How much do you spend and what do you get for your childrens Birthday presents???

Lunar_Eclipse

RoxieW wrote: »

We spend alot at birthdays - probably about £300 usually but it has been more and it has been less. The birthday child will usually have a big party and a family day trip out somewhere - but on occassions we have done other things. My middle son had his 3rd birthday party at Disneyland for example which obviously cost alot more but it was a family holiday which we coincided with his birthday. Last year we went to legoland for the weekend. Eldest had a big party which cost about £350. He then got a ds and a couple of other bits for presents so that was about £500.
So the answer is that we probably spend abit too much but the bulk of the cost is usually spent on a on a big family outing and/or party. On presents I would normally say under £100 but as my eldest is getting older I can see this increasing and the cost of parties etc decreasing IYSWIM.
Last Xmas we spent about £1000 split between our 3 children - the baby had much less - about £100 worth.
I probably go alittle OTT because I never got much in the way of presents or parties or days out as a child.
That said - I think you can still make a childs day special and make them feel special no matter what your budget - unfortunately my parents didnt bother with that either

Wow; I think you're over compensating.;)

Worth bearing in mind that children tend to get much more expensive (ie demanding) as teenagers and precedents do get set beforehand!

We went to Disneyland for the weekend the day after my eldest turned 8. We did not go for her birthday (it was the Easter hols), but because of the expense and treat (did I say that; not for us it wasn't!) of doing that, she received a couple of token presents (£30?) and had a movie and pizza party at home for six friends. They all went home with an Easter egg , 3 for 2 or similar, in lieu of a party bag. We have a high household income, but I felt that was still plenty. They also spent their own pocket money that they had saved up on their Disney souvenir.

We have a mortgage to pay off and retirement to save up for afterall. :eek: