Spending money for kids?

[dprincessmom]

I tell DD 11 that we will give her 25 gift card prior to the trip. Anything else is on her - she saves allowance and sometimes part of her Easter basket (if we are going in the summer) are trip items. She likes the flexibility of having the money to make her own decisions. She also is more selective with her money.

 

[AlexisMaxMommy]

A lady with teenagers told me that she set up her kids' bands to have a limit of $20 per day, so they could purchase their meals and stuff while on their own. She said if they spent it all on some souvenir, they'd learn quickly because they would have no money left for lunch. I think that's a valuable lesson in money management.

 

[wdwchamp]

I have given our boys typically a $50 GC since most of our trips are 5 days at the parks.

 

[nat8199]

Our plan is to give each kid $20 the first day and then $10 each day after that.

 

[tigger51276]

With my kids, they both have vacation fund jars at home that they can put money in that they get for holidays, birthday, chores, whatever and they can choose to use the money on their trip or at home. Aside from that, my kids get a $30 gift card when we get to the hotel and then daily envelops that can range from $5-30 a day depending on our budget that year. Last year it was a $40 card to start and then $5 and 10 a day alternating envelops. Some years there are little trinkets thrown in, stickers, tattoos, bracelets, hair elastics, etc. Now that being said, I do not buy them ANY souvinears, it is totally up to them. Also if they want a special snack aside from what we've brought with us or the one I buy for us to all share, they have to use their money for that (except occasionally I'll treat them). It really makes them stop and think about what they are going to buy and to appreciate it. I don't have to hear I want this, and this, and this, and this and suffer through constant meltdowns in stores either. My oldest has always been good about budgeting her money even when she was four, my youngest is 6 and still doesn't get it, so I still have to help her.

 

[ibrokeitmommy]

I feel like my kids each $75? We planned on buying them ears and a few pins beforehand separately from their money though. The money was specific for random stuff that I knew they'd want and didn't want to fight over...like candy and stuffed animals. A 6 dollar sucker is much less appealing when you are the one purchasing it!

They each bought a stuffed baby animal character wrapped in a blanket, a shirt, earrings, and a unicorn horn sucker . The stuffed animals were a big decision. We made them think for a couple of days before buying them and every time we saw them in a store it was still what they wanted. Those baby animals were everywhere and they are really cute! I think they were around $25 each.

I'm in a pickle right now because I know they might be going to disney this year and they do not. I know they'd rather save their money if they knew. Keeping them out of stores for a bit!

 

[HockeyIsLife]

I love giving my kids spending money for vacations. For a WDW trip we always give them $100.00 I have an app called "Bank of Mom" which is awesome and manages their money, organizes it in a way that allows me to track money for more than one child.
The reason that I love them having their own money is that we take home WAY less crap. There are certain things that I will always buy for them (One pair of mouse ears, A few pieces of clothing from the world showcase, a Pandora charm) and for everything else I can say "Sure you can have it, if you buy it with your own money." it makes them think so much harder about whether they really want it.
My favorite moment was when my oldest spotted the Cinderella Castle piece to the monorail set that was roughly 89.00 at the end of the trip and both girls decided to pool their money to buy it together. Without me even suggesting it. I ended up paying for the shipping home, for the simple ease of not flying home with the big box.
I also will remind them when they get money for birthdays and holidays that we are going, but even if they save, I still give them the $100.00. It just makes it fair because I have two.

 

[BerardFam]

We have 3 girls, 6,5 and 3 and they have been "earning" dollars for the trip by doing little chores and being kind to their siblings Amazing how a $1 can motivate a 3 year old to get a pillow or doll or anything for her older sister from upstairs

 

[WendyLou]

Mine usually get $50.00 from us before the trip and they do extra chores around the house to earn more so they usually end up with $100.00. Problem with that is when it's his money my son CAN NOT make a decision!!

 

[Vowelmommy]

We have done $100 a child on our last few trips, and I think that is the plan this time as well.
However, this year we are going to universal for the first time, so I think I will need to add to the budget for Harry Potter souvenirs as well.

 

[merdie]

They each bought a stuffed baby animal character wrapped in a blanket, a shirt, earrings, and a unicorn horn sucker . The stuffed animals were a big decision. We made them think for a couple of days before buying them and every time we saw them in a store it was still what they wanted. Those baby animals were everywhere and they are really cute! I think they were around $25 each.

My girls love those baby animals and we are up to 4 at home. They really do play with them, too! Hard to believe I imagine we'll come home with 2 more in August.

I plan on giving my 6 year old her own spending money for the first time this year. I'm thinking $50 on a Disney GC. We will still probably buy her something from us, but I think it will be a good experience in managing her own money.

 

[taraaplin]

My kids are 12, 9, and 4. They have been saving all year. This is our third trip in a row so they know what they want. My 12 year old has saved 230 from Bday, Xmas, and Odds and ends. My 9 year old has 160. My four year old doesn't get money for presents, he gets all toys; therefore, no money for him. We bring 1000 for spending money (and alcoholic beverages for DH and I). We always spend our money as well as the kids spending theirs. We are more selective though. Therefore, when we say no, they use their own money!

 

[bandksmom]

my kids will both have $200 each to take for the week, this is money they have saved from christmas etc. I have told them that they can buy whatever they want with it no questions asked but once it is gone that is it. I will buy my daughter a pair of mickey ears and my son something of comparable price from Harry Potter world since he prefers Harry Potter. If there is any money left over when they get back they can do what they want with it then, also they have been asking for stuff since Christmas I told them they are free to take it out of their disney money. They haven't spent any of it yet. I should note my kids are 12 and 17

 

[Savanna]

My kids will each get a $100 Disney gift card. We will buy them a set of Mickey ears and a t-shirt but the rest will come out of their money.

 

[Southern Bell]

My grandchildren will be taken at least $100. I have already given them $25 gift card each on their Birthday, Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines. They have been very excited to receive the gift cards and know its for their upcoming Disney trip this summer. I think its a great way for grandparents or other family members to help with the trip.