How much do you normally spend on your own children for Christmas????

[DawnM]

My kids want expensive gifts this year.....trying to figure out what to do.

How much do you usually spend on your kids for christmas?

Thanks,

Dawn

 

[SLK1]

It's hard to say. The older they get, the more expensive their wants are. My husband tends to go way more overboard than I would, but a lot of that comes from upbringing. You just have to do what you can/want and try to fulfill their wishes, as long as they're not outrageous.

 

[HeatherC]

I go totally overboard. I know it and admit it. But...I figure if I can afford to do it without killing our budget, then that's what I'm going to do.

I think you just have to figure out what is right for your family and family's budget that you are comfortable with.

Hope you have a great one!

 

[sharibrat]

My kids are 5 and 2. We typically spend between $300-400 on each kid.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

My ds is 10, last year I spent approx. $400. This year it will double because he's also getting a Wii and accessories -- but I consider the Wii a family gift as well.

I also have an only, so I don't have to divide my budget...

 

[puffkin]

We don't have a set amount. If I stick to what I have planned it will be about $200 this year for my 2 1/2 year old. But.....those are just the Santa gifts and stocking stuffers......we are also redoing his room into a "big boy" room so it will be at least another $500 or so to buy all the decor and bedding and furniture and stuff. I don't really think of that as a "Christmas" present though at his age.

I grew up in a family where Christmas was HUGE. We got tons of stuff and usually what we wanted. However, we never got much the rest of the year. Birthdays were relatively small affairs and we got token gifts at Easter. Christmas was pretty much the big one. We pretty much do the same thing with my son too....he rarely gets toys and such outside of his birthday or christmas.

 

[tripplanner]

We spend about $200 for each kid. My kids are old enough to want the expensive stuff also. They know the budget and understand that it might mean one present if what they are asking for is pricey.

 

[eeyoremum]

I spend way too much on DSs (14 & 9). This year they are getting a trip to Disney plus portable DVD player for the trip. I imagine they will also get some tv on dvd but I am hoping the grandparents might buy some of those.

I freely admit that I spoil my kids at Christmas. I can afford it. DS 14 stopped believing in Santa only a year ago because he did not believe we would spend that much money on "stuff". That comment might give you some idea of how the rest of the year goes.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

This year it's looking like 400.00 per child. For us it all depends on how much money I've saved up during the year.

My problem is DS13 wants only expensive stuff. If we do that he'll only have a couple of items under the tree. So I'm working with him to get his list more reasonable. Filling his stocking is going to be tough this year too.

DD9 is easy. I'm half done with her shopping. I'm just waiting to see her final list before I buy the last couple of items. Her stocking is easy still, thank goodness.

 

[budbeerlady]

Its usually around $400 for DD. This year I am really trying to stay below that... I went a little American Girl Doll crazy but that is all she asked for this year so $300 of that is american girl stuff.

 

[Deffenm]

I spend about $200 per kid. I also have to buy for DD's birthday on Dec. 24th and DS's birthday on Dec. 30th so I really try hard not to go over that amount. This year was tough because both boys wanted a $100 lego set each. So that only left me $100 to spend on the rest of their gifts & stocking stuffers. Thank goodness for Target's toy clearance in July as I picked up a bunch of stuff then. My kid are really good and don't ask for much so I really try hard to get them exactly what they want for Christmas (in reason).

 

[ILuvTigger]

In the past we have spent anywhere from $500 - $800 per child. They are 15 and 16 years old now. This year I am thinking about giving them new cell phones, and spending about $250 (on each). Hopefully I can stick to my plan....LOL

 

[OnePrincess]

We don't have a budget for dd. DH thinks I go overboard but then he remembers Christmas was small with his family and it's always been HUGE with mine.

 

[jellybeans0607]

I have 3 kids and I think this year it will be around $300 a kid. It varies every year.

 

[jenrein]

It varies- the older ones want the more expensive things so I think I balance it more on number of gifts versus dollar amounts. This year all 3 are getting a laptop so it will be an extreme. But normally I think between all 3 we would spend a total of $1200.

 

[mjantz]

About $200/kid (we have 2). It went up this year because of a few special gifts (portable DVD player & HS Musical on Stage tickets) but the oldest can now understand that if you get this big thing you're going to get less other things. My little one doesn't quite get that yet but she's totally happy with lots of cheap little gifts so it all evens out. Both kids know that Mommy is a bargain shopper so its hard for them to know how much stuff cost.

 

[gillenkl]

This year we're spending about $150-175 each for our two 9 year olds. I have been shopping sales and deals. This will be paid for using cash only no credit cards. In addition we will also take them to Hersheypark for Sweetlights and Candylane one night in December.

 

[mommytoone]

I have only one child. We spent in the past anywhere between 800-1000. My parents have spend 1500-2000. This year will be really different. She is asking for big ticket items. Wii, American Girl stuff and games for DS. She is getting them,but with 2 items I already spend 350. So I am not trying to spend as much this year only buying a few items. Hopefully I can do that.

 

[LisaMommy]

I'm not one to stick to a budget - like others have mentioned in our family Christmas is the one big thing. This year we're going to be in Disney for Christmas, plus DS's birthday is on Christmas day so he'll probably wind up with all the little Lego sets and such that he asked for and I'll try and stop myself from giving DD her AG doll.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

We have 4 kids, ages 12, 8, 7 and 6. I would say I spend approximately $300.00 each.