How much does Christmas cost you?

ironman1

Looking on here and reading the papers today it got me thinking how expensive Christmas must be for big famlies/if you have kids.

Me and the girlfriend moved into our first place a year ago just before Christmas so it cost us quite a bit but it must be hard for those who have kids to buy for, especially with all the adverts etc brainwashing them!

It's always been a time of year that I don't mind spending an extra few quid to put a smile on a few faces but I was interested how my spending compares with others on here.

GF- Around £200
Mum- £30
Dad- £30
Others - £40

£300 for presents seems good to me and this site helped alot plus the usual 3 for 2 offers and all that game...

I started saving money from wages a couple of months ago which really helped instead of using it all up more or less a week or two before Christmas.

From reading the NOTW today it is saying people are spending MORE this year than last year, despite the recession...

Is that the case with you lot?

jetty

I really couldn't say, i buy everything throughout the year in the sales and things, so i haven't a clue!

talkhard

I'm spending £350 this year which is absolutely loads I think! Haha.

Mum and Dad - £60
Sister and Husband - £40
Sister and Boyf - £40
Nan/Gran/Godmother - £30
Nephew - £30
Fiance - £150

I wish I'd saved vouchers through the year like last year. I'm a bit annoyed at that. I'm racking my brains trying to come up with some ideas of gifts that look extravegant but aren't (moneywise) but I'm struggling this year.

jetty

you shouldn't think extravagant, you should think thoughtful

I'm doing my mum a photo album this year, she keeps on at my dad to print some off for her, but he never gets around to it, so i did some when i did mine (was same price at boots as it would've been just for mine!) and i also scanned and printed some older ones of my kids to put in it (although i have so many, i had to buy a second album!) In all, it cost me about a fiver, but know she will love it

ironman1

I sometimes do the surveys on a website (when I can be bothered!) and got a £10 Amazon voucher which paid for the majority of two CD's I was going to buy anyway for presents. It's good when you get a touch like that.

When I say I spend £300 odd thats me not including the girlfriend who spends the same or maybe more because of the big family on her side

ironman1

As for the making presents I suppose thats more of a girls thing, but I agree with you most people would appreciate that more than an expensive gift. Especially things like photos which mean something.

I sort of set myself a budget this year to spend around £200 on the gf and £100 on others. You can get some bargains especially online and most wouldn't have a clue what you spent on certain gifts which is always a bonus!

I like trating the missus at Christmas and her bday because she is the most least 'wanting' girl I have ever known and for 23 really appreciates what I get for her. By the way I haven't bought her anything yet although I am ordering a few things next week but if any of you ladies could give me some ideas I'd be grateful!

She is into the usual, clothes, shoes, handbags, trips away/shows and so on...

Silaqui

I've spent about £150 in total on my mum, dad, sister and boyfriend. I don't buy for anyone else through mutual agreement (although I did spend £2 on some kama sutra chocolates for my best mate as a joke :rotfl:)

Thats much more than I usually spend though, and because we are all older now I tend to get things that are either things I know they want, or little surprises that I think they might like. I've got lots of little things this year that mean there will be plenty to unwrap, and I've been doing it for the past month or so so I'm about finished now. Going to get chocolate based things nearer the time though so I'm not tempted to eat them myself hehe.

Re your girlfriend - is she into Take That? As they have their tour dvd out soon and the special edition CD of the tour as well - I've been dropping hints for those from my b/f!

x

elfen

Did my Xmas shopping, has turned out about £200-250 (this is for OH, OH's m+d, OH's brother, my m+d, 4 sisters, sister's wife, sister's OH, sister's g/f and niece) so 14 presents out of that is not bad at all

caeler

My budget is £200. This includes all wrapping, cards and postage. I send approx 50 cards. I buy for approx 15 people, mostly friends and family and a couple of little ones. I try and keep it small as I don't want friends thinking they have to buy for me.

mary-op

I try and make a few things and spend the year getting stuff from charity shops (unwanted gifts) and lost track a bit this year on what it cost but roughly its

Oldest son.......£10 odds and ends and £50 cheque
Youngest son...................ditto
Respective girlfriends.............odds and ends £10 each
Teenage grandchildren(twins)...........odds and ends £10 each plus cheque each for £30
Little grandson............about the same
Foster daughter and her husband -£20 odds and ends
Foster son and girlfriend - £20 odds and ends
My two friends......£10 each in odds and ends

Just totted that up and frightened myself with £300 !!:eek: total :eek: Still, spreading it through the year I don't notice it quite so much:rolleyes:

Me and OH don't buy for each other normally -might pick up the odd book for him or CD but mostly its a case of getting something we need for the house or some household thing we both like.
We forked out for an old pine dresser this year and that's this christmas spoken for...........plus birthdays.................lol

DKLS

Mother: £100
Fiance: 850-1K Then another 1K for her birthday 3 days after xmas
ME: £500
Everyone else Thorntons box of chocs @ £10ish

Thank heavens I dont have any kids to buy for!