Christmas: reasonable spend per child.

arthur_dent_2

Ok so I believe that there is another thread started about this somewhere, but for the life of me I cannot find it.

What would people consider to be a reasonable amount to spend on thier children? My husband and I have different ideas on this and would like to know what others think. Also it is important to both of us that we buy them not only what they would like but also something whch they would get more than a days use out of.

Any ideas welcome and thanked!

galvanizersbaby

I plan to spend approx 60 -100 pounds max on each of my children this year.
They are 4 and a half and 6 years old.

They have both written a christmas list for Santa and I will buy what's top of the list and then a few stocking fillers made up of (as you say things that they will get more than a days use out of but they might not have thought to put on their list!)

My 2 recieve lots of other presents from family and friends at xmas and tbh they get too much

billysmum

Hi, i have 4 children age 14,12,8,6 and plan to spend approx £250 each on them

sarymclary

It depends upon how old your children are. When mine were very young I would spend maybe £30 on them, as they weren't really in need of anything. As they grew up they started to want things more, and it was a good way of investing in larger toys like outdoor items, wooden trainsets, Lego, etc., that are still being used all these years later.

Once they get into primary school and beyond they have definite ideas about what they want, especially if they go to other children's houses and play with their toys. Once they are asking for more than I can afford, I set a budget.

I have a fixed, and what I feel is very generous budget, of £150 per child - I have 4 (OH has 2 and buys their gifts himself). In previous years that has covered their 'big' gifts, and I've topped it up with extras, but this year, and last year I stuck rigidly to it, and it has to include everything they get - even their annual PJ's & socks! I try to get most larger items on their Wish List, and 2 of my boys even do a 5 star rating to help me know which items they really want the most.

This year I have suggested if they want to put a portion of each of their budget towards a large gift for them all (in this case a Nintendo Wii) that is easily shared, then that will still leave each of them with in excess of £100 each to themselves, so they agreed with me.

I think it has defnitely educated my children in the art of budgeting, and realising that there isn't a bottomless pit of cash to splash out on luxuries. They are rather perplexed when friends mention getting 40" LCD TV's and PS3's for Christmas, as that is way beyond our means, and as I pointed out to them - what can be left for them to actually want anymore?

imfedup

I have spent in the past a stupid amount of money on my children at christmas, and I do mean stupid. Yet ask them 3 weeks after christmas what they got and they cant even remember the top 3 presents that they couldnt possibly have lived without before christmas day.:eek:

This year I plan to buy them a Wii between them (they are 14 and 7) but I will also get use out of it, and I have told my eldest that she cant have any more than £150 and as my youngest is a firm believer in Father Christmas I can get away with spending less.

Everyone is different, but my children (and I am sure most other children) get spoilt by everyone else at christmas and its not like it was when I was growing up when you actually WANTED something and you waited all year till the magical santa brought it for you.;)

monkey22_2

I feel a bit of a tightwad compared to the posts above! I spend £50 each on mine - I've got 3 under 5.

NayLAne

My parents usually spend £50 tops on us, and its not a problem... I think its daft spending loads on xmas for kids... no need for it! If they are young they will appreciate having loads of cheaper stuff rather than one big thing...

hm71_2

I spend £150-£200 per child for christmas, but my children are all teenagers. When they were younger the budget was probably about £50. the thing I have noticed is that as they get older, the things they would like cost lots but are very small. DS wanted a 3rd gen ipod last year £108 but its the tiniest thing I've seen- & looks no way like its cost over £100 I was gutted when I saw it. but he uses it everyday so money well spent. I would say spend within your budget & look for deals- I have been buying bits on/off for a couple of months probably spending no more than £30 each on various perfume/make up/ aftershave sets and this leaves me enough in my christmas fund to buy them the big request.

yummymummy888888

I have a completley different take on it! (2 girls 5 and 6):D

I buy them the must have toys they want, (the wow factor," look what Father Christmas has got me"), whether £20 or £100.00 it does not really matter. I then keep shopping till they have loads of parcels to open.

A week before xmas I have a quick tally up but I am kidding myself really. The "bargains" I have got in the year and in the pre xmas sales probably double what figure I have in my head!

For me it is all about a satisfying pile of prezzies for them to come down to and how long they are kept occupied opening them!

Oh, I tell hubby I spend about £150.00 each. Cough Cough:rotfl:

robnye

billysmum wrote: »

Hi, i have 4 children age 14,12,8,6 and plan to spend approx £250 each on them

blooming eck.... you make me feel light a right meeny....

will you adopt me........ ! :rotfl:

i think we spend too much on my kids, as someone mentioned, 3 weeks after christmas, they cant remember everything they got..... 6 months after, at least one of their top 2 items hasnt beend touched for 3 months......

shelovestobuystuff

I am aiming for a maximum £250 per child this year but have come in under £180 for DD,s pressies.Still to buy DS,s but think I will do it in budget.I do still think its too much and I will probably cut back again next year.
This is the other thread
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1134605