How much do you spend at Xmas on kids?

babyblooz

I agree with you about the facebook pictures.

I hate them too!

tazzyb

FBaby wrote: »

I think all what you described makes perfect sense from an economical point of view and I agree that as long as you don't get into debts (or do with less of essential things to make up for it), there are no issues from that perspective. But I can't help think that children only know what they get and see and that ultimately builds a sense of expectation that they consider to be normal as they have never known any different.

Grateful and appreciative children become in selfish, demanding and totally ungrateful teenagers (as I am discovering), but I think that this is even more apparent with teenagers who were spoilt as children. It is human nature to always want more, so when they had much more to start with already, why wouldn't consider that they are entitled to yet more as they years go by?

I do agree that everyone is different, and not all spoilt children (as materialistically spoilt) will grow into spoilt teenagers (as in, acting like brats) and vice versa but I think that the chances are much higher that they will become so.

I see your point of view. However I believe myself and husband will raise a son who is not selfish and demanding. We both work hard and will ensure he grows up with a good work ethic. When he is old enough for pocket money he will work for it. And will be taught treats are just that.

As someone said previously though these figures are not in true context of how much we all earn, savings and so on. My household income will be less then some posters and more then others. I am also certain some of the biggers spenders may earn less then me and some of the smaller spenders will earn more. We will never know the full picture.

I love Christmas, time together as a family, lovely food and I get great pleasure seeing people open their presents. However I have a rule, I put more in my son's ISA per year then I spend on him for Christmas and Birthday.

Bluemeanie_2

My daughter has just turned one. I have not bought her a Christmas or bday present and won't for as long as I can get away with it. I ask family to buy her the toys and stuff and then I put Money in her bank account. I feel she will appreciate this much more when she is older than another plastic toy to add to her collection of many!

pleasedelete

Bluemeanie wrote: »

My daughter has just turned one. I have not bought her a Christmas or bday present and won't for as long as I can get away with it. I ask family to buy her the toys and stuff and then I put Money in her bank account. I feel she will appreciate this much more when she is older than another plastic toy to add to her collection of many!

One of my friends just wrapped up old presents (items they already had) for her 2 until they were 3. They had the fun of unwrapping and playing with boxes.

Bluemeanie_2

pleasedelete wrote: »

One of my friends just wrapped up old presents (items they already had) for her 2 until they were 3. They had the fun of unwrapping and playing with boxes.

That's a really good idea!

skintchick

moomoomama27 wrote: »

Ditto the same, and we do spend a lot!

The day is about spending quality time and having a lovely time doing so! Having a larger budget to spend doesn't mean that people don't value time as a family!!

I didn;t say they didn't. I was responding to someone else's reply.

Homeownertobe

CH27 wrote: »

I just feel that this is a money saving website & people bragging about spending stupid amounts of money can make people who are on their uppers feel very inadequate & may make them slide from their MSE intentions.

So? Seriously. If someone being able to afford more than you would make you give up your own intentions so easily then frankly, you're not all there.

wendz86

I will be spending about £100-150, spent less in previous years but she is getting a bike this year but will be paying for that with tesco vouchers. She gets so many presents as has 3 sets of grandparents and 5 sets of aunties and uncles plus great aunties and uncles so gets loads.

savingmummy

DD 8 DS 6.
I spend what I can afford, no set amount to be honest.
I have the Tesco Christmas savers which helps and after doubling them up in Novemeber I will have £100.


I have however already made a start and managed to get some dvds from home bargains.
AND a few spiderman toys from home bargains which were £10 cheaper then the shops.


My children prefer their onesies, selection packs and a hot chocolate

WantToBeSE

I spend what I think is appropriate. I wouldn't ever get into debt for Christmas.