Amount of $ to spend at X-Mas????

**Buckeye5** · 11-25-2006, 09:33 AM

Okay, in the past we have spent a lot on Christmas for the kids, but never buying for each other(myself & DH). Anyway, this year since I am no longer working I told the kids a limit of $200 each. They are 19, 17, & 13. Plus they get a gift each from grandparents. Well, they make me guilty about it, or maybe it is me. If you don't mind me asking, do you all spend more or less on your kids for x-mas? I actually would love to spend only $150 each, I think x-mas becomes to stressful and commercialized. DD#2 wants a digital camera, DD#1 clothes and girlie items, DS just wants an MP3 player and Deal or No Deal game, he is the easiest and never complains. I would love some feedback. I am trying to watch the pennies since we for propane as we need it and I know another 200 gallons will be due in 3-4 weeks, $478.

**baking23** · 11-25-2006, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Buckeye5

If you don't mind me asking, do you all spend more or less on your kids for x-mas?

I'm not quite sure what my parents have spent on my brother and I, I'm thinking around a few hundred, but even though my mom says they're continually cutting back, she's a spend thrift.

I wish that they'd spend less on us for a few reasons, first I certainly don't need more 'stuff' just to have it, and secondly they'd have more moeny to pay of the house after our addition.

**baking23** · 11-25-2006, 09:47 AM

Also I tend to spend $25 on each person, and $10 on friends, since I don't make a lot. If that was all they'd spend on me I'd be fine wiht it too.

**Jerseygirl** · 11-25-2006, 10:14 AM

I think $200 each is more than enough, especially since they are asking for luxury items, not a needed winter coat. If they mention that it isn't, have them see how little so many others have, then they can donate a percentage of theirs for being greedy. At 19 and 17 (I'll cut the little one a break) they should be focusing on the spirit of the holidays, whichever ones you celebrate, not the commercialism. Mine are little, so I can't compare, a couple of toys to open and they will be thrilled. Good luck with this, it would hit my last nerve.

**homesteadmamma** · 11-25-2006, 10:25 AM

As a parent you have the right to spend what you want on your children. If you want to only spend $150, don't allow anyone to make you feel guilty. Our Christmas is very different. We try to make has many of our gifts as possible. Last year I did purchase two of the kids each a game boy that came with a game for $79.00 each. However, that's the most we've spent on Christmas in years.

You might want to explain to them that finances are tight, that you have a huge propane bill coming up. Maybe has a family you can do some new things for the Christmas season, such as a basket for a needy family, serving at a soup kitchen, etc. Kids are pretty resilient and once they understand the financial need, they often change the amount they want at Christmas time.

Years ago, you were lucky if there was one Christmas gift under the tree. Now it's so commercialized that it makes it so tough for so many families who are struggling with finances. I'm with Kelli, I hope it all works out for you.

**JustJoy** · 11-25-2006, 10:36 AM

Don't let them give you a guilt trip! IMO $200 a piece is quite a bit. DH and I usually never go over $100 a piece on each of our kids. This year it's going to be even less. SD wants a gift card to the mall and because of her behavior and other things it will only be in the amount of $50. My son is now married so I bought a gift for both he and his wife together. They've been wanting a Bonsai tree and I found an awesome deal on one ($29.97) when DH and I were in Chinatown a few days ago.

**slowtypinwoman** · 11-25-2006, 11:32 AM

I have one 12 yo Dd and I spend about $150 or less on her. I know as kids get older they cost more and want more expensive gifts. I wouldn't let her guilt me into spending more as I know it is better for her in the long haul.
jm2c

**Early Bird** · 11-25-2006, 12:04 PM

About $100 on each child,and $200 for DH.

**Nantahala** · 11-25-2006, 12:14 PM

Spend what you can afford to spend, what is fabulous in December can bring tears in January.

**EmilyD** · 11-25-2006, 12:24 PM

I would never spend more then $100.00 on kids gifts.

When they were teens and we were flush that was all I spent (one year). The rest of the time it was under $50.00.

As the adults, we also got nothing most of the time. Since they all moved out, we spend more on ourselves.

Don't let them or you guilt yourselves into spending more than you can afford.

**Shellshome** · 11-25-2006, 01:29 PM

Ok I don't have kids but I do have 2 nieces and a nephew.

So here is my break down
Nieces and nephew $40 each one
My parents about $25 each (my mom always says not to get them anything but I feel guilt so I get them a little something I know they will use)
In laws $25 each also
My brother and his wife $50 each (they have no kids)
Dh sister and her husband $25 each (they are the ones with the 3 kids)
DH $200 or a little less (depends on what he wants this year he is getting some gifts and $100 cash for whatever he wants to get)

I spend about $10 on the animals (since we have no kids)

Now here is what they spend on us
my parents $100 cash and some gifts (usually clothes or something we have said we would like to have)
His parents $150 to $200 (and I have a hard time coming up with anything to give them ideas for gifts)
My brother and his wife $50 for each of us
his sister and hubby $25 for each of us

Then my nieces and nephew usually give us a giftcard for somewhere to eat (they are only 1 month old, 1 1/2 years old and 3 years old)

But we are happy with whatever any one wants to spend it is not the gift that matters but the people you spend time with. I know this year my parents are giving us money and they are bringing us something back from Fl when they leave the day after Christmas.

But I think you should spend what you are most comfotable with and not let anyone guilt trip you or bully you into something you don't want to do or can't afford to do.

**FrugalMomof3** · 11-25-2006, 01:36 PM

Well for me I dont spend alot on the kids, they are appreciative of whatever I give them because they know how much we struggle. You spend what you can, remember it's the thought that counts, children and some adults need to understand that we are actually celbrating and stop watching those TV commercials asking for such high priced items. JMO.

**sarathom** · 11-25-2006, 02:53 PM

$25 - $35 per kid and that's all. Usually one gift for each of our kids. DH and I don't exchange gifts as we are a one-income family and we'd rather put the money towards something. One year, we bought a flat screen tv as our gift to ourselves...sometimes, we don't buy anything. WE try to teach our kids that Christmas is about being together and being with family and friends. A gift is an added bonus but just one. It makes them appreciate what they receive. This works for us.

WE are always debt free after xmas and never ever have to worry about any pre-xmas stress. I bake shortbread cookies as our xmas treat and that's about all. We have a turkey and all the fixins and lots of family and friends to have fun with. What a great relaxing time it is for all of us.

**dmvezina** · 11-25-2006, 02:59 PM

I don't know how much my parents spent on us for Christmas, but remember some gifts, I would have to say we spend around the same amount.

**SammeyG** · 11-25-2006, 03:46 PM

Even though that between dh and I we have three kids. BUt none of them live with us. One is fully grown with three kids of her own. All three of them know how much we struggal so they are just happy spending time with us during the holidays. Same way with out nieces and nephews. They only ones that I really buy for is my daughter and youngest nephew. Then it is usally just a gift or two. My duaghter is used to getting what she wants. Which I think that it is a shame that she does. So I would say that I would limit under $100.