WOW $2000 per child

**madwaller** · 01-03-2009, 06:53 PM

I am a hairstylist. So I see how all types of people and hear all kinds of conversations. Well the one today has stuck in mind. I know that some people go overboard on children's gifts at holidays, but I am astonished at this. This lady and I were talking and I said I was glad the holidays were over. She said she was too. And that next year she would need to cut back. And she proceeds to tell me that she has gotten her budget down to $2000 per child for Christmas.

She has two children, a daughter 26 and another daughter 16. Now that is $4000 just on two children, not counting other family members. Geesh, I just can't grasp that. Even if I were not frugal, there is no way I would spend that on two children.

Also, I know that she was not just blowing in the wind or trying to keep up with the jones' by telling me this. Cause I have seen her spend obscene amounts of money in the shop, so I do believe she is telling the truth......although I do still find it ridiculous.

Anyone else in here spend like that? or know others that do? Just wondering if I am the only one who finds this ridiculous.

**DJ1972** · 01-03-2009, 07:00 PM

If I were a multimillionaire I may spend that much per kid. But being middle class, no I would never spend that amount. But, different people have different priorities.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-03-2009, 07:06 PM

I don't know her cirucumstances so I won't comment on what she spends.

I do know in my family that is 2 months income. I could never spend that amount on gifts.

**vigilant20** · 01-03-2009, 08:03 PM

That's especially odd with an adult child.

**Debbie-cat** · 01-03-2009, 08:18 PM

Must be very spoiled children!

**Wendy99** · 01-03-2009, 08:39 PM

ridiculous

**MRAHoffman** · 01-03-2009, 08:41 PM

HE should get his presents (I spend about $125-150) as well as $100 cash like his other friends. I told him that THAT is not our life and while 80% of his friends parents are attorney's/doctors etc (he goes to a private school), MY priority is giving him the 5 things I am "required" to...a roof over his head, food on the table, clothes on his back, a good education and love. It's insane what people do and what's even CRAZIER is that while I am "visually" frugal (some would call me cheap), my house is paid for, only have my car pmt and student loans (I only keep this so that I have SOME kind of credit) and a sizable nest egg and while I "could" afford more, people who don't have a excuse my French "pot to piss in", spend obscene amounts that I wouldn't. Take care.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 01-03-2009, 09:15 PM

That's just outrageous! Even if I had that much more to spend, I certainly wouldn't be spending it on gifts of that amount. I'd go $500 max per child but that's it! My kids are sort of easy to spend for because they're young and they don't expect a lot. When they do get something, it's something they really want and know we can afford.

I'd kick someone in the shin if they spent that much on me.

**Whr2nxt** · 01-03-2009, 09:24 PM

Wow I spend about $500 on my daughter and my husband thinks I'm way overboard!

**emily_hope** · 01-03-2009, 09:38 PM

That seems like a lot of money from my standpoint. If I had millions of dollars, it might not seem like so much. I can't imagine being able to do that.

**Ilovesewing** · 01-03-2009, 09:48 PM

Huh, makes you wonder what she bought doesn't it?

**prftstrngr** · 01-03-2009, 10:12 PM

Wow....I cant imagine...we always seem to spend more than we should.....but I try to be practical...like my son needed some new hockey gear so as opposed to just *giving* it to him it was one of his gifts. Growing up we didnt just get things any time of year....it had to be a birthday or Christmas and then it was a toy and things we needed. Its the same for us now... wow...$2000.

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-03-2009, 10:36 PM

Amazing and plain dumb. JMHO.

**momof2joys** · 01-03-2009, 10:38 PM

Do you know what I could buy with $2000, let alone $4000??? It certainly wouldn't be things just for my kids!!! We re-did our entire kitchen for just over $2000, we could easily re-do our bathroom with $4000!! Wow, that is just an insane amount, what would you buy someone for $2000??? My first car was $2400, and I had to buy it by myself!! Wow, Wow, that's all I can say!!