The age old question....

[la79al]

How much spending money should I give DS10 and DD6? Last year we had to push them to buy any souvenirs at the end of the week. Next year we are getting the DDP but we are going to be super cruel and make them use their spending money for any extra snacks that they may want as well as any souvenirs they may find. They are both really good about not having the gimmies when we go to the store and a few weeks ago I gave them both money when they went away with my mother. DD came back with change and DS came back with all of his money. We are going for 8 days.

 

[ainmama2001]

Last year when we went as a family for 8 days, we brought along about $200 total for EVERYONE. That included all the glow sticks, the balloons and stuff that wouldn't even MAKE it home PLUS the few things that did. That averaged about $10 a day for each person for souvenirs.

 

[annej]

No matter how long we are going to be there, we give both kids
$20/park. (total of $80) They can spend it in that park or save however they choose. We will usually buy the t-shirt they want, meals and one snack /day but the rest of the things they buy come out of that money. They are usually very good about it and DD usually has money left as she is a pin collector and very choosey about which ones she will buy. They also save before hand if they want more than that and have to earn that money with extra chores etc.

 

[Bev J]

Our kids always use their own $$ for souvenirs. They save their allowance or have little garage sales over the summer. Now to give them an insentive to save we have always matched the amount the save. If it is $40 then we give them $40. But that is all the $$ they have to spend. Now we don't make them use the $$ for snacks, but with the dining plan they rarley want any extra anyway. But candy and such in the resort store is on their own.
When they have their own money they sure spend it differently than if we just buy it for them.
Our son is 11 and he has been doing this since he was about 6 or so. So far for our trip next month he has saved $64. I doubt he will spend that much..

Bev

 

[Ellajoan]

Boy, do I feel cheap! I usually give 10 each for souveneirs when we vacation, and up that amount to $20 at WDW. They are really good at about not whining to go over the limit and really take the time to find the best use for their 20 bucks. Of course, we don't make them use it for snacks or anything.

 

[NancyIL]

How much spending money should I give DS10 and DD6? Last year we had to push them to buy any souvenirs at the end of the week.

If they don't want to buy souvenirs - good for them! Most of the stuff people think they just have to buy when they are at WDW is never seen again once they are home. I think the best souvenirs are the photos you take of the trip.