What do you spend for Christmas?

[tyniknate]

With all the holiday expenses and the way the economy is today, have you all cut back on Christmas spending? If it's not too personal, what do you spend (ballpark figure) on your children for Christmas? We've always been a family who way overspends on Christmas and this year we're forced to cut way back.....WAY BACK! I'm devastated. How do I explain to my kids (especially my 5 yr old) that Christmas gifts will not be what they have been in the past? I don't want him to think he's not getting the gifts he usually gets because he has been a bad boy.

So, what's usually $500-$600 per kid will now be closer to $150-$200. Even at $150 per kid that is $450 before we've shopped for anyone else. How do you do it when one game is $50 or $60? I shop sales and cut coupons, but it's not helping much right now. We've also had to cancel the plans for our Disney trip for next year. Haven't broken the news to the kiddos yet.

OK buget board, I'm ready for some ideas. Can you help me?

 

[descovy]

Well our usual budget is 100-150/kid... not because it is a *tight* year just because that is what we spend...

You mention "games are $50" so I will suggest not even go the games route. Electronics for the most part will kill your budget. When my kids make the Christmas list they mention wii's and ipods like everyone else, but they also mention other non-electronic gifts that really open your eyes to what they like... diary with a key, magician gift sets, etc... a lot of requests for "my own ___" And use the list for "inspiration" not specifically. (is the kid leaning towards crafty things, music things, airplanes, etc...)

My other thing is I don't shop just to have stuff under the tree... a bunch of "cripple crap" that is cheap, easily breakable, not really "works" just so the tree or the stocking is full.

At the same time, somewhere around September, I take note of the kids like and request... but don't just buy and give it to them... hide it to wrap for christmas!

Honestly, we have 3 kids, add our presents a smattering from relatives and the tree looks pretty full.

I actually don't put out the presents until x-mas eve nigh so it is like a "ta da!" moment! (and it looks crazy full none-theless)

My favorite teacher/neighbor/fav co-worker/bus driver gift to give is scratch off tickets. Cheap thrill! Family adults we long stopped exchanging gifts when we saw we were essentially trading gift cards. Nobody needs or wants anything they wouldn't rather buy for themselves.

One last thing to note. I actually live in a higher income suburb. We do alright, but the majority of people around us (like kids at school) "live a lot bigger" than we do. Yet, our girls have never had a problem fitting in, or being chastised for not getting the "coolest" presents.

So in my world, a $100-$150 budget is pretty good!

 

[wdwfan16]

With all the holiday expenses and the way the economy is today, have you all cut back on Christmas spending? If it's not too personal, what do you spend (ballpark figure) on your children for Christmas? We've always been a family who way overspends on Christmas and this year we're forced to cut way back.....WAY BACK! I'm devastated. How do I explain to my kids (especially my 5 yr old) that Christmas gifts will not be what they have been in the past? I don't want him to think he's not getting the gifts he usually gets because he has been a bad boy.

So, what's usually $500-$600 per kid will now be closer to $150-$200. Even at $150 per kid that is $450 before we've shopped for anyone else. How do you do it when one game is $50 or $60? I shop sales and cut coupons, but it's not helping much right now. We've also had to cancel the plans for our Disney trip for next year. Haven't broken the news to the kiddos yet.

OK buget board, I'm ready for some ideas. Can you help me?

We are spending about $200/kid. We are not cutting back. Our personal situation is unchanged. We will be giving more to charity this year. No way would I give a child under 5 $600 in stuff at Christmas.

 

[tyniknate]

Please don't get me wrong, we don't live in a high-end neighborhood. It's just that my kids don't get things throughout the year. We don't buy video games and other things at times other than a birthday or Christmas. So many of the kids around us get things all the time. My kids have come to know that it's not the way we operate at home. The video games and such are their special treat at Christmas. I can probably get away without them for the 5 yr old and maybe or maybe not for the 10 yr old. But, I'm not sure how to get around the video game thing with a 15 yr old boy. It's all he really does, other than outdoor stuff and scouts. And I know, the gifts arent' the reason for the season, but that's tough to hear when you're a kid.
This is going to be way harder than I first thought.

This wasn't all toys and junk either. This was their winter coat, clothes, boots, sneakers, sock & undies etc. We definitely didn't buy $500 worth of toys to put under the tree. This was the basis of their wardrobe for the year.

 

[happygirl]

We spend about 250.00 for both kids. Usually one big toy for them to share and then several individual ones

 

[descovy]

It needn't be hard... your kids know you love 'em... so I'm sure they can "handle" not having the big Christmas grab this year. They will be happy with whatever they find under the tree... really!

If
they do give "issues" about it, that would be a good teachable moment for "attitude of gratitude"

My point of the original post is that kids don't get as big a charge out of Christmas as we adults sometimes think they do.

Ask your kid what they got last year or 2 years ago and I can assure you they can't remember nearly $500 worth of stuff!

You have your number ($100-$150/kid) and you say there is a lot they need that you don't buy all year long. Easy, prioritze the list by the most important things on the list and buy the first $150 you can afford.

Games are expensive... tried to give alternate suggestions... but if it must be games, why not one ($50) and spend the rest on other things...

Hey, you can either do what you've always done, and not afford it this year... or do things differently... which will be less presents, etc... but at least you can afford it!

You will not get the big $600 blowout for $150... even from friends on a budget board. So consider opening your mind to a "different" kind of Christmas.

It's not going to be so hard on your kids. It sounds like it is hard on you. So to you. Enjoy a warm holiday full of memories...

 

[The Iron Giant]

It varies from year to year, but probably around $250 per kid or less if possible

 

[Mkaz]

Please don't get me wrong, we don't live in a high-end neighborhood. It's just that my kids don't get things throughout the year. We don't buy video games and other things at times other than a birthday or Christmas. So many of the kids around us get things all the time. My kids have come to know that it's not the way we operate at home. The video games and such are their special treat at Christmas. I can probably get away without them for the 5 yr old and maybe or maybe not for the 10 yr old. But, I'm not sure how to get around the video game thing with a 15 yr old boy. It's all he really does, other than outdoor stuff and scouts. And I know, the gifts arent' the reason for the season, but that's tough to hear when you're a kid.
This is going to be way harder than I first thought.

I understand where you are coming from. We are the same way. Our kids don't get things throughout the year. If they want an item they usually save for it.

However, don't underestimate your kids. Even the 5 year old. Sit down and explain to them that things will be scaled back this year. I would tell the 15 year old that you have a certain amount to spend on each child. If he wants a certain game, that amount cuts into the amount you have to spend on him. I am pretty sure he would prefer quality over quantity. A plus to that is that they really have to think about what they want.

This year our family is going to concentrate on serving others this holiday season. I am sure it will be an eye opener for them even though they already know how fortunate they are. When we told them about our plans, they were pretty excited. They know they will be getting about 5 gifts each, and they are fine with it. We are not doing this out of necessity. We want our children to truly understand what it means to serve others.

Honestly, it will probably be harder on you than them. Don't beat yourself up over it. It's not about the gifts under the tree. Parents tend to set the tone for the household. Keep an upbeat attitude and your kids will too.

 

[EthansMom]

In the past, we've stuck to about $150 per kid. This year, it's probably $250-300 per kid because they are getting new Lands End bean bag chairs.

Partly, I make a challenge out of finding cool stuff that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We also try to not subscribe to the "hype" about stuff. I buy toys and gifts I think the kids will truly enjoy and try to get them at a reasonable price.

This year, in addition to their stocking stuffers, my kids will each be getting a bean bag chair, a pogo stick, a book or two, and a couple other moderate gifts (a $20 video game and $35 Lego set for DS8, for instance). My kids don't get gobs and gobs of stuff.... but they don't NEED gobs and gobs of stuff, either.

My best, best piece of advice: Sit down and make a budget on what you think YOU can afford to spend. Make a list of gifts for each child and try to estimate how much each gift will cost. Stick to buying gifts that the kids will enjoy instead of gifts that are "most sought after", "most popular", "newest", etc... Those gifts tend to be the most expensive, take the most work to get, and are often the first ones to break or get thrown away.

One tip for video games: Lots of places have deals on video games at this time of year. http://www.walmart.com had some video games that were 2 for $30 and some that were 2 for $20. Toys R Us also runs lots of sales on video games at this time of year. There's nothing wrong with giving your children one video game that has been out a while (and is therefore less expensive) that he/she doesn't have.

Good Luck!

 

[mindyd]

We normally do 500 a kid and 300-500 on together gifts. I have two Daughters this Year I am not doing together kids bt planning on between 600 to 800 a kid so it will be about the same as last Year.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

It needn't be hard... your kids know you love 'em... so I'm sure they can "handle" not having the big Christmas grab this year. They will be happy with whatever they find under the tree... really!

If
they do give "issues" about it, that would be a good teachable moment for "attitude of gratitude"

My point of the original post is that kids don't get as big a charge out of Christmas as we adults sometimes think they do.

Ask your kid what they got last year or 2 years ago and I can assure you they can't remember nearly $500 worth of stuff!

You have your number ($100-$150/kid) and you say there is a lot they need that you don't buy all year long. Easy, prioritze the list by the most important things on the list and buy the first $150 you can afford.

Games are expensive... tried to give alternate suggestions... but if it must be games, why not one ($50) and spend the rest on other things...

Hey, you can either do what you've always done, and not afford it this year... or do things differently... which will be less presents, etc... but at least you can afford it!

You will not get the big $600 blowout for $150... even from friends on a budget board. So consider opening your mind to a "different" kind of Christmas.

It's not going to be so hard on your kids. It sounds like it is hard on you. So to you. Enjoy a warm holiday full of memories...

All really good advise!!!

Our entire Christmas budget is not much more then what you were spending on one kid, and while we do buy clothes through the year, we don't buy much in the line of other things. They do have their own money that they can buy what they want, but mostly we stick to b-days, Christmas and the occasional job well done or reward type thing.

We do a lot of group gifts, like the video games. Last year the big gift was Guitar Hero, the year before was Wii. This year I got 3 Wii games when Target had the B2G1 deal along with the $10 off coupons. I added a cheap DS game (they have one DS they all 3 share from a while ago) and got to use 2 coupons, so I got 4 games for $102. I will be putting one or 2 away for b-days though. This way the money goes further.

I am not going to lie, we are splurging a bit this year, I got a part time job and we have decided that with some of that money I have earned we are getting 2 netbooks, one for our DD15 and one for the younger 2 to share, this will be $400(already have them picked out and will get on Black Friday.) But we decided there are enough little things around this house after 3 girls that we'd rather spend a little more on something useful (plus our old desktop is like 10 years old.)

We have also decided that this year we are making all the gifts for everyone but our kids. We don't have any aunts, uncles, cousins etc, just grandparents. Let's face it, they don't need anything and would love a homemade gift. This will be a big savings and will mean a lot more.

So, if I had to ballpark, I would say splurging this year we will be at about $650 which is a little scary saying it, but sounds about right. In the past, probably about $500. This includes for everyone (supplies for our homemade gifts for family and friends included.) Being that our kids don't have any extended family and the grandparents are on very limited incomes, we are really the only gifts they get so we try to do what we can but without going overboard.

Also, we too do not put anything out till the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve and so it is a huge shock to see it all in the morning.

I think a lot of people are scaling back this year and you know, I don't think it is that bad of a thing. Christmas has become out of control and this may bring it back to family and the reason for the celebration.

I really don't think your little guy will even remember what he got last year to compare this year. I wouldn't want him to feel like he was bad either, but I don't think that will happen. Little kids are happy with anything and your older child will understand that times are tougher now and will get better.

Try to have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Times will get better!

 

[Misty89]

we usally spend $100 per child........because they get so much from others, we really saw no need to go hog wild.
this year is tough........my oldest is 18, and the only two things she wants are a netbook & i pod touch. we are getting it. no if's or buts about it
her last christmas at home, she will get what she wants no matter the cost.
DD10 will get what she wants too, but her list does not cost $600 LOL
we already bought a Wii bundle for the family from"Santa"...( like i said, we are having a nice Christmas LOL)
so we will figure it out later, cut back on some stuff and make this a nice christmas this year.
( i had alot of OT this summer so that will be figured in to the holiday buget too)
we also only have to buy 5 gifts besides our children ( small family) all together with the "special gifts" this year, we will spend around $1200.

 

[Goofy'slady]

Now is the time to teach your kids that Christmas isn't about all the things they do or don't find under the tree. In years past we've spoiled our two girls during the holidays - actually we spoil them all throughout the year so when hubby and I decided to do things a bit differently this year and cut back on the gifts (150 each) and do a New Year's long weekend at a mountain resort we weren't all that worried about how we would explain things to the kids.

Our kids are constantly told how hard my husband and I work to provide the things they have and how those things are nice to have but family and family time is much more important. We've always been a family of planners. We wouldn't be able to do half of the things we do without planning. We travel quite a bit throughout the year - this summer alone my kids went on 4 vacations including 1 1/2 weeks at Disney but we like many on these boards we start planning and saving for the next trip the moment we get back from the current one.

We decided to cut back on some of the items we (hubby and I) would buy our kids for the holidays with the knowledge that the NY's trip would be much more exciting than another ho-hum gift they may or may not play with . Our 11yr old will receive a few inexpensive games for her Nintendo DS, a prepaid cell phone for emergency usage, few clothing items from her fave store Justice and a inexpensive pair of shoes. Our 4yr old will receive a few Disney Princess dolls (actually already picked them up this weekend from the Disney Store) a Disney Princess scooter, a few pair of clothes from places where I know I can get good deals like Carter's, Old Navy, and Target and a pair of sneakers. They both will get stocking stuffers. My family will get them and so will my husband's family.

What is gift to me tho is the fact that when you ask them what they like most about the holidays I get answers like - listening to Christmas music, going to see the lights, daddy making hot chocolate and giving gifts to others and lastly they mention what they've received. That lets me know that we're teaching them it's not about what you hold in your hand but what you hold in your heart.

T.

 

[Maddie2]

At the risk of representing our family as underprivileged .... we spend about $150 total on 2 kids - age 15 & 12. And believe me, we are NOT underprivileged or under anything. Perhaps they do not have as much STUFF as some kids their ages, but they are not left majorly wanting for anything.

We have always taught our children that STUFF does not = happiness. They do not need the latest gadget, game, or whatever. They do have some of the trappings -- wii, ds's, etc. Most of it, they have purchased themselves through saving up for it over time. Our oldest is saving for an ipod touch. If he pays for it, he will most definitely take better care of it. (he earned most of the $ mowing lawns over the summer)

We also buy several 'Angel Tree' gifts each year. The kids go with me to choose the angels off the tree and then we shop. We may not have everything in the way of material possessions, but we most certainly have more than we "need" ... and therefore we need to share. IMO, this is the true meaning of Christmas.

If you act like you are depriving your children or tell them so, they will feel deprived. I don't think you need to tell young children that you are spending less this year. Older kids - maybe, but you only get one chance to raise your children ... so now is the time to help them learn and understand the real meaning of Christmas ... and it's not the presents.

I agree with MickeyMomofThree's post ...

"Also, we too do not put anything out till the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve and so it is a huge shock to see it all in the morning.

I think a lot of people are scaling back this year and you know, I don't think it is that bad of a thing. Christmas has become out of control and this may bring it back to family and the reason for the celebration."


Couldn't have said it better!

 

[DawnM]

$500 total.

Wii
Wii Fit (ok, more for me than for them but don't tell THEM that! )
Extra remotes and nunchucks
Probably 3 games total to start

We are also getting each child a book or two.

I am finding deals and using gift cards and my parents pitched in a bit, so I think I can get it for under $500 OOP for us as parents.

All the kids also have birthdays fairly close to Christmas so they may get a game or something for birthdays.

Dawn

 

[dphie28]

We usually budget $1500 for Christmas...that is for our 3 boys, both sets of parents, grandmas, and extended family. We usually spend $200-$250 per kid...but end up with one kid at the high end and one kid under. In the end, we make sure the size of the presents is even and the number of gifts they open also. Kids that are our kids' ages don't get a sense of 'how much' you spend on them...just whose box is bigger. Like most kids today, our kids have EVERYTHING and we do not buy them anything any other time of the year. They spend their money throughout the year when they want a video game (and their money is from birthdays and smaller holidays -- no allowance either). With a large family, the kids get plenty from everyone! Our kids always open their new PJs for Christmas on Christmas Eve and everyting else goes under the tree from "santa". I shop the Black Friday sales and Internet sales to get good prices on 1 or two things that are expensive and then throw in some things like cool bath foam, DVDs or Books that are inexpensive but don't cost a lot or take up more room in the house.

 

[Kat77]

EEK! Honestly, I do not know how much we spend on Christmas. Am I the only one who can say that OR the only one admitting it?

My kids are weird. I say this every year when they make their Santa list... teachers have even noticed it. They rarely ask for big ticket items, just goofy things I normally would not buy them (snuggies?! bendaroos). I'm starting wonder if it is a running joke between them now. If we ONLY bought from the kids lists- I could hit one CVS (the as seen on tv section, ofcourse), spend less than $200 on the four of them and be done with it. If Dh would just get on board with this, we'd be all set. The costly items are generally something we, the parents, have picked up. Dh is a tech geek so PS3's, wii's and computers appear around here without the kids begging. Last Christmas, the kids got a PS3 b/c dh wanted a blue ray player and he could pass the game system off as their BIG gift also.

 

[emma'smom]

Probably 150.00 per child....I try to do a few things to make it all work:

(1) Save things I would normally buy for them anyway for Christmas gifts instead (ex: ballet company sweatshirt, swim team towel, school spirit wear, etc)

(2) Pick up things along the way when I find them on sale (and I will turn every stone to find a sale--hitting close-outs, Aldi's, etc). I've found some great board games this way.

(3) Thinking about the "showcasing" for Christmas morning so Santa's gifts seem grand without costing a lot! For example, I have a decorative, sling bookshelf for dd5 and a beanbag chair for dd7 that will "look big" when you enter the room. Neither cost more that 15.00 (definitely not the Land's End bean bag the PP mentioned =)

(4) I also found one toy at a rummage sale that I will clean up and put under the tree for dd5. I've never done that before---but it was in mint condition and the exact thing she was asking for (a toy stable). It seemed crazy to spend 30.00 on the very same thing that was 3.00 right in front of me.

However, I recall my favorite toy when I was a child from Santa being a rocking horse. It was wonderful....and I loved it. Years later I mentioned that horse to my parents and they said that it hadn't even come from Santa. An aunt had stopped by after I was asleep and brought it for us just as a hand-me-down toy that she was clearing out of her basement. It wasn't even meant to be an official "gift". However, my parents left it out and when I was so excited that it was from Santa.....they just let me have my fun. My point---little kids won't be looking for receipts to check the value!

 

[tyniknate]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I really appreciate the help. I just wanted to clairfy that my kids aren't spoiled and we don't usually over-indulge them. In fact, a trip to the mall or store is a pretty rare thing for us. I guess that's why we do Christmas so big. It's a lot of the stuff they routinely need, but get at Christmas instead of here and there. We probably spend half the budget for them on necessities and the other half on toys and games. Included in the gifts are their boots, winter coat, clothes, and even socks and undies. We don't go out and buy $500-$600 in stuff just to have under the tree. This is the way I was raised and I guess it's just transfered over to me. Mom and dad worked hard and money was pretty tight throughout the year. Christmas was always the one big splurge of the year for us girls. I guess that's what I've always done for my boys. We will definitely be shopping black friday and the sale racks this year. We will be trying to make the whole season a little more special for the boys when we're baking cookies, watching a Christmas special and wrapping gifts for others. It will also be a lesson in budgeting for our kids when we "adopt" our child in need this Christmas and shop for him or her.
Thanks again to everyone. I hope for all a blessed Christmas season.
Danielle

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

WOW! I feel like a total cheapo. For my 5-year-old, we spend around $100-$150. For our 2-year old, around $60. I think it's easier for them because they're so young and they don't have a whole list of demands. Plus, they get a present from each set of grandparents and 3 uncles/aunts. My 5-year-old just wants legos and something from Star Wars. On my side of the family, we drew names for the adults so we only have to buy for 1 adult and then 2 kids on that side of the family. I started Christmas shopping in August and looking out for the best sales.