Money spent on children...

**Moor** · 12-09-2008, 04:51 PM

I have been noticing that some have set a limit of $100 per child for Christmas.

I am not trying to start a debate or anything, but to me, this is a little much.
We have the money to spend that and more on each child, and each other, but we choose not to. But to each his own, really.

It just amazes me that some people spend that much per child.

**AmyBoz** · 12-09-2008, 04:56 PM

Moor, I think you sum it up nicely when you say, "To each his own."

This year, we spent $175 total on the 3 kids. So,approximately $58.33 per kid. I was able to get some great deals and we felt good that the kids would really enjoy what they are getting.

However, in years past, we have spent more on bigger presents that we knew would get years of use. Two years ago, we spent $150 on a train table for ds1 and $150 on an indoor trampoline for dd. They also got some smaller gifts and we bought ds2 (who was an infant) some smaller things as well. Yet, the train table and trampoline get used on an everyday basis and were well worth the money.

Our philosophy is don't spend just to spend or to keep up appearances. Spend your money on things that will last and be well used.

**Moor** · 12-09-2008, 05:10 PM

Right.

One year, we bought a three wheeler, but it was for both of the younger dd's. It was a really great deal at $100. We bought it 6 years ago and finally sold it last year.

We have done things like that in the past. Most of the items that we buy for the kids, are things that I know that they will use. Like this year, Mikala is allowed to start wearing make up. So she will get make up sets from siblings and I will get her a make up bag/box to keep them in. Sierra will be getting things for her bath time. She loves to take baths and soak in the tub. She may be the world's biggest tomboy, but she loves to smell pretty while climbing trees, playing softball, football, and just plain getting dirty. lol
Oldest dd is getting a homemade cookie cookbook, as she moved into her own place. She loves to bake, and the recipes are ones that we have made and I am writing little notes/stories on them, of times past.
DS is getting some things for his new place. But I will probably spend $100 max on all of them.

**guest002** · 12-09-2008, 05:22 PM

I think many factors go into how much I spend per child. I would think that how many children you have would contribute to your "budget". IMO $100/child is a reasonable amount.

**Buckeye5** · 12-09-2008, 05:33 PM

Or..another way to see it is: do you spend $$ on your children all year long or do you just wait until birthdays and Christmas?? ( for new clothes,etc) there are many variables that could go into the per amount per child equation for the holidays.

**Lady_V** · 12-09-2008, 05:51 PM

I have an *only*, and I try to buy things I know she will like, and things she can do solo as well as something that needs parental interaction. (arts & crafts vs. science kits)

I also shop throughout the year (I already have things for Yule 2009 stashed away), watch the prices and wait for clearances and sales. If I had paid full retail prices for everything, I would have been way over the mental limit I set.

**Michelle** · 12-09-2008, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Moor

I have been noticing that some have set a limit of $100 per child for Christmas.

I am not trying to start a debate or anything, but to me, this is a little much.
We have the money to spend that and more on each child, and each other, but we choose not to. But to each his own, really.

It just amazes me that some people spend that much per child.

You contradict yourself. If you think "to each his own", then why say "It just amazes me that some people spend that much per child"

And really...the tone of this post does sound like you're trying to start a debate. Sorry, but my two

worth.

But anyway, as others have said, it really is a personal choice and should be based on what the family can afford and wants to spend.

Having said that, I usually spend $100/child, and because we had a pretty good year (and I was able to use reward GC's for a good portion of the cost), we spent even more this year.

**joyofsix** · 12-09-2008, 06:23 PM

It depends year to year and child to child. The 5 and under crowd got about $15 spent on the both of them but they'll be happy. The older kids vary from $75 to $110 this year. The $110 is a rifle ds wanted. It's a purchase that will last him some time. We've also done the family gift that was pretty pricey xBox 360 but that most of the kids use. I always just give oldest dd cash because I know she'll stick it in her savings account for college. The spouse can also make a difference. I value things people say or do for me but dh shows his love with gifts. It makes him happy to give and we save the cash so it's sort of his present.

**Moor** · 12-09-2008, 06:27 PM

I buy things for my kids throughout the year. But I do buy things only at Christmas time also.
Most of the things that I buy are on sale. But I know what you mean Lady V, if I added all the things that I bought on sale, at their regular price, it would be well over $100 a child. lol
So I guess I really shouldn't complain. lol

**homesteadmamma** · 12-09-2008, 06:28 PM

There have been times when we have spent very little and times when we have spent more. Because I'm frugal in some areas, it helps me to spend in other areas. This Christmas we will be spending more on our kids because we are debt free (we've worked hard to be there) and because they are older.

I too think "to each their own". I personally don't think it's up to me to say whether someone is spending too much on their children or not. I don't know what their circumstances are and it's actually none of my concern.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-09-2008, 06:30 PM

Think about it.... we buy stuff for our kids all year long, and while the wise men brought baby Jesus gifts they each brought him 1 and I am sure it wasn't much but it was the thought that counted.

I don't spend much on my kids for christmas and this year will be no different. I love my kids that's what all year long they get something they want or need and not just on Christmas.

Each of my kids got $40 worth of stuff this Christmas but $1000's of stuff all year long.

**zakity** · 12-09-2008, 07:27 PM

We only buy toys for xmas and birthdays. If they want a toy the rest of the year, they have to buy it. So, I figure $130 a year on toys per child isn't too much. The $100 for xmas also included their stockings.

**corpsefeet** · 12-09-2008, 08:13 PM

We really don't spend that much on christmas...we probably haven't spent one hundred all together in the last 5 years... sounds crazy to some, but when we teach our children to have a good appreciation from money starting at a young age, they don't just think it is okay to beg for things that are out of their price range. I think one big gift they really want is okay, but usually that only happens if we know it will be used. We should really teach our kids to give gifts that are from the heart ( i.e. making siblings gifts, etc). baking to give to an elder who is lonely, visiting nursing homes and handing out bags that include mints, socks, and the like... they learn from this much more than from receiving fancy gifts from us.

**YankeeMom** · 12-09-2008, 08:27 PM

I, for one, am tired of feeling like a person has to justify their spending just because we are on a frugal board.

Why does it matter how much (or how little) someone is spending on their children for the holidays? I don't ask anyone else to fund our holiday spending, we don't use credit cards, our bills are paid, we aren't in danger of losing our house (not even close), dh has a very secure job.

**MoonMommy** · 12-09-2008, 08:33 PM

I spend what I can afford and get my children what they want. Sometimes they might be pricier gifts, sometimes, they are cheaper gifts. They have the chance to ask Santa for 5 gifts. I try not to influence what they ask for. However, I won't go into debt in order to pay for Christmas.