Just curious about Christmas gifts

[DisneyObsessed]

Do you count the gifts you give your kids and make sure they each have the same amount? Do you spent equal amounts of $$ on each kid? How many gifts do you usually give each kid? I'm just curious. I used to give my kids like 15-20 gifts a piece when they were little. But now they only want more expensive ones, so we're down to 10 a piece. My DH says I over do it. To me it's fun

 

[cruisnfamily]

Well, I count somewhat....I need the piles to appear somewhat equal although the children are unlikely to count and do the "he got one more than me" thing. I also try to spend the same approximate $$ on each child but that's pretty hard to do...so if I can get something that's large(and looks expensive) for the one I've spent less on that usually does the trick.

I overdo too.....I like there to be tons of gifts under the tree. And then there's the decision on which are from Santa, which are from us. Alot of the stuff from us is not "exciting" stuff but smaller items that we know they'll like. Santa gets to give the gifts with the "Wow" factor.

In answer to your question the kids will probably have 15-20 items under the tree each but keep in mind many of these are smaller items. There will only be about 2 or 3 "big" gifts each.

 

[KarenC]

I used to do this...same $$ amount, same number of packages, roughly the same size pile for each kid. This year, with DD in the dorm, she just doesn't have room for any big presents. And DS did get something in a big box. So I gave up. DD will have 15 packages and DS 11. I spent about the same on each kid, though. But that was easier than trying to keep everything else equal too

 

[TEENEE]

My kids are funny when it comes to opening their gifts. They each take one gift and open them at the same time. When they are done they move onto another gift etc. It drives me crazy because I have to make sure they have the same amount of gifts. I'll just stick with being proud that they care about each other so much and I'll deal with keeping things even in their eyes.

 

[mudnuri]

no, no and no...

DD7 we spent about $3500 on, DD6 we spent about $1800.00 on...DD6 will have twice the amount of presents under the tree than DD7....

I dont keep track of how many each has., I don't find it to be something that must be "fair"...DD7's big gift was 2K, DD6's was $80.00...

Brandy

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by mudnuri
DD7 we spent about $3500 on, DD6 we spent about $1800.00 on...

Wow!!

 

[bigsis1970]

can I just ask what the 2k gift was ( a computer ? my DD 10 is dying to get her own one. )

I do try to keep it even . altho my DS 7 has bigger less expensive gifts then my DD 10 but they know i spent about the same amount on each of them . and Santa always leaves the exact same amount for each of them Michelle

 

[mudnuri]

Sure you can ask, and I'll tell you. We got her a 4-wheeler. DD6 had no interest, and the rule was not until they were 7 anyway. DH and I were talking, and felt bad for DD6 at first, but then once you put it in perspective, that next year DD6 will get the dirtbike she wants, and DD7 will get "only" a bike, well it will all work out in the wash. It's really impossible to make it even, especially this year.

My BIL/SIL bought my nephew a laptop for christmas, he's 12. He's wanted one for a few years. I think an educational gift such as a laptop/computer is an excellent idea....and if DD's were old enough to want/need one, I'd certainly "justify" spending that much.


Merry Christmas!

Brandy

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

As I have only 1 DS it is pretty easy to do.

But as a child and even now my mother tries to even out the monetary value of what she gives my brother and I. I think she just doesn't want either of us to feel "favored".

As an adult child I know this is silly but it makes her happy so I just go with the flow.

 

[bigsis1970]

Brandy - Very cool . Thanks ( my DS wants one of those too along with a big screen TV - he is always thinking big .. LOL ) I think its nice to get the kids what they want . I find that its getting harder to Dis as they get older and need the only computer we have for school projects !! Happy Holidays.. Michelle

 

[JetMom]

My 3 DS's get the same number of gifts and they are usually of comparable $ amount, though not exactly the same.

I do a lot of category gifts. Everyone gets a DVD, a computer game, abox of books, etc.

Then, of course, there are things that they ask for specifically like a hot wheels track for 5 year old or a CD player for 11 year old.

I try to keep it as even as I can though.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I try to get the same number of gifts. We take turns opening everything to stretch out the fun and it's nice if they end at the same time. They both understand, though, that I'm a scatterbrain and sometimes I am slightly off (in more ways that one!).

They are teenagers and I spent about the same amt on each of them....roughly $300.00.

 

[Karel]

I do keep a list and try to keep everything even - though it does drive my husband insane. I think there's about nine presents a piece this year. I know the kids are not adding up amounts in their head and have no idea which things I got on sale but I don't want to appear lopsided to one kid either. My one son is getting a more expensive bike and I think he will have a present less under the tree. My daughter has a lot of little stuff which were $10 and under, so she'll have a few more things. My older son, who knows the true nature of Santa, can be reasoned with and understands that it doesn't always come out even. But his birthday is a month away so he knows more is coming his way anyway.