It’s that time of year again, a season brimming with temptation to overspend. This year, I made a promise to myself to stick to a reasonable budget. After all, no one enjoys being financially strapped well into the new year. Frankly, all I wanted to hunt for on Black Friday were affordable groceries.
My kids have grown, and their holiday lists are much shorter and more focused. The vague wish-lists of random toys are a thing of the past. I thought starting the shopping early would alleviate some of the holiday pressure. It worked—for a little while.
Being organized felt like a smart move. But then, my children threw a curveball my way. “Mom, I want to do Brrr Baskets this year.” Instantly, I felt a wave of confusion and anxiety. If this was anything like the Boo Basket trend that I had barely avoided over the years, I was not keen on adding more chaos to my holiday season.
When I inquired about these Brrr Baskets, they shrugged it off as no big deal. Apparently, it consists of a small collection of their favorite items—something cozy and cute that can be gifted to kids, friends, or anyone they wish to surprise. It’s not a true Christmas gift, but more of a festive nod to the chilly season (hence the name Brrr).
On the surface, it sounds harmless. Like a trendy version of those secret Santa swaps I enjoyed in my youth… or so I thought. However, after hearing my kids’ ideas for these baskets, my excitement waned. Brrr Baskets were rapidly transforming into a significant source of stress—just when I thought I’d finally got everything under control.
The items they envisioned filling these baskets were outlandish. Sol De Janeiro body sprays? A $35 blanket? A Kendra Scott necklace? These were essentially the same items on their Christmas lists; so much for a simple and thoughtful exchange.
After I collected my thoughts, we sat down for a chat. Why were they insisting on such pricey additions? Wasn’t the intention to keep it cozy and simple? Why are fuzzy socks—perfect for a Brrr Basket—deemed uncool?
With social media influencing their perspectives, it’s easy to overlook the message of moderation. We often watch their favorite content creators showcasing extravagant, oversized baskets filled with high-end goodies. I get their point, but if we were going to do Brrr Baskets, a more reasonable approach was in order.
So, I asked them a couple of straightforward questions: Do you genuinely think that people appreciate all these items? Have you thought about how many of the products in those baskets are probably sponsored gifts? As a mother, the message of overconsumption resonates strongly with me. We consciously strive to avoid buying items just for the sake of it.
Don’t misunderstand me. I cherish that my kids are spirited about giving. It’s heartwarming to see their excitement in selecting gifts for friends. However, the price tags on their chosen items were concerning. They’re too young to earn their own money. Sure, they receive an allowance, and although I didn’t expect them to spend it all, I wanted them to realize that our finances have limits.
As a result, we are making Brrr Baskets our way. They will explore stores for affordable stocking stuffers and pick out fun snacks their friends love (and that one type of gum they are always asking for). Instead of purchasing full sets of high-end products, we’re splitting multipacks of smaller sizes. More importantly, they aren’t just loading up on items—they’re also dedicating time to bake festive cookies and experiment with new dessert recipes.
The holiday season is dubbed the season of joy, and while I may not fully embrace the Brrr Basket concept, I adore the idea of spreading love and kindness. My kids could easily fill their baskets with homemade treats, and it would still convey the same beautiful message: the true essence of the holidays is showing those around you that you care.
