How much do you spend on your kids birthday presents??

[Bunchkin]

Our DD just turned 5 yrs old this past Sunday. And until our DS was born this past July she was the only child. And rather spoiled (still is I guess).
On Sat we had a bowling party that included cheese pizzas, pitchers of soda, chicken strips and fries, bowling shoes for everyone, 1 hour in the party room, and an hour and a half for bowling: all for $120. Not bad considering I didn't have to clean the house before or after the party, I didn't have to cook and everyone was well entertained and had a great time. We will for sure do something like this from now on. Of course I spent more money on party favors and a pinata. And the cake too and balloons.
Presents....well, we always over spend on her (for her birthday & Christmas).
We probably spent somewhere between $250 & $300 on birthday presents. I know that will seem like a lot to some, but I am one of those parents that don't buy their children a lot of frivolus things during the year. I started this 2 years ago when I started actually adding up what we bought. She's allowed books anytime she wants and other learning materials. But no toys, unless she's spending her own money she's saved.

I think I'm actually living my childhood over again in my children....a better childhood filled with lots of presents and cool parties.

 

[lovelyk68]

My DS who turned 6 in September had a birthday party at a gymnastics place for 18 friends. That cost us $235 plus we gave him gifts totaling around $85. This was the most we ever spent for him or for a party. Usually we spend around $50-85 for the party and $80 for gifts.

For my DD who turned 2 in March we just did a cake at home with the 5 of us and spent around $60 on gifts.

My DS who will be 15 in December hasn't had a party in several years, but we usually spend about $300 on him. Except last year, we spent 0. He wanted a cell phone, so I ordered him one from Amazon for about $80, but there were $80 worth of rebates.

My husband says I go overboard.

 

[zurgswife]

Hadn't thought about it much...

DS just turned 10
Party...5 friends
Cake $20, soda, $6, chips $5
Sleepover Breakfast $5 (most didn't want to eat)

Presents
Harry potter legos $25
Game cube game $60
Monster inc $20

Grand total including party $141

 

[dnoyes]

feel my pain, about two years ago I told my DD that I would match whatever she could save by her 16th birthday to help in buying her first car. Well, the kid got busy and became the baby-sitting giant of our area. To date she has saved over $5500.00 Gulp! She turns 16 next month.

 

[zurgswife]

dnoyes....I feel your pain.....OUCH!!!!!!

 

[Nutsy]

We save the big bucks till Christmas...........Birthday is usually around $40 - $50.

 

[trayletha]

dnoyes - OUCH!!, but I bet your proud

 

[JAP]

Originally posted by dnoyes
feel my pain, about two years ago I told my DD that I would match whatever she could save by her 16th birthday to help in buying her first car. Well, the kid got busy and became the baby-sitting giant of our area. To date she has saved over $5500.00 Gulp! She turns 16 next month.

That is really great that she was able to save that much. Look on the bright side MAKE HER PAY THE INSURANCE! Also, the car she be in great shape when she goes to college.

 

[browneyes]

Originally posted by Pembo
I'm at the low end here. We spend about $50 on birthday presents. Parties are at home with home-made cake. DS just had his party last month, probably only spent about $50. We try to stay at about $60-75 for Xmas.

I spend from 50-100 for bdays. I spend about the same on the party. I make my own cakes, too.

Originally posted by rbuzzotta
(because they never fall on the same day LOL)!

My dd's bday party is that way, but my ds's is always on his bday and always at noon on his bday. His bday is the 4th of July, and he was born a little after noon, so his bday party is celebrated the same day/time each year (everyone is usually off work/school/etc that day and have plans that night anyway ).