How do you know when to cut back on your kids christmas gifts? I have a 28 year old Daughter, married with children, a 22 year old son in college, and a 16 year old son. My husband and I just purchased our first home, so money is kinda tight, and we wanted to cut back on christmas, but I really don't know what is an appropriate amount to spend on the kids. How do you decide how much is appropriate?
2006-12-07 00:25:21 · 7 answers · asked by MommaSchmitt 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
We're doing the same thing. I'm in college, work part time and my husband doesn't have a lot of income right now from his business.
So, we are buying gifts based on "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" a sister gift, and a gift from Santa Claus. SO, our kids gave us a list of things to choose from in those categories.
We are only buying one item over $50, the others are much less. Our total budget per child is $150.
We also did this, because we want our kids to stop focusing on the materialism and the "International Greed Fest" day.
2006-12-07 00:31:59 · answer #1 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
our budget is tight this year so for christmas we are spending $150 a peice on our 6 & 8 year old and so far about $60 on our 9 month old. i am a 28 year old women and i would rather have my parents buy something for my kids even if its a just a couple $10 toys than to spend money on me when they really could not afford to. for your 22 year old maybe give him a giftcard and for your 16 yr old just try not to go over what you can afford and just them all know that you wont be able to spend a whole lot on christmas this year
2006-12-07 01:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by kaitnkie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for you this should be very easy...two of your children are adults and should well understand that money is tight and if they have any feelings they will not expect anything from you...the sixteen year old can get a gift certificate to a department store and you can find some relatively inexpensive but nice toys for your grandchildren...after all christmas isnt just about gift giving!...invite the whole family over for a nice homecooked meal and that should be more than enough....Merry Christmas
2006-12-07 00:33:07 · answer #3 · answered by kimbersweet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spend between 25 -40 we have 4 kids.
The ones that live out of state I just send them American Express gift cards they are easy to use and cheaper to send then wrapped gifts and dealing with the post office. The local one's grocery store cards guys love to buy food and they can get their own sodas and chips :)
The adult kids don't mind gift cards.
The grandkids are a whole nother matter go to highlights.com they have some cute things and you can buy within a budget.
2006-12-07 00:36:16 · answer #4 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love the 2nd answer..so that is a wonderful guideline as far as the spending goes. Having your young adults at home will be so much fun for you. If you like to have them have a lot of packages to open..go to your Dollar General Store and pick up fun things that mean something to you all..minders of times past and hopes for their future. You see..if you make your time together fun and full of laughter and memories..they will not mind simple gift giving.
I know large families do draw names to exchange gifts with. This can be a lot of fun and the giver is kept secret.
Your kids know your situation and I am sure they love spending Christmas with you more than getting expensive presents. Have a grand time of taking lots of pictures, have Carols playing..set up a board game..pop popcorn and string it for the family tree..all these things w ill make for a lovely time together and everyone will feel full in their Hearts.
2006-12-07 00:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by Kay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well - I spend up to I've received. Some years it is extra - a few years it is much less. Last 12 months it used to be not anything (I had gotten fired). So something is bigger than that. And I'm SOOOO joyful to look you Angel. ?
2016-09-03 11:00:05 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't give them anything u give them life that enough.
2006-12-07 00:31:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋