Gift cards for tweens

[mom25kiddos]

We are travelling with six kids (five of mine and one of my DS) in December. I plan on packing some surprises for the little ones, and a couple of minor things for the older (10 years and up) kids, but really, I am just grappling for things for them so they aren't left out. So, was thinking instead of getting the older kids gift cards to use in the parks for their own treats/snacks purchases. Thought it might give them a sense of independence in making their own choices in how to spend their money. Was going to do it on one gift card, but then thought maybe a per day thing would be better (some kids are hoarders and some are spenders and don't want it to turn into a negative thing). So what do you think is a reasonable amount for small pocket money per day for kiddos-just for snacks and the like, we do one big souvenir at the end of the trip and we would purchase their meals. This would cover their ice cream or whatever.

 

[Lsyves]

This is a great idea. I don't let mine have charging privileges on their magic bands. I'd think a daily one would be really fun for them. I think a snack and a drink (mine always want soda on vacation because we don't drink soda at home) would run $8-10 per day. Are you thinking a generic Visa card or is there a Disney themed one that would also work even at food vendors?

 

[mom25kiddos]

I was thinking of the Disney cards-but wasn't sure-would they work at like food stands (to buy popcorn). I was thinking they would love the independence and it would also decrease the asking for stuff-you have your money, you decide how you spend it!

 

[TinaLala]

Asked DD16 and she said she would need $25 per day and that was her conservative amount. That would be for snacks and souvinears.

 

[Accident]

I wouldn't trust my daughter with a drink and snack budget on a gift card the first time. She would have skipped staying hydrated just to buy more things. Initially I did the same thing but it was a souvenir amount and it was all she got all week. food and drink I took care of. If shes being responsible and getting more food or drinks for those times we're not together, I would get her another card to offset it. As I suspected she did spend everything in the first hour the first time but the following trips and times she did the right thing. Now I can trust her with being able to just charge the room alone with no surprises.

 

[Lsyves]

Asked DD16 and she said she would need $25 per day and that was her conservative amount. That would be for snacks and souvinears.

Oh yeah, forgot about souvenirs I have two boys - we have a LOT of star wars stuff that came from WDW.

 

[mjkacmom]

I gave my kids $25 for our whole trip. We had the DDP, I bought them each a shirt, and I didn't want them buying a lot of junk. For other vacations, they get charging privileges, and I tell them their limit (once they turned 10 or so). None have reached the limit.

 

[alliecat523]

I've done this with my 11 year old. She did end up buying a lot of candy but we talked about how she wouldn't have any cash left for other things if she did. Lesson learned. But it made her feel cool to have her own money to spend. They take those cards pretty much everywhere so it's a great idea.