at christmas time, how much money would you be willing to spend on your kids?

I bring this up after reading an artickle yesterday about a woman who braught her kids a lot of presents (so many in fact that people on social media say she is spoiling them), but the woman says she will not stop, their her kids, she'll do what she wants

is their a cut off point?

and what would it be for you if you had kids

honestly if it were me, I'd buy them a few things that they really wanted- I wouldn't go over the top, I'd buy them 1 big present and probably 3 or 4 little ones- as I wouldn't want them to grow up spoiled and feeling they could just snap their fingers and get exactly what they ask for
what about you.

where do you stand on this one

what's the cut off (if their's one) for you

[Unrigged64072835]

In the past few years we did wish lists so we knew what everyone wanted in advance. My daughter would have the most amount of presents but it was inexpensive stuff.

This year she is out of the house and working. All she wanted was cash and Amazon gift cards. That's what we got her.

I've known people who would spend $500 or more on their kids, then complain about being broke. As if the kids owe them something for all the presents.

I'm getting small things for my daughter all year round, so it isn't a big deal. Plus we have her birthday in two months, so that's a catch-all for what we didn't get her at Christmas.

[healingme4me]

I budget around $300 each. It's not a perfect budget but it's a rule of thumb for me when looking at what to get. That includes clothing and some wishlist items. I try to hit the sales prices. Christmas as a general rule of thumb isn't for the newest electronics, those would be birthdays. And even at that sometimes
When reading these articles factor in the cost of merchandise--things aren't cheap.
Games cost $40-$60 or even $80 dependending. Clothes cost money--do you want society's pity party on them and yourself? Barbie dolls cost $30-$50. Most toys range in some interesting price points.
Factor in stocking stuffers and that food costs have risen. That woman's $500 budget isn't far fetched in reality.
I'd challenge anyone to play around with online shopping carts to get a bigger picture.
To add: about 10-12 gift boxes under a tree looks nice. We used that number as a rule of thumb when they were younger.

[divine1966]

I think it depends on one’s spending abilities. $500 is a lot of money for some people and nothing for others. My daughter is grown. I buy her new bag every year. Usually about $150-200. When she was younger I bought what I could afford. Sometimes more sometimes less.

[Nammu]

I have no hard fast rule. It varies from Christmas to Christmas. This year I need to buy a new used car so I'm spending less. Around $75 on my daughter and sil each and around $150 on the grandkids each. I never use credit to pay, just my checking account so if I had less they would get less as I don't believe in borrowing money for gifts.

[Mountaindewed]

My mom I think spends about $100 on each of us.

I think it should be whatever a parent chooses and it shouldn’t be anyone else’s decision but their own. As for that parent on social media, those were her kids, her money, and people really should mind their own business.

Well I have 4 children. I grew up dirt poor in a less than ideal household to say the least. I am guilty for overcompensating in every way, not just materialistic.

That said I had a $1200 budget for the kids and went way over. I spent within my means, bought a mix of wants and needs.

In the past we have done modest christmases and adopted a family instead. I like "spoiling" my kids, but I also like teaching them to appreciate how fortunate they really are and how important it is to give back.

[WishfulThinker66]

Not a lot. Never did. Couldn't afford it.

You know it really irks me that people out there buy a big present for their kids and put Santa's name on it. How do you suppose parents like myself had to explain to our own kids why Santa didn't bring them a big gift when that is what he brought their friends. My kids every year asked what had they done wrong? Had they not deserved a big present too? Grrrrr. I know it is already too late but next time put your own name on the big gifts and let Santa bring the small stuff.

Incidentally it is not a competition which I see so many parents feel stuck in the rut of thinking so. A shame.

Nope, I never could.

[eskielover]

When I had a kid I would buy her things that I would buy her anyway & give it to her for Christmas. We always skiied in the winter so ski's & boots were a normal Christmas gift until she stopped growing so quickly. We were both computer engineers so there was more money then.

This year (my daughter is 40), I told her Christmas & birthday will be combined because I have no money after lawyers, trip to Calif for a court hearing, vet bills & a new fuel pump in my truck....property taxes & 6 months of truck insurance due in Jan.....there just is nothing left.

Such is life right now. I don't believe in spending more than is available no matter what & I budget everything now but emergencies have hit right & left this year....so Christmas giving reflects that. I usually try to make things when that happens but with how sick my dog was & my focus was all on his care....no time either this year & no desire to even go out & shop or be creative.

[Mountaindewed]

I agree about the Santa/parent present thing.

That Christmas song that goes “he doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor he loves you just the same.” Kind Of annoys me. He obviously doesn’t. It sends the wrong meaning to kids. It’s just an old song though. I doubt too many kids these days even know it.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

I budget around $300 each. It's not a perfect budget but it's a rule of thumb for me when looking at what to get. That includes clothing and some wishlist items. I try to hit the sales prices. Christmas as a general rule of thumb isn't for the newest electronics, those would be birthdays.
To add: about 10-12 gift boxes under a tree looks nice. We used that number as a rule of thumb when they were younger.

We exchanged this evening. Had one son trying to figure out if he preferred cash majority of the past two years or this one where his list was purchased. He sat there and added it. $320 not including an outfit. Last year we went out of state and I forget why exactly the year prior if it was a lack of inspiration or timing with shopping or planning a big day after the holiday.
I was discussing this discussion with their father and how it came to be the budget, tonight. It was winging it with total presents--and decided upon ages ago what santa did or did not give and found the reality number of this family. It's a within means. It's a joint endeavor. It's cash and carry so to speak.
I don't expect as they become adults for it to be this exact number.

[LiteraryLark]

My aim is $100-200 for my parents each and half that for my brother. This year, I reached under $200 in total for both parents, not each, and 80% of those gifts were addressed to both my parents.