I think I went a little overboard for Easter.

[JamesMom]

We go all out for our kids for their birthdays, Christmas and Easter. Growing up, Easter meant some candy - not presents, but not for my kids. I blame my mother in law for the Easter holiday - they get the boys 'big' presents and who am I to buck the new tradition?
For DS7 and DS4:

Video Game [Kai Lan V-smile (DS4) & Mario Galaxy wii (DS7) *in laws]
DVD [Max & Ruby Easter (DS4) & Loney Tunes Easter (DS7)]
Coloring books [Paint Kai Lan & Spongebob sticker ]
Reading books [Kai Lan & Flat Stanely]
Bubbles [Kai Lan & Spongebob]
Jump ropes
Chocolate Bunny with the eyes
Jelly Beans (handful in each basket)
Peeps(1 tray each)
Miniature Candy bars inside hidden plastic eggs
Goldfish crackers inside eggs
~$10 in bills & quarters indisde eggs

Plus
I bought a couple of easter craft kits and the egg coloring kits and we host brunch with the in-laws complete with flowers. Even with the in-laws chipping in on the kids, Easter runs well over $100 in our house.

 

[Mom2JPL]

I have to say that I don't understand the concept of presents in an Easter basket. When I was a kid all we got was a basket filled with a chocolate bunny, some peanut butter filled eggs and jelly beans. We couldn't wait to get up and find out where the bunny hid our basket (he was pretty imaginative!). So, my kids get the same...a little chocolate, some peanut butter eggs and jelly beans. And they're thrilled!

I think part of the problem with some kids today (my opinion only...no flames please, and I'm not saying ALL, I'm saying SOME) is that they feel entitled to so much and they do so little to earn it. When I was younger my parents owned a restaurant and all three kids pitched in, whether it was running the dishwasher, hostesing, filling up the coolers or sweeping up in the morning before the place opened. We all worked hard and appreciated what we got. Some parents feel guilty (for whatever reason) and buy their kids so much to make up for that guilt. Others just want to keep up with the Joneses. Who cares what others have or what they think of you? What ever happened to family first? Ok, off my soapbox now...LOL!

Happy Easter everyone!

 

[RadioFanatic]

OP here and all I can say is PHEW!!!!! I admit I was a bit nervous to write this on the budget board; however, this is one of my fave boards. In my everyday life, I'm a budgeteer; but my DS is my only and it took me 10 years to get him, so I tend to spoil a bit. In my house (and it was this way for me as a child), we put out our special basket with the kids empty the night before, kind of like santa with cookies and milk; and in the morning, they come down and see it filled to the rim! I do toys because DS is only 2 and really doesn't like sweets - and I'm hoping that continues to be honest. Most of the stuff I got were things he would have gotten anyway; but it still is for fun!

And thanks for the great idea of the clean bedroom! I'm going to remember that and use it when he is older!

 

[ilovejack02]

I have to say that I don't understand the concept of presents in an Easter basket. When I was a kid all we got was a basket filled with a chocolate bunny, some peanut butter filled eggs and jelly beans. We couldn't wait to get up and find out where the bunny hid our basket (he was pretty imaginative!). So, my kids get the same...a little chocolate, some peanut butter eggs and jelly beans. And they're thrilled!

I think part of the problem with some kids today (my opinion only...no flames please, and I'm not saying ALL, I'm saying SOME) is that they feel entitled to so much and they do so little to earn it. When I was younger my parents owned a restaurant and all three kids pitched in, whether it was running the dishwasher, hostesing, filling up the coolers or sweeping up in the morning before the place opened. We all worked hard and appreciated what we got. Some parents feel guilty (for whatever reason) and buy their kids so much to make up for that guilt. Others just want to keep up with the Joneses. Who cares what others have or what they think of you? What ever happened to family first? Ok, off my soapbox now...LOL!

Happy Easter everyone!

: ) I get why you don't understand.

In our case I am not a parent who buys all year long. The last video game DS7 received was from Santa at Christmas and he has given it a work out since then lol.

I use the bunny as a way to get summer clothes and out door toys out the way and of course a video game or two and maybe legos. His bday isnt till Aug so unless he comes up with his own money , most likely there won't be much till then unless it is a goodie to take on vacation with us. Poor deprived child ; ).
He has also just started reading chapter books, so of course the bunny wants to encourage that !


I love buying for DS7 and wish I could get him something anytime he asked, but I refuse to end up with a spoiled brat .. so I keep it to a minimum and use holidays as an excuse to over do it a bit.

As far as what do you do when they are older .. I have a 20 year old and it was the same for him, just minus toys once he got older. This year it will be candy and money, he is turning 21 the day after Easter, so I am just combining all . No video games, just a big check.

Gift cards, clothes and maybe a video game in past teenage years. Just because he wasn't getting toys anymore didn't mean I needed make up for that by getting him a new video game system lol. I don't buy into that whole, if you over do it when they are young what do you do when they are older thought?
My thoughts, are be happy with what you have, because if you complain then the presents stop coming. : )

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I used to go overboard, but DH is really weird about it. Dh's family never really did a "gift" thing other than Christmas and birthdays... I *think* they got Easter baskets. I always got a really nice basket full of nice stuff, so I want to pass that on to DD. My mom used to give me trinkets for Valentine's Day and stuff like that. DH thinks it's crazy. I figure, if we can afford it, why not. We can spare an extra $20 to give DD a little present! She's worth it!

 

[lilys.mom]

Easter is like a mini Christmas here for dd. She gets about $200 worth of loot. So far she is getting: webkinz signature bunny, a webkinz zumwhere, Ponyo DVD with plush, a new scooter, candy, crayons, How to train your Dragon Eggs from Walmart. Plus bookfair is at her school next week so I'm sure she'll get a few new books.

How to train you Dragon Eggs???????

 

[lilys.mom]

I go overboard a bit for holidays as well. I did the Build-a-Bear deal for Alvin & Brittany both for $35 (sound was extra). They gave me a basket & grass for each box, plus they came with their outfit so I came out good on that. I also got them each a zhu zhu pet - asked for at Xmas but just now seeing in stores. DD gets the Alice in Wonderland Wii game and I'll be getting ds Alvin & the Chipmunks the Squekqel (sp?) dvd next week. For candy they each got a reeces egg & tootsie pop bundle. Total spent will be @ $55-60 per kid.

My mama got them each a big Nerf supersoaker water gun plus the big ears chocolate bunny and lots more candy. She also hides dollars & candy in eggs outside.

They have the chipmunks at Build a Bear?

 

[disneyfan551]

Now I'm not feeling so bad... I was worried I wouldn't have much, or even be able to think of things for her basket this year! Started off with an unexpected Justin Bieber concert ticket, and after attending the Atlanta Gift Show last weekend brought home: backpack w/matching wallet, bath/pool wrap, sleepover duffle bag, makeup bag, and tote...all personalized (and sooo cute! )! I'm definitely done now!

 

[DisneyMommy1022]

I also give gifts as we are not big on candy at our house. This year because we are going to Disney in May they will be getting a new swimsuit, flip flops, cover up, goggles, sunglasses, metal drink cup, crayons, and a coloring book. I will throw in some fruit roll ups and a little candy but that is it!

 

[blanq]

Soooo, I'm a little excited because my only is now 2 years old and is starting to get the Easter Bunny. the way he took to Santa this past Christmas was great, so I'm hoping for the same this Easter. I don't let him eat candy, and truly, he's not a fan of sweets anyway, so I initially started with a "spiderman" themed basket with a spiderman helmet, elbow and knee pads for his roller skates someone gave him for his birthday, a spiderman placemat, bowl and plates. That was going to be it. Then, I used a toys r us gift card he got for Christmas to get him a toddler swing to put on his new wooden playset we had installed this past weekend. TRU was having a buy one, get one free little tikes event this week, so I got a lawn mower for free. Then, the TS1 and 2 deal with the extra Monsters' Inc. movie so now three movies in his basket. Truly, all of that is about $38 total for everything.

I swear I'm going to stop now!!!!!

Anyone else having this problem?

I have an "only" too, but he is now 16! I do not think you went overboard, and truth be told I did similar Easter baskets when my DS was little. I did allow my DS to eat candy, but really limited it to a couple of small candy items. Most of his basket consisted of other things (coloring books, play-doh, a Veggie Tales video, etc). I have fond memories of my DS hunting for his basket and the squeels of delight that followed when he found it. I also hid plastic eggs that contained little treats, including quarters and other small things. Have fun!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

My DD is 4, she will get a basket at our house and have an egg hunt at my parents. Mom doesn't want to give much candy, so while we were in WDW she bought her a Disney gift card. I like the eggs filled with candy (i.e. skittles) at Target for $.99. Much better than buying an entire bag of candy, especially when you only have 1 kid. For the other stuff, I try to get outdoor stuff I would have bought anyways!

Here is how I am doing:
Lindt bunny
Jelly beans (I will probably eat most of them!)
Egg filled with skittles
Egg filled with m&m's
Little box of robin eggs

Pink t-ball glove (got at Marshalls for $5!)- would have bought anyways!
Pink & while t-balls- would have bought anyways!
Pink t-ball bat- on sale- would have bought anyways!
Dora Bubbles
Flip flops (last year clearance, I think I paid about $.30!)
Addition Puzzle from Marshalls
3 Sandcastle molds, $1 each at Target- would have bought anyways!
Webkinz bunny (last year at Waldenbooks for 50% off)
$.99 little bottles of nail polish from Sally Beauty (love these things- brushes are small and perfect for painting little nails). Probably will give to my Mom for the egg hunt.

 

[mom2val]

How to train you Dragon Eggs???????

They have a little plastic dragon inside an egg that is like a giant bath fizzie.

 

[BeenHereB4]

I did go over, but that's because I'm giving them a trip to Sanibel Island for Easter. They will do their egg hunt and several eggs have tiny sea shells and letters (with the usually jelly beans and chocolates) in them that spell out Sanibel Island. Once they solve the jumble, they can open the big basket that has flip flops, water shoes, bathing suits, sand sifters, a sea shell name book, goggles and that sort of stuff.

How much do you want a bet that they'll be upset the basket has no darn candy in it! Maybe I better shop some more.

 

[Terry36]

Surpisingly I've only picked up one thing for DD11, a large Easter glass from Target. Every holiday I get her one from there.... I usually get her alot of stuff but honestly she's been so busy lately with school, gymnastics and girl scouts that she doesn't have time for much else. Needless to say the stuff she got from Christmas has barely been touched.

I think I'll continue to encourage her reading habit by either buying the Wimpy Kid or the Percy Jackson series. Maybe also some fllip flops and a bathing suit.

 

[klacey1]

She is never too old for an Easter basket. I am 36 and my mom always made one up for me until 2008 (she passed away Aug 2008) and boy do I miss it. And I usually made her one. Mom even gave me a "Santa" present every year as well, but I am an only child (can you say spoiled).

Now, if there had been grandchildren, she would have stopped.

Dh is 31 and he is getting an Easter basket, we don't have children.

Suzanne

DBF and I are in our mid-twenties and make baskets for each other! I have one brother, but my mom makes me a basket as well-- as do DBF's parents! We're just big holiday people-- I love packing stockings for my mom, brother, and DBF's siblings at Christmas! I don't think there's anything wrong with splurging at holiday time.

 

[QVCshopper]

I'm doing a Littest Pet Shop egg hunt at my house. Got some good deals, so I think I'm spending about $20 for both my kids. The little animals and cards should fit great in the eggs, and they each get a little house for them. And, I still have to get the candy--probably another few bucks. I'm hoping they will love it! My kids LOVE their toys. They play with everything.

My DD5 asked if the Easter Bunny could bring her another American Girl doll--I told her that the bunny isn't as rich as Santa. LOL!

 

[QVCshopper]

I love the idea of putting pins in the Easter eggs!!
I was pretty good this year about not going crazy. Candy, coloring books, a nintendo DS game for $5 and a travel pillow. I am really trying to break my children of the "gimme's" and the "I want's". [/QUOTE]


Me too! It's so hard, but I'm doing the no-buy month and it's helping (although I did get my DD a toy at the KMart clearance...)

 

[Crystal0608]

They have the chipmunks at Build a Bear?

Yep . Just Alvin & Brittany. I was told they have them for 2 weeks.

 

[Ashlotte]

I may get flamed for this, but I have a question for those of you that give huge amounts of gifts. Is Easter a religious holiday for you at all, or is it just secular? I only ask because to me Easter is definitely about the risen Christ, so for that reason, I try to keep gifts to a minimum to keep the focus on that. We just do a small basket with a little candy and maybe some bubbles, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, etc. The kids are delighted with it. And we have never said there is an Easter bunny, but somehow through other kids and tv they have decided there is (I am not going to say that there isn't one to them, but I am not going to hype it up). Just curious....

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I may get flamed for this, but I have a question for those of you that give huge amounts of gifts. Is Easter a religious holiday for you at all, or is it just secular? I only ask because to me Easter is definitely about the risen Christ, so for that reason, I try to keep gifts to a minimum to keep the focus on that. We just do a small basket with a little candy and maybe some bubbles, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, etc. The kids are delighted with it. And we have never said there is an Easter bunny, but somehow through other kids and tv they have decided there is (I am not going to say that there isn't one to them, but I am not going to hype it up). Just curious....

Totally secular. It's all baskets and bunnies here.