How much do you spend on your adult children at Christmas?

Andypandyboy

People do things differently, we have always done the numerous gifts thing, it is what we grew up with and what we have done for our kids. We still do it even though they are adults. We buy thoughtfully and with the expectation of delight and enjoyment.

We also remember that others are less fortunate and always buy an extra gift for a local charity and support other local charities over Xmas.

Newly_retired

I am finding it hard to believe the amount people spend. I just hope that it is all affordable, and doesn't send people into debt.

freyasmum

karcher wrote: »

A very different world from mine.

I must ask, are that number of presents really necessary?

Isn't the joy and excitement of receiving a gift diminished when you have so so many?

No, they are definitely not necessary - and certainly not expected.

We didn't have lots of fancy abroad holidays when I was young (in fact, I only got my first passport last year) and weren't always going out on expensive days out to soft play areas, the cinema and McDonalds as all my friends seemed to be. But my parents worked very, very hard to provide a fantastic roof over our heads and I think this was their way of giving us what they thought we deserved.

And, as I say - particularly as is the case for our children who have their Santa presents at home, presents from their other families and then almost the same again from my parents, it can become quite overwhelming. And I don't want to use the word 'chore', because it implies that the receiver is not thankful for the gifts, when that is most definitely not the case; but they cannot open all of their gifts on Christmas Day.

We always used to play lots of games on Christmas Day after we'd opened our presents, and the past few years, we haven't had the time to do this because we were still opening presents past midnight

But my mum can't stop herself; if she sees a bargain, she will buy it for them. We would all be very, very happy with a much reduced quantity of presents (again, this will sound ungrateful when I don't mean it to, but it can be difficult to find a home for all these new possessions). But my parents are generous to a fault; they see it that they have worked hard all their days and can afford to treat/spoil us.

Just to add: none of us have ever been in debt for Christmas, that's not the way we were brought up.

Cheeseface

My parents spend £100 per family. I have 3 siblings.

One sibling with no partner has £100 spent on them, I have two children and a partner so we get £100 between us.

owlet

I spend £50 - 60 on my adult daughter. My parents give cheques to everyone, £40 each to adults (their children, spouses & grandchildren over 20) and the younger grandchildren get £25 each. They then buy each of us a small gift up to £10 in value just for something to unwrap.

OldMotherTucker

They're all grown up now with bills to pay so we've agreed to £50 a gift for Christmas and for Birthday - son-law-to be gets treated just the same and, this year, so will son's GF:T

As 3 of them have birthdays close to Christmas they are allowed to double up to £100 for one combined gift and I've no problem giving them cash or vouchers to spend for themselves but usually we discuss it all between ourselves! Son wants a particular piece of music equipment - we'll spend a bit of time online so at least I know what I'm getting him but I wouldn't choose it myself! Daughter and fiance are into home improvements . . . Youngest wants really expensive vegan shoes!!


It's a bit boring but there are always a few surprises as well to unwrap. I enjoy buying gifts but we don't restrict that to Christmas and birthdays anyway!

All I know is that if 5 people are intending to spend £50 each on me, I'm going to make sure it's stuff I want and will use so I'll point them in the right direction!:rotfl:

martinthebandit

I find it very surprising that some posters spend more on the children than they do on their children's partners. Are your kids partners not part of the family?

In answer to the OP, £30 ish on each, each of three kids gets £30, their partners get £30 each and the grandkids are 'supposed' to get £30 each as well, although they usually get a bit more.

That totals nearly £400 which is enough surely?

OldMotherTucker

martinthebandit wrote: »

I find it very surprising that some posters spend more on the children than they do on their children's partners. Are your kids partners not part of the family?

In answer to the OP, £30 ish on each, each of three kids gets £30, their partners get £30 each and the grandkids are 'supposed' to get £30 each as well, although they usually get a bit more.

That totals nearly £400 which is enough surely?

It's plenty! I want my loved ones to enjoy the festive spirit and not feel obligated or pressured - if one of us was skint and couldn't afford as much, it wouldn't matter. Gifts come from the heart - but it good to have a guide and a limit!

WibblyGirly

This year, my parents have given me a very generous gift costing £1000. Usually though it varies depending one what kind of year they've had. As they've earned more money they've spent more on gifts.
My partners parents send us a card and thats it. He's always so surprised when my parents give him a gift!

seven-day-weekend

No more than £100, same for partner, usually half that.

Hubby and I just buy things we were going to buy anyway and wrap them up so we have a pressie to open, plus things like chocolates, booze and biscuits.