16, 2016 at 4:41 AM
I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I
thought, “This is what it is to be happy.
13. Tammy Sy says
July 14, 2016 at 6:46 AM
Thanks for your sharing and i hope more parents are giving these valuable gifts to kids.
Yes, i give gifts to my son to set him up with the right attitude too. I care more of his
mental development and setting the right value systems rather than academic
achievement. I am also currently teaching him so NLP concepts and am glad that hes
picking up very well. I will be recording them in my blog
http://www.wishidbeentaught.com
14. Tim says
July 26, 2016 at 6:26 AM
what a fantastic article. I am a strong man with two kids. But I was crying reading it as i
was remembering all things my parents gave and tought me. Thanks for that.
15. Emily Stone says
August 8, 2016 at 2:35 AM
This is very beautiful! Time is the ultimate gift, every moment should be cherished!
16. Lucy says
August 30, 2016 at 7:59 PM
Very nice article Joshua.We often get caught up in the routine of life and forget to cherish
the things that matter most. Hard to think of any others, perhaps adding “a voice”
opportiny to talk and be listened to
17. sahar says
September 6, 2016 at 7:31 AM
“It’s really too good.It expresses how good human you’re.I heartly appreciate and I learnt
how to understand the feelings of a child.I respect u coz you’ve educated me about this.
18. Donna Thrash says
September 21, 2016 at 9:59 AM
How timely that I have come across this now, on the 11th year of my son’s birth. As I
was feeling guilty over the money spent on his birthday present, I asked my husband if he
remembered his birthday presents as a child. We both realized that neither of us really
remembered the gifts- nor will our children most likely. I have used birthdays and
Christmas as opportunities to give my kids the big things they ask for all year and
perhaps in doing that, I have created my own problem of raising the bar on holidays and
making them into gifting events rather than celebrations of life.
19. motivational speakers seattle says
October 31, 2016 at 4:21 PM
Your suggested gifts are the perfect gift for every child. I highly appreciate you.
20. Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
November 9, 2016 at 7:11 PM
It’s time for my family that motivates my minimalism. I see so many peers foregoing
rime with their families because they must work to pay for big houses and new cars.
21. Rhonda Guillotte says
November 18, 2016 at 9:41 PM
I have done all you great parents have told, yet I have a son with mental issues, so that is
another plane entirely So consider you’re blessed! The US gas got to address the mental
health issues of our children!!!!!
22. Julie Simpson says
November 29, 2016 at 4:04 PM
This is wonderful. You are right on the nail with these gifts.
23. Alexa Freson says
December 21, 2016 at 10:21 PM
What a beautiful article. I agree with many of these suggestions. I am proud of the way I
have raised my children and believe that that they have done the same their children. Life
is not always easy but when you teach your children the things that are important in life it
encourages them to follow through and live their lives, knowing that life is what you
make of lt. Acceptlng things that you have to work on and never forget if you give it your
best you will go to bed at the end of day content with knowing you gave it all you had to
give.
24. Tina says
December 31, 2016 at 6:17 PM
From the perspective of being both the child and the parent, I would add offering a caring
parent who not only cares about the children but also about herself or himself is an
important gift. My mom was great. As a consequence of many illnesses she is
unfortunately in another place since mid 2011.
Also – give children space, not only time.
And as the song says – If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting, time after time.
25. Mommies brain says
April 15, 2017 at 9:55 PM
This is beautiful.
26. Pavitrata says
April 17, 2017 at 1:16 AM
I love reading your articles… They are what we need these days… Keep writing…
Love…
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