How much to spend on kids at Christmas?

Question

How much money is reasonable to spend on your children at christmas?
I always seem to go way overboard every year, but this year I want to approach christmas a little differently. I don't wan't to use credit this time round.
How much is reasonable to spend on each child at christmas, especially when one of them has been so unruly.

Answer 1

It's not how much you spend, but ask yourself will this put the biggest smile on their faces! That's how I shop for my family, it's what they really like or something they have talked about in the past. I usually get them want they need and not just what they want and it has always ended up being the perfect gift without spending a fortune! My parents are in their 70's and have just about everything, they are the hardest people to shop for. They love wine with dinner occasionally so I got them a gift set of their favourite wine came with one white and one red wine bottle with cheese server in it. Perfect for them! Back to kids, depends on age and their interests. Older kids music CD of their favourite band. Or gift certificate from clothing stores they like to shop at. Younger kids anything that moves and makes a sound! But not so loud it drives you crazy! LOL Merry Christmas!

Answer 2

Spend what you can afford. There is no sense in going in debt over Christmas. Every family's financial situation is different. Don't spend what ad's are saying. When my mom was a child she only recieved small presents from her parents like shampoo. It's really not about how much you spend. If you start going crazy with Christmas they will expect it.

If you feel like you haven't given enough for a monetary value then why not make gift certificates for your kids to redeem. Like
1. Say up 1 hr past their bedtime
2. Mom will help clean up the toys
3. On night off of doing a chore
4. Go to the park to play
5. Pick tonights supper
6. Pick tonights movie
7. Go toboganning
8. Go skating
9. Read me a story
10. Make me chocolate chip cookies

I'm sure you know your kids best. I think you are very wise about not going into debt this Christmas you are teaching your children a valuable lesson on how to deal with money by setting such a great example. Good for you!

Answer 3

I think 50 to 75$ is reasonable.The only way I would go over is by buying them some clothing or coats that they really need.If you want to spend 100 each thats up to you but I think the holiday is way over done and it can make a child very selfish when they get too much stuff.Better to be reasonable and focus on fun and family,baking and crafts rather than money or how many gifts they get.You need to talk to them about the situation.Please dont go overboard .It wont make them happier.It will only cause you stress.

Answer 4

i try not to look at answers first because i like to write non based on any one else influence of opinion but i did see answer # 1 and it seemd about right. Spend on your kids based on your budget and what you can afford. as for the unrulines how old it this kid? my son is 2 im 21 and a single mom forunately for me, since i was legally adopted at birth my adopitve foundation sent me a list every year where I could put whatever i wanted and i got anything on the list. This year I got a very pleasant surprise of being able to also do that for him. So I still get the list every year but now its for my son so..... but other than that i planned on just giving what i could afford. people tend to forget to teach there kids that christmas is not intended for gifts but its ok to spread a little holiday cheer

Answer 5

I hate what christmas has come to, yes I love giving gifts and I love reciving them but this! "you should have a why we truly celebrate christmas", christmas. To teach your children why we celebrate, expecaly for the one that acts up. buy them gifts that have meaning and not a nintendo wii or a bb gun(so one cant shoot the other) The way you celebrate christmas will always be remembered by your children, they will remember most the love and not the toys that will be broken in a week.

Answer 6

There really isnt a set limit on how much to spend. Its basically what you and your family can afford for the holidays. The main thing is just budgeting and making sure you spend the same amount of money on each kid~

Answer 7

I spend greater on their birthdays, in spite of if what I spend is probable a drop interior the bucket whilst in comparison with what people spend. As for Christmas, my husband has lots of nieces and nephews that I finally end up buying Christmas grants for somewhat of my own little ones. the convenience of that's i will pass away it as much as his sisters and oldsters to purchase grants for my little ones, so situation solved.

Answer 8

In my family&my husband's family,there are so many kids and we all can't afford a lot on presents so we set a price limit(anywhere from $5-$20) and that way,we can afford presents for all the kids¬ be in debt when Christmas is over,lol...

~Rachel~

Answer 9

It isn't what a child receives, but what she gives that's important.

Have the kids go through their toys and pick one or two to donate, explaining why its so important to give to those in need. If they are old enough, have them volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, even if its reading to the younger children. Have them collect empty cans. They can sell them and donate the money to your local food bank.

The most important "gift" you can give a child is the gift of giving.

Answer 10

I didn't use credit, but I started shopping early. I spent a lot, but I so enjoy seeing her face on Christmas morning! Its worth every penny! Don't base it on bad or good. You will end up creating a rivalry between siblings that is worse than normal. Just get what you can afford. No one says you have to give like Trump.