I'm just throwing this out there because I'm curious about what other people think. Do you set a limit (dollar amount) for how much you spend on each of your kids? If so, how much and how do you decide? I have a four-year-old and a four-month-old, and I know it's only going to get worse as they get older. I don't feel like I've bought them very much this year, but it seems like the money adds up quickly. Thanks for your input!
2006-11-29 07:56:47 · 15 answers · asked by Danielle R 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
My parents had six children and they had to put a set amount on each of us because they didn't have very much money. When we were younger, it wasn't set and Christmas stressed them out greatly! Now, Its $100-200 (depending on the finances) and there was one present that was the main present. You don't want to teach your children that Christmas is all about tons of presents and it how much that it was. They wont know the difference and if you do this at a young age... putting an emphases on giving and love, they will appreciate you more and what they get.
When my parents didn't have a set amount growing up, it stressed me out and I hated Christmas and receiving presents. My youngest sibling, however, only cares about what she can get and how much it is.
whether you see it or not... figure out what you want to teach them (even if you dont realize it, you are teaching them) and how much that you can afford without going overboard.
2006-11-29 08:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by kellieghr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say definitely $100 or less if you're looking at budget, especially the 4 month old because the boxes & paper will be more interesting. My husband and I have decided instead to go with a certain number of gifts. We always go with 5 gifts for each other, and then 7 or 8 for the kids. Kids usually think that more is better anyway. This way we can put crayons & coloring books under there for one gift, and then a movie for another gift. The kids think it's great because they got a lot of stuff, but it didn't cost us an arm & a leg for Christmas either.
2006-11-29 08:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by missionhtg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a kid, my mom didn't buy us much throughout the year so that the holidays would seem special. Now that I am an adult, the holidays seem sooooooo materialistic. I go about 100 dollars of toys for my daughter, she is 4. I think of 2 main things she is into and focus it around that instead of just bombarding her with all sorts of needless things. My son is 1 and I am just getting him 1 big thing. On top of that, I spend another 50 on things like the stocking and an ornament and what not. I spent 100 dollars on the daughter her first 2 years and got so much stuff that I am still getting rid of it. The sad thing is that she NEVER played with any of it. Hope you figure it out, this time of year is crazy and wonderfully fun at the same time. Merry Christmas.
2006-11-29 08:02:13 · answer #3 · answered by Hi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have a 3yr old and 20 month old and we have set a budget this year for the holidays. We won't spend more than $150 on each child.
We've cut down on spending by buying used gifts on ebay or amazon.com. We got a $300 ride on Barbie jeep for only $75!
We tend to get the kids each 1-2 "big" gifts and then several small gifts under $15 each.
We try to keep the focus of the holiday season on family, togetherness, giving, and fun activities instead of consumerism, materialism and gifts.
2006-11-29 08:07:32 · answer #4 · answered by Falina T. Rayon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I try to spend equal amounts on both of my children 8 and 6. They do not get a lot. One or two toys they requested and a couple sets of clothing. I find that less is a lot of times more. And they appreciate what they get more. The average is 75 to 100 dollars. Because there is still the Christmas tree and dinner etc.
2006-11-29 08:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by mudd_grip 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am spending about $150 on each child and making it where they each have 6 gifts to open. Having the same number will make more sense to my 6 year old than how much money was spent. Mine will be 6 years old and 11 months old. Later on, when they are old enough to understand money, I will implement a $ limit and if they want one gift worth that limit they will only get that one gift!
2006-11-29 08:12:42 · answer #6 · answered by lvminole 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always try and spend the same amount on each of my kids that is the only fair way no favoritism.
2006-11-29 08:01:03 · answer #7 · answered by lollipoppett2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every thing that kids like is so bloody expensive theres no such thing as "cheap" gifts any more, so it never looks like you bought much when you look under the tree, but it sure feels like a lot when you look at your empty wallet. I have a 7 year old and i spend roughly $500 on gifts for him.
2006-11-29 08:00:46 · answer #8 · answered by Aussieblonde -bundy'd 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the kid. If its my kid or one of my nephews there is basically no limit to what i would spend to make them happy. with that said i wouldn't buy my friends child an expensive gift. on just any child i probably wouldn't spend more that $100.
2006-11-29 08:00:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
$500 so we can have a big gift like (ipad,kindle, or laptop) but still have alittle bit of money left to get small gifts because when there young it could be a disappointment and my parents only get us stuff on our birthday and Christmas besides back 2 school shopping wintering shopping allowance(no regular day given) and small stuff
2014-12-06 11:01:53 · answer #10 · answered by jane 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋