Parents - How much money or how many presents do you buy?

Question

I'm just wondering what they norm is. My husband makes me feel like I get too much and yet I always feel like I didn't quite get enough for my kids. They are young, early elementary, and I buy them some clothes, pajamas, shoes. THis year they all got a watch, a book, a bike or trike and about 3 toys. What is your normal?

Wow, thanks for all your answers, I feel much better now. I worry every year because I don't want anyone to be disappointed with what they get and always feel that one child is maybe not getting as good of stuff. But all your answers have assured me that I am in the "norm". Thanks, now I can relax a bit.

Answer 1

Its not about how much money your spending...its about what they want and will appreciate. The book, bike, or educational toys are great....sounds like your buying nice things for them...without going overboard.
I would say things they will love and some things that they could use is something they will appreciate...that would be the norm!!

Merry Christmas!!

Answer 2

They both got about $150 dollars worth, which was a bike/trike a few toys each and some books and crayons, plus a new toy box/organizer for each. You're not spending too much, besides, Christmas is only once a year.

Answer 3

I am sure you will see answers all across the board on this one. I don't think there is a normal level... it depends on your situation, your children, and your friends and family. What you have listed sounds about perfect to me. If the toys are educational then a little more is always fine. That's a good way to compromise with your hubby. My family likes to spoil the kids, but we have a rule that everything must be educational or promote physical activity. Don't forget the value of stocking stuffers. At that age you can spend $20 on a bunch of little things and the kids will love them!

Answer 4

$100 - $200 per child depending on age. This year was difficult becaue we are trying to save up for a wedding and a new baby. I spent $100 on my 9 year old daughter and bought her a gameboy game, Monster House movie, a dancing game, and some bratz handheld game, and pj's plus about $20 for stocking stuffers. I spent the same on my 19mo son and got him a rocking chair, little people carnival set and Aqua Doodle set plus about $10 in stocking stuffers. My kids are getting so much stuff from family members that I dont see the point in going over board... plus if you do too much they learn to expect it and may lose the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Answer 5

the items in your last sentence sound like plenty.

There is no normal. It depends on what you make and can afford and individual philosophies. Generally don't create debt for Christmas gifts. If you do, it should be VERY little and VERY quickly paid off.

And never ever feel like you have to give at a level higher than that to be loved or appreciated.

My daughter buys us rather expensive gifts. But her husband has a way way above average income! She chooses to do that! Yet they are more conservative with their kids, so as to not spoil them. It's about philosophy. My son spends less and makes less, but both buy thoughtful gifts that are appreciated.

We buy what we can afford comfortably and look for things we think people will really like.

Answer 6

Last year we didnt get them too much, alot of it was big stuff. But this year I spent about $350 on my 2 children that are 2 and 4. I say if you can afford to buy them alot of things then do it. I dont usually buy them alot of other toys during the year so I splurge on christmas. I didnt get them any clothes, just toys, hat, gloves, undies, socks , books. I think they both got about 30 things each maybe more.

Answer 7

My kids are 2 and 4 and we have bought them about 8 presents each, some educational. I always feel as though it is not enough but including presents of grandparents they are going to have about 18 not including the ones I put in stockings. All (most) men make us feel like we get to much, what you have got sounds great, enjoy your Christmas!!!

Answer 8

I am not sure the norm, I do not think there is one! I buy things he needs and things he would want (ie: clothes and educational toy). Kids don't need much, they'd rather have your attention, so if you want to get less, get them a game you can play with them, etc.

Answer 9

On Christmas Eve each child gets a special hardback book and a pair of pajamas from mom and dad. Sometimes other small things like socks, undies or toiletries. They put on their new PJ's, we read the stories and they put out milk and cookies for Santa and hang stockings.

On Christmas Morning Santa has filled their stockings with little stuff. (Examples from years past: candy, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair prettys, trading cards, lip gloss, Christmas ornaments, pens and pencils, crayons, stickers, craft supplies, socks, small stuffed animal, etc.) He usually leaves 3-5 toys under the tree for each child. (This year they are each getting 4 toys, a stuffed animal and a second pair of PJ's from Santa. I did a bit more this year than usual.)

Answer 10

My kids got 3 gifts a piece when they were younger. I figured if Jesus got 3 gifts, that should be fine for mine. They always got more gifts from grandparents and aunts and uncles too. They never seemed to mind.