How much do you spend on your kids at Christmas?

strawberrypud

Edinburghlass wrote: »

Question comes up every year! I do think it depends on your own circumstances rather than looking at what other people spend.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1259421

Of course it comes up every year, Christmas is the most expensive time of year and this is a moneysaving forum! (And that thread you quoted is 2 years old :rotfl:)

Even those people who can afford to spend a fortune may prefer not to so any hints and tips help. I think Martins philosophy is to get the things you want but to pay as little as possible for them!:money:

Wilma33

Keep your eye on Hotdeals throughout the year and by xmas you will have enough bargins!

SDG31000

My sons are now 11 and 14, so decide what they would like for Christmas. DH and I ask for suggestions and work from there. This year DS1 wants computer games and headphones and DS2 wants a bedroom makeover with a new desk, shelves and a mini fridge. I will also pick up stocking filler type stuff as I see it and shop all year for the rest of my family and friends. Also their birthdays are both in January, so that limits what I'm willing to spend at Christmas. I used to spend lots of money on them and buy stuff for the sake of it, then I watched them one year just tearing into this massive pile of presents, not bothering to even look at what they were unwrapping, and then asking where the rest of the presents where when they finished. After that I decided no more and set limits.

kavics17

I don't have kids but have kids to buy for and my budget is £20 each-having said that I managed to sort all of them out in about £6 each, buying a hoodie for 70% off, buying a collection of books for £5.99 instead of £25, etc. Very pleased with myself this year!

tiernsee

This year my son is going on a ski trip to Italy with school and this is his main present. He will get a few small things to open (and, of course, a stocking) but not a lot. I tend to buy presents throughout the year and put away but am reducing what I got - last year I went mad and they had so many presents that I'm sure they didn't appreciate them all. For daughter this year got her three main presents using the buy 2 get third free offer from Argos, and also got her some books (Book people) and DS games (Amazon/ebay). Trying to concentrate on quality rathe than quantity this year!

maisiescamp

I start buying presents in about July when the summer sales start, I really research the things I want to buy so that I get the best deal. I mainly use MSE, HDUK, Ebay, Amazon & Play to get vouchers, codes, sale details, etc.

I have 2 DD's and spend about £150 each, however once I have bought everything I sit down with it all in front of me and seperate any 'Big' presents into Christmas & Birthday as their birthdays are Jan/Feb.

lauren_1

I am actually going overboard this year and spending £100 each, but i am refusing to buy anyone else a present, not even OH is getting one (he had his early)

Lucy1973

Only have the one son who's now 16. His presssies usually amount to around £200.

*Louise*

I aim for around £200 per child as a guide. They have one 'big' gift up to £100 and then lots of smaller ones

I start writing down ideas in July, then I look out for sales, 3 for 2 offers etc. I have a word doc with everything listed, RRP and how much I spent. I have had loads of bargains so far, and I have around 10 gifts each stashed away atm.

gingin_2

Dd is getting a digital camera for £32, as she loves walking round the house and taking pictures with mine - she's only 6 but she'll love it. DS wants cash which I don't really like giving him so haven't decided yet. I did win an Xbox, though, so he might get lucky.

What do others do if their children ask for cash?

Other than that it's small stocking fillers that I bought in the sales