Does anybody think an X box with a new telly for my childs 10th birthday is too lavish or will he remember it?

Question

What is the going rate for a ten year old boy nowadays? The whole thing is gonna cost about £350, still unsure if the wife and i should or not?

I am 33 this year and i can remember my 10th really well. I can still hear my Mom saying, "your in in double figures now". and so on. I would like it be special. One think iwould say is that he is my step-son and his sperm Father, if you like, doesn't bother getting in conact at all with lad. In fact, hardly bothers to pay his Mother maintenance half the time. Maybe it's wrong, but the wife and i feel we have to make ammends for that.

Answer 1

if you can afford it, why not...

Answer 2

Everything in life is relative. Is £350 a lot of money to someone who earns £100,000 a year? Probably not. Is £350 a lot of money to someone who has no home? Definitely yes. Only you know your financial circumstances.

It is not the amount of money that you spend that is relevant here. It is whether your child will appreciate it and understand that this is a one-off, due to it being a special birthday.

It is doubtful whether a 10-year old child comprehends the true value of £350. Children often remember those gifts that added something to their life - not the monetary value of them. I can still remember getting BMX bike for my 10th birthday and I was over the moon. I had no idea how much it cost - just that it was the best birthday present ever.

So the question really is not about the money. Yeah sure, it's a milestone birthday and you are right to make a big deal out of it (provided you can afford it). I would have thought though that there is scope to teach your child many lessons here:

1) To really appreciate the gift and not its value.
2) To understand that this is a one off
3) To accept that his good behaviour has warranted this (assuming it has)

Make sure you get a photo of his/her face when the present is opened...because that will be priceless!

Just my 2 penneth worth!

Answer 3

The song, "It can't buy me love," by the Beatles comes to mind when reading this question. However,I don't know a child alive that wouldn't appreciate a new x-box and TV. (Unless they are already spoiled) Also, the x-box can be used to watch DVDs and the TV wil probably last for years and years. Personally, I'd keep them both out of the kids room (teacher here) but that's a personal decision.

Ahh, the details do make a difference. He will probably thank you in the short term saying "my Dad is so posh!" (if he's a little on the young side)- or he may slightly resent the present thinking that you are trying to make up for not spending time together his whole life- (if he's getting into the adolescent stages) Why don't you ask his mother what she could use for him. Afterall, she's the one who's been sporting the bill for this time, and she'd probably like to get the credit for buying such a cool gift instead of paying for the braces and school supplies which go without apprecication. People are what matter in life, not objects- you should (if this works for your son's mom), write him a letter. He'll treasure this more than any material gift and keep it forever. Or, better yet- if you can, visit him and take him to lunch or to a park (assuming you are allowed to and you'd be a good influence) and ask about his school activities and interests.
The good thing is that you are still in your son's life and that you are still thinking of him! That means more than you think!

Answer 4

I think that is a rediculous amount of money for a child. He will grow up to not appreciate anything. I know that prices have gone up and children get a lot more now but I think £350 for a 10 year old is too much, I would only spend that on a special birthday like an 18th or 21st

Answer 5

It depends on several things...

First, what can you afford? Can you spend 350 without really missing it?

Also, what gifts has he been receiving all his life? You have to be careful, because kids only expect more. You can't get him all this for his 10th b-day and then get him a pet rock for his 11th.

All that being said, I remember my 'great' b-day when I was about that age. My dad got me both a SNES AND a Sega. I was in kiddie heaven.

BUT.... I still have some latent biterness to my dad at the same time. Buying cool things is one thing, but you've got to BE THERE for them too. I'm not saying you're not, I don't really know. I'm just saying that the money you spend on him will be a fond memory, but the time you spend with him will be a cherrished one.

Answer 6

My 10 year old would do back flips for his own X box and a new telly. He will definitely remember it!

On thing to keep in mind, however, is that an X box is only as good as the games you purchase to go with it. This can get expensive. On the other hand, it gives you automatic gift ideas for the next several years as there will always be a new game he will want.

Answer 7

For many people thats a months wages and if he ever goes to Uni, he will need to know the value of money.

Give him vouchers towards it and offer him lots of odd jobs where he can earn the rest of the money if he wants to.

I know all parents want their child to have everything, but it will make hijm a lesser adult if he doesnt appreciate money and how can a child appreciate money if he hasnt ever worked for it.

Of course you can over pay your own child so he saves quickly, but it sets a standard, that things dont come easily and yu have to work hard, and I am sure he will appreciate you a lot more too.

Remember he isn't always going to be a child and having it too easy now will make it harder for him when he gets older.

You are obviously good aprents for giving it this much consideration

Answer 8

It is a very nice gift and I am sure he will remember it (for about a year!) but think it is too much to spend on a 10 year old as he may not appreciate how much you spent. He could get used to those type of lavish gifts.

Answer 9

My daughter is going to turn 10 next month, but I wouldn't spend that much on her gift. If she wants something expensive, we have her save towards it and we pay the difference. In a couple of years that game system will be outdated and another version will be out. Wait until the price goes down and then mention to him about paying for part of it.

Answer 10

Have you thought about taking him on a trip? My parents took turns every year taking me either to the beach or to rent a cabin at a state park.I loved it. i am 28 and just took my 8 year old to the same park monday. they loved it. and we wll be going to the beach this summer. Hopefully they will take their kids in 20 years. Only do what you can afford. If you can afford lavish gifts go for it.

Answer 11

depends if the child is demanding next year if you try for a £50 present is gonna sulk and get on etc.
Buy whatever you want if you want to spoil him go ahead.
I got my daughter loads at christmas I bought her the pink ps2 and then thought a pink tv would look great in her room lol so mine was a decorating choice(my reason) i also got her a bike as hers had got stolen .
Birthdays is a want do you want and if i feel its ok present i'll get it but my kids will pick anything from £20 and up and be happy