How much to spend on child at xmas

ennis81

Simple question folks how much would you on average spend on toys for one pre teen child at xmas i think anything over 300 is crazy unless its something really special like say a piano or a bike something that they will get good use out of then fine spend big but otherwise i think over 300 is to much or am i just a cheap skate opinions please.

January

Different amounts depending on what you can afford. This year is tight for us but we are still spending nearly 200 euro per child...

Gmol

Can get plenty with 100, people have gone mad.

Sarah Bear

Will probably spend around €400 main present is iPod touch. Big price tag small box! Few bits and bobs then to go with it

January

Sarah Bear wrote: »

Will probably spend around €400 main present is iPod touch. Big price tag small box! Few bits and bobs then to go with it

This, there's a few main presents (Monster High Dolls and an android tablet each for the bigger girls) and then their stocking fillers (books, crayons/markers, colouring books etc).

m'lady

I've a pre- teen, she's an only child at the moment and on average we'd spend about €300-€500, depending on that year and what she's asked for. In fairness she never asks for much, but I like spoiling her at Christmas, it's part of Christmas for me, seeing her surprised! I certainly think this year €50 or thereabouts will be going towards those poor people in the Philipines in her name, showing her the gift of giving.

eviltwin

I've always been a bit stingy at Christmas with my two. My youngest is 4 next week so being so close to Christmas and seeing as how he will get birthday gifts I budget about 50 euros for him. The eldest is 16 and she will get 100 euros. Last year she did get a bit extra, she had her heart set on a Wii U and was saving all year for it and was short so we gave her 175 to make up the balance but that was to reward her for saving so hard. This year its 100 quid which for someone that age I think is plenty.

Moonbeam

I spent 50 and 60 euro last year on my 2. (going 2 and going 4 at the time) This year I have spent 100 euro each on them,the small girl is getting a tool bench and tools ,a camera and a few little bits,the big girl loves dressing up and I got her 2 exceptional dressing up dresses and a camera and a few little bits.
The boy is going 1 and I spent 7.50 on him ,he got http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=0A9AC389-5056-900B-1008-7181103BE29C:en_US.

All my babies have January birthdays but never seem to want much after christmas ,last year the big girl wanted more lego and the little girl wanted a new magic wand for her and her sister:) I don't think I will ever escape with that sort of sub fiver pressie again:)

liliq

Last year we spent about €200, this year we'll be trying to keep it to around €100/120.

Sarah Bear

It's much easier when they are small. Big boxes for less money! When they get bigger and want feckin iPads and xboxes that cost a fortune!

CrazyRabbit

I think I can answer for most:

"More that we should, or can really afford"

Chocolate fiend

It's all relative and there is no right answer. Some children get toys all year round, some only get toys at birthdays, some people can afford a lot more than others. People have different priorities and as long as it isn't hurting anyone it is really none of my business how much other people spend on their children, or how much we spend on ours.

endacl

Sarah Bear wrote: »

It's much easier when they are small. Big boxes for less money! When they get bigger and want feckin iPads and xboxes that cost a fortune!

Want, eh? Think about Xmas as an annual teachable moment about not always getting what you want, and setting realistic expectations.

How Strange

Last year O was almost 2 and we spent around €70. This year we got our toys in Argos last week and spent just under €100. We bought 2 soft toys in IKEA for less than €10 and we're done.

I think we should take advantage of them being small and not asking for lists of things. I'm sure it'll all change once they start going to school. O has been asking for a scooter since holidays so he's clued in already!

Sarah Bear

endacl wrote: »

Want, eh? Think about Xmas as an annual teachable moment about not always getting what you want, and setting realistic expectations.

Yes most children write a letter to Santa saying they have been good all year and what presents they would like?
Obviously if they have a list as long as your arm you won't get it all for them.
Our girl is ten and has always written a letter asking for one big thing and one small thing. This year the big thing is an iPod which is more expensive than when she asked for a bratz dolls car a few years ago.
She's a good kid who doesn't get bought for all year round so at Christmas we are going to spend around €400 on her. And we can afford what she wants this year so why not?

Scortho

Sarah Bear wrote: »

Yes most children write a letter to Santa saying they have been good all year and what presents they would like?
Obviously if they have a list as long as your arm you won't get it all for them.
Our girl is ten and has always written a letter asking for one big thing and one small thing. This year the big thing is an iPod which is more expensive than when she asked for a bratz dolls car a few years ago.
She's a good kid who doesn't get bought for all year round so at Christmas we are going to spend around €400 on her. And we can afford what she wants this year so why not?

Thats the most important thing. Spend what you can afford to spend and don't get yourself into debt at christmas.

Gatling

We've 4 yo and 18 month old girls originally mammy wanted to spend around 200-250 each of them but ive got the budget down to 150 each ,
The eldest wanted a tablet just like her dads but no chance as much as I'd love to ,after spending a few hours in school with her I realised she loved art and board games ,so the list went back to basic's one doll ,a few board games and a storage box full of art supplies ,
The baby is dead excited over baby Anabel tried her with other dolls and she just drops them Anabel or nothing ,
Its a case spend what you can afford certainly won't be looking at new Xbox or PlayStation s ourself's

Lisha

I've decided to limit spending to 150 for my 6 year old boy and 120 for 3.5yr old girl. I'll also spend 50€ on things for both like a globe, twister game and colouring books.

What really bugs me though is the spending on nieces/nephews and god children.
I've spoken to sisters each yr about putting a limit eg spending 20€ on nieces/nephews and approx 40-50 on god children. We have 3god children and about 3 other kids we buy for.
I get told I'm stingy and I'm frankly sick of it. I'm sticking to my limits this yr and if they choose to put it on visa or what ever good luck to them.

Moonbeam

I don't have nieces or nephews but there are about 5 kids we buy for for 3 of them I spend less then a tenner,smyths 2 for 20 toys are great.
The other 2 I would usually spend 10 - 20 but buy them clothes.
His godchild is 11 and I would spend around £50 on her.

Gatling

We stopped neice's and nephews after our first was born ,
We have 14 nieces and nephews and 2 godchildren between us ,we used to buy something for each child, until we realised it didn't make financial sense and the fact our two haven't had a present from our brothers and sisters ,

BUBBLES1978

I have one son whos 12 next week so birthday first then christmas list, hes a non believer this year so isnt asking for much, he will be getting an ipod touch, (thanks to his uncle coming home from america!!) football boots rugby gear books etc..he doesnt ask for much all year and is very good so i try to spoil him as much as possible,(its just me and him) he is in man size in clothes so im finding things much dearer this year as in hoodys etc. i will probably end up spending €300-400 and the bulk of that on runners and boots and clothes

Malarkey121

I have spent about 500 already and will spend another couple of hundred on my 2 when I get to the stores, My daughters' birthday is the day after xmas she makes a list not for much but I get her everything and extra so as to make the 26th of December just as special as xmas for her.

Before anyone passes judgement I can afford it and it could be worse I could be out sniffing it up my nose or pissing it away...

Suucee

I spent about 150 last year (first xmas).
This year I spent about 100 but got most in argos 3 for 2 so saved a lot. She is 18 months so no lists yet. Actually found it hard to think what to get and with help in another thread ended up trying to decide what to get as there was so many great ideas.
Have left a few things until her birthday in april.
I have 1 unrelated god child which I spend about 50 on.
OH has 4 nephews and nieces so we let the kids do a kris kindle where they pull out 1 name to buy a gift for.
On my side I have 6 but its a but more awkward as my brother and sister don't get on very well, I have 1 child sister has 2 and brother has 4 so a kris kindle wouldn't work. (2 more on the way so will work for next year)
Nephews and nieces varying in age from 19 to 1 . I spent about 25 on the youngest and will prob give the others money about 25 as too old for toys. Wish there was some other way but will definitely be suggesting the kris kindle next year.

SCOOP 64

We opened up a direct debit account with credit union for €50 a month for the year, now have €600 for xmas present this includes presents for our nephews and nieces and our own, i know some people would not be able to do this in these times,but it doesnt have to be €50, could be €10,€20,€25,it all adds up in a year , I'm not getting on a high horse "look what we done" i know times are hard,but its relief every year for us to know we have money for presents, if we didn't do this i do not know what we would do this year.

wandatowell

Lisha wrote: »

I've spoken to sisters each yr about putting a limit eg spending 20€ on nieces/nephews and approx 40-50 on god children. We have 3god children and about 3 other kids we buy for.
I get told I'm stingy and I'm frankly sick of it. I'm sticking to my limits this yr and if they choose to put it on visa or what ever good luck to them.

You do exactly what suits you! Its totally unreasonable to be spending €50 quid on gifts when you have your own to be looking after.



I've only got 2 nieces to buy for, (no kids myself :cool: ) I give them both €60 bank drafts that are lodged into their accounts. This covers me for both their Christmas present and Birthday.

Its money that they can use when they go to college, buy a car, house or whatever.

Repetto

I've a 4 year old and a 3 year old, both with winter birthdays so they tend to get a lot from others around this time of year. This year I've spent €60 on each of them (getting 3 items each) and that's it. Neither of them fully understands the idea of Christmas gifts yet (I think), so I'm not splashing out. Plus, I would like to have a simple Christmas.

gcgirl

Sarah Bear wrote: »

It's much easier when they are small. Big boxes for less money! When they get bigger and want feckin iPads and xboxes that cost a fortune!

Plus a million there

pwurple

Holy Moly I am getting away with murder it looks like! My almost 3 year old will be getting an 18 euro toy from Santa which she asked for, some sparkly gloves and matching hairclips from me (4 euro), and a new book from her dad (7 euro). Total: 29 euro.

Her grandparents, uncles and aunties usually give her more presents, so she won't be short.

I'll probably make some gingerbread men, and chocolate dipped marshmallows for her as well, although we will do that together and hang them on the tree.


I wouldn't even know where to start with spending 100 on a child her age, let alone 300. She has a bike from her last birthday, doesn't need another already.


6 Godchildren ranging in age from 19 to 2 will all get 50 quid.

gcgirl

endacl wrote: »

Want, eh? Think about Xmas as an annual teachable moment about not always getting what you want, and setting realistic expectations.

Do you have kids ?

gcgirl

pwurple wrote: »

Holy Moly I am getting away with murder it looks like! My almost 3 year old will be getting an 18 euro toy from Santa which she asked for, some sparkly gloves and matching hairclips from me (4 euro), and a new book from her dad (7 euro). Total: 29 euro.

Her grandparents, uncles and aunties usually give her more presents, so she won't be short.

I'll probably make some gingerbread men, and chocolate dipped marshmallows for her as well, although we will do that together and hang them on the tree.


I wouldn't even know where to start with spending 100 quid on a child, let alone 300. She has a bike from her last birthday, doesn't need another already.

Lol I wish mine would never have grown up the older they get the worse they get.

m'lady

gcgirl wrote: »

Do you have kids ?

Was thinking the very same.

Ms. Pingui

I've spent about 120 on my 3 and a half year old, but I've still to get a few books and something small for her stocking.
She has 5 aunts and an uncle, plus she's the only grandchild on both sides so you can imagine how spoilt she will be!

Do ye tell your children that all the presents are from Santa or do you say that some are from mam and dad?
My daughter is very curious this year, just wondering how other people do it?

January

Everything is from Santa here.

Suucee

Our daughters only 18 months so it doesnt matter yet. When we were younger ourbpqrents got us new "christmas clothes" and santy brought the toys.
Will prob do the same when she gets older. Or maybe 1 thing from us. So its under the tree wrapped up.

Moonbeam

Repetto wrote: »

I've a 4 year old and a 3 year old, both with winter birthdays so they tend to get a lot from others around this time of year. This year I've spent €60 on each of them (getting 3 items each) and that's it. Neither of them fully understands the idea of Christmas gifts yet (I think), so I'm not splashing out. Plus, I would like to have a simple Christmas.

Lucy you! my 4 year old is an expert in christmas but she is the eldest,my 2 year old is also well up on christmas but they don't get much from one end of the year to the other.

foxy06

Oh dear God I am so jealous of all the parents that get away with spending little on the kids. 12yr old and 9yr old are both looking for samsung galaxy tablets. Fair enough but I have 3 little ones too 4, 3 and 9months and nieces and nephews too! The 4 yr old will say he wants a phone, a tablet and a tv for his room when you ask him :rolleyes: Can't wait til he gets older....!

A_Sober_Paddy

Looking at some of the amounts being mentioned here is crazy...I do remember my parents spending way too much on me, but to be honest I'd certainly not have been unhappy with less.

One year all i wanted was Smackdown for the playstation, was delighted but I also got a whole boat load of other stuff on top of a new playstation...my parents went way overboard and certainly couldn't afford it, and now i tell them to get me nothing, or just something small they look at me as if i'm crazy and still spend too much and I'm 25...

If I ever have kids, they'll be having a more frugal xmas than I ever had, some of the stuff kids get these days is beyond a joke and would certainly explain a lot of whats wrong with Ireland at the moment if you ask me

pwurple

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

Do ye tell your children that all the presents are from Santa or do you say that some are from mam and dad?
My daughter is very curious this year, just wondering how other people do it?

Both santa and us here.

She gives presents in return too.

PinkFly

I always remember when I was younger wondering why my parents were the only people that never bought me a present at xmas so I always make an effort to get him a little something for under the tree.

I agree everything should depend on parents situations. My 8 year old sons xbox broke after last xmas so we have held off to get the new one for him with a few games. Every year is different all he wanted last year was a 30 € piece of lego.

Moonbeam

foxy06 wrote: »

Oh dear God I am so jealous of all the parents that get away with spending little on the kids. 12yr old and 9yr old are both looking for samsung galaxy tablets. Fair enough but I have 3 little ones too 4, 3 and 9months and nieces and nephews too! The 4 yr old will say he wants a phone, a tablet and a tv for his room when you ask him :rolleyes: Can't wait til he gets older....!

lol@ the 4 year old.
The differences between the eldest kid and 4 and having much older siblings.
Mine just wants a very nice princess dress up dress .

Hannibal Smith

We're going to spend 100 on each. We rarely buy toys for them throughout the year. If we do its for a very good reason. They've achieved something etc.

Toys are so expensive its easy to let it build up. Last year the 4 year old asked for an imaginex knight castle and that was about 70 quid. The bike for the little guy was about 60. And the rest was little surprise extras.

To be honest Christmas for me is that one time that you splash out. Its the gasp factor when they see what they got. And we're lucky in that all we've got so far they've got full use out of so it's money well spent.

Also, included in the budget is a present from us and a present from each sibling to the other. Thats all in the 100 allowance

bbam

I'm still shocked to see figures like €4/500 a child.
We'll spend about €200 each on a 5 &11 year old.

Yes bigger presents are more expensive but they are shared, they got a wii before but it was shared and only got small things along with it.

iPads are very dear for a brand name. We picked up a Samsung Galaxy tab 2 last week for €150, every bit as good as an iPad and substantially cheaper.

Ours don't make lists, ask for a surprise each year. But I know she has her heart set on a tablet this year. The younger one just wants a surprise.

Nieces ad nephewes we spend a tenner each. On phone credit for the older ones

MrBobbyZ

Also very much depends on the present.
I always like to work out what my 2 will get from the present. For example a new Computer will cost much more than the average Xmas present but will provide a few years of usage and countless hours of entertainment.

hoodwinked

i think it really does depend, here its toys from santa and one small present from us, this year it was a €10 gift set she really wanted that we got her, we will also buy her christmas clothes (for now- they may become a 'from mom and dad' present), as she's 4 it's currently more fun for us than her

last year we spent around €300 on our 3 year old, this year its at €200 with about another €50 to go.

she is an only child so its easier for us, we budget around the €300 mark for her because if we had two children it would be €150 each or if we had three children €100 each, we stick to what we can afford,


last year we bought her a €200 ipod and thats why it hit €300, this year we got her a lot more stuff (and bought it early as it is cheaper) her big toy is a disney castle that cost €100 (thanks to bargain alerts), we spent another €100 on small things and board games and books (same as last year), and we are giving an aunt of mine €50 to get a dress up dress and accessories from the disney store in NYC as its one she would love but cannot get here,

the general rule we have is pick one big thing and two small things and santa brings little surprises and this year she's getting more actual things for a little less money than last year,

in saying that she also hasn't received a toy since her birthday in the summer, and before that she didn't get a new toy since christmas.

she also donates any of her old (or new and unused) toys to the creche or at christmas to childrens charities as sometimes relatives can duplicate toys and being an only child she sometimes has too much to play with, she loves knowing she's helping other children who aren't as lucky as her.

wolfpawnat

My son (5 in feb)is getting a bike and helmet and the Space Angry Birds game app on my ipod. And something (under 20e) from us. He is only getting a big xmas present because bikes are (IMO) necessary really. Everything coming to 150, way too much imo, but he only got 40e worth last year.

My daughter (4mth) is getting a playmat (€40). Not sure what to get her from us. It will have to be very cheap. I don't like getting them too much, it will really be tight.

SeaDaily

endacl wrote: »

Want, eh? Think about Xmas as an annual teachable moment about not always getting what you want, and setting realistic expectations.

Good lord man what a horrible way to look at christmas. I feel sorry for your kids if you have any.

wolfpawnat

SeaDaily wrote: »

Good lord man what a horrible way to look at christmas. I feel sorry for your kids if you have any.

The clue is in the name, Enda, It's clearly Enda K

Gael23

It really depends on what you can afford to spend rather than what you should spend. But it is true that as kids get older they want smaller and more expensive. As we got into our teens we might have eve just got money to go towards something, and still do some years. This year my sister,19, wants an Ipad so she will get money to put towards it.
Younger kids don't understand as much that although things are small in size they were expensive or that the value of 2 presents for one child cost the same as one for them so that can be difficult.

eviltwin

I'm always amazed at the amount of people who buy big things like tablets etc for their children - and I mean children here, not teens. If I was going to buy something big I think I'd make it a family gift. Last thing I would want is a tween saying "no you can't use the ipad its mine"

Borboletinha

SeaDaily wrote: »

Good lord man what a horrible way to look at christmas. I feel sorry for your kids if you have any.

Honestly, I don't think spoiling kids rotten is a better way to look at Christmas. I'm a mother btw.

Big Bag of Chips

I don't understand why what others spend on their kids should be relevant! I'm just curious OP, are you asking how much you should spend? Or are you just sort of polling people to see what others spend - but not necessarily linking it to your own spending?

My children aren't looking for much. I don't have a "target" that I feel I must reach for each of them. Every year, depending on what they want, I could spend €200 on 1, and less than €100 on the other... Just depends on what it is they really really want. This year my daughter wants a Cabbage Patch Doll. That's all she's asking for. It will cost me €35. She will of course get a few other surprises and stocking fillers - but I won't be trawling the aisles of Smyths to try bring her total up to that of her brother who is looking for a €70 Lego set (and who will also get a few extra surprises and stocking fillers) They usually get to ask for 3 things, and then get a surprise - but this year they're struggling to come up with anything other than what they've already asked for - so I've told them they can ask for just 1 thing and will get a few surprises!

I have friends who have a budget of say €300 per child - and they will spend €300 per child - regardless of what the child might ask for. So the child might look for €100 worth of stuff - and then the parents feel the need to bulk up the rest by spending €200 on stuff the child hasn't asked for, and probably isn't all that interested in. (One particular girl I know is notorious for this - 4 kids, and can't afford it. Always, ALWAYS, in March she has loads of stuff either unopened or barely used on Done Deal that she sells for a fraction of what she paid for it!)

Edit: Must remember to keep an eye on Done Deal in March for great toy bargains