What do you budget for each child for Christmas?

[julirina]

The only for-sure thing for us every year is that they get new PJ's to open on Christmas Eve.

We do this too -- new PJ's (matching, although I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to swing that! and washed and ready to wear before they're wrapped) and a new ornament for the Christmas tree. We open the two gifts after Christmas Eve church, then put on the pj's, hang the ornaments, leave out cookies for Santa and off to bed! It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

 

[torinsmom]

DS16 is my only child and I tend to splurge at Christmas. When he was younger, that meant spending $150 or so, but now it tends to be $500-$600. This year, he has his eye on a $299 guitar, which I can get 15% off of on BF. He also wants a new amp, and wants his PSP repaired and 2-3 games for that. I will probably put aside some $ to get his Xbox repaired(it is still working, but is showing signs of needing a new drive). I will get him some new shirts he has been looking at as well, and who knows what else. He really doesn't get much throughout the year, except for birthdays and Christmas.

 

[disneychrista]

I planned for $75 each but then decided to get a WII for a family present so that will end up being $300. Plus at least anothter $30 - $50 on a small individual gift. As someone else said it gets more expensive when they get older.

 

[TimeforMe]

My kids are older now 20 & 22, but we've ALWAYS had big Christmases. Like others have said, I really don't buy them much during the year so their birthdays and Christmas is it. For the first time ever, DD will get $ as she's going to Europe next summer and is saving. DS skis, golfs (goes to college, too) and has lots of interests that are quite expensive so it adds up quick. I have spent over $500 on DS already and still have a couple of things to buy. DD will get a FLIP video camera, some smaller things and $500 cash this year. I plan for these expenses though, so they're not budget busters for us.

 

[Minnie]

I have an only and no longer set a budget. He put up with a lot for me to be where I am now - years of night school for a BS & MBA on top of working full time. At this point in our lives I spend what I'm comfortable with - and that $ figure might not be comfortable or acceptable to others....

 

[TimeforMe]

I have an only and no longer set a budget. He put up with a lot for me to be where I am now - years of night school for a BS & MBA on top of working full time. At this point in our lives I spend what I'm comfortable with - and that $ figure might not be comfortable or acceptable to others....

Good for you--who cares what others think.

 

[ilovejack02]

I am also one that does not buy toys or goodies much during the year. Santa , Easter bunny and the Birthday fairy ; ) are pretty extravagant . The Valentine fairy has also been known to give a bit more than chocolate.

I try to stay from random toys, he asked for the Kung Foo zhu zhu pets and some Mighty beans things, but they will not be under the tree. I have a feeling they will be played with one day , then dumped away in toy box, because in the end he always goes back to his legos, modeling clay, books and video games.

No real budget, but I do try to make a list and stick with it. I stay out of toys r us and usually don't even look at ads as I don't want to be tempted by the latest and greatest , which usually turns out not to be the greatest LOL.
I guess the only thing about a budget is all has to be paid for in cash, never ever touch the savings account or put on a credit card.
This thread reminds me, LOL i need to look for new PJS , I forgot to add it to list, Santa and the Easter bunny always bring new PJS.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I normally do Christmas BIG, $300-$500 per child and I have three kids, but this year we are going to Disney the week before Christmas so the actual day will be much smaller. I'm thinking $150 per kid or less.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

We did $250/kid this year. I spent about half of it on clothes because we live in Florida and were going to be in Italy and Germany for the holidays. They both got about $150 in toys (we have two households so it complicates things). We go overboard for their age, but I like the look of a tree full of presents. Weird, I know. I splurged on DH this year since he's leaving for Korea in March, I spent about $300 on him, twice as much as normal (got him an iTouch so we'd be able to keep in touch better).

 

[indimom]

One year we got ferrets for Christmas. That was a big year because we invested in the pricey cage and had to get all the accessories and the two ferrets.
One year we went to Universal for Christmas. All they got that year were stocking stuffers under $20.
Last year, we were hooked by a holiday deal that included a computer, laptop and netbook with router. Best $$ we ever spent on Christmas, but obviously a much more expensive year.
This is a smaller year. All my daughter has asked for is a new pullover hoodie and a cordless mouse for her laptop. All DS wants is a new football and a guitar (which he's NOT getting until he takes some lessons using his dad's guitar first and shows a serious interest).

So, I don't have a set budget each year. It varies.

 

[torinsmom]

I have an only and no longer set a budget. He put up with a lot for me to be where I am now - years of night school for a BS & MBA on top of working full time. At this point in our lives I spend what I'm comfortable with - and that $ figure might not be comfortable or acceptable to others....

I hear you there. I have been in school for 6 of my son's last 8 years, getting my Education degree and now finishing up my Masters, as well as working on National Boards for teaching this year and next. In addition, I work a second job most weekdays after a full day of teaching. Some people in my family think I go overboard, especially as a single mom, with big Christmases and Disney trips every summer(very budget, but still), but I feel like he will only be a kid for a short time, and I love "spoiling him".

 

[J3nn78]

Wow, can't believe how much some spend. We are not big on presents here, so probably around $175 total for both boys-and some of that includes clothes. For all others on my list the budget is $25 per person.

 

[torinsmom]

Wow, can't believe how much some spend. We are not big on presents here, so probably around $175 total for both boys-and some of that includes clothes. For all others on my list the budget is $25 per person.

I feel that way when I read some people's Disney budgets, so to each their own. We max out at $1500-$2000 for a 10 day trip, much less if we stay 6 or 7 days, but some people here spend $4-5,000 per trip. I say as long as people have the money, they should feel comfortable using it how they see fit, whether it is a vacation, gifts or simply saving it.

 

[bettyann29]

depends on the year and how we are doing financially..

This year its $200 per child.. we have a total of 5 and they are ages 12, 17, 19, 20 and 23.. we have 3 grandbbabies and I dont put a total $$ on them.. I just get them some clothes and a few toys.. I think this year Ive spent about $100 on the older 2 and the youngest who is 6 months, Ive only spent about $60 but Im just mainly doing clothes..

Thats not including the stockings.. I usually spend about $20-$30 per stocking.. depending on what I put in there..

But each year is different.. depending on our money situation.. some years its just $100

 

[bettyann29]

DD15, only child, my ex buys her stuff as well - between $200 and $300, which means I start at $200 and then keep picking up little stuff and suddenly it's $300.

Her birthday is the 29th, too. There's a $100 limit there. Usually she just wants money, anyway.

My youngest turns 13 on December 29th.. she also gets a $100 gift, giftcard, etc for her birthday.. so she makes out like a bandit at this time of year..