How much do you spend on your kids?
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Topic: How much do you spend on your kids?
Posted By: naysgirl
Subject: How much do you spend on your kids?
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 2:48pm
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With Christmas coming up and also DS's first birthday it has got me thinking about what presents we are going to get for him. There are so many things that I want to get but I don't want to go overboard.
So just out of pure curiosity, how much do you spend on your children for xmas/birthday pressies? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 2:50pm
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Birthday they get about $100. Christmas about $150ish. This year Josh does have more that that as we needed to get him a new bike. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 3:09pm
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i have no idea! i buy throughout the year. this year for gabriels birthday we got some playstation games from trade me and i got a spiderman t shirt earlier in the year at a farmers sale so all up probably no more than $20-30 but i am thinking of putting one of the games aside for xmas. but if we go to dinner for his birthday that puts the cost up... ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 3:48pm
| We have a budget of $100 per person in our family for xmas. For birthdays it just depends what they are into. Daniel didn't understand his first birthday. The most interesting thing for him that day was the candles on the cake lol so for Alex's first birthday we won't spend much at all. |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 4:17pm
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We change each year depending on their age, their likes and our financial situation at the time. Last Christmas we spent about $1250 on the kids all up but only about $20 on DS individually ($1k went on a joint gift). Similarly on his birthday this year we only spent $30 whereas we spent about $100 on DD. DS got heaps more though as I had tonnes of hand-me-downs packed away. -------------  
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 4:35pm
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Under 10 I spend around $100 for bday and $150 for christmas. I spend during the year so it doesn't hit all at once. I also have two birthdays in december so it pays to spread the cost. Now I have a 14 yr old birthdays tend to be a bit more expensive. She got a ph one birthday and an ipod the other so they tend to go over the rule. She wants some GHD's this year so that will be a combined chrissy and birthday with a few little chrissy pressies thrown in. I allocate about $30 of the $150 for santa stocking. They also get a clothing item in that price so it isn't just toys.
This year we are cutting back as I am just about running out of space. That is the nice thing about the kids getting older is the toys get smaller. |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 4:51pm
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Lily's first birthday I have spent about $30, got a few things on sale in June/July from Kmart - a shape sorter ($10), a nail/hammer set ((like whack a mole) $20).
Xmas was a bit more... $110. I got her a 'pram' style walker and first doll set ($80), a push-along train with balls that fly out sorta thing ($30). My mum has spent a lot more though... She has 3 Birthday presents... A doll/teddy ($50), blocks set ($60) and a bath time boat ($30) so already $140... Hasn't got Xmas present yet though. TBH I haven't spent a whole lot because I know the excitement for her at this stage will be the wrapping paper and the food lol! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 5:47pm
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I spent alot of DD last year with her 1st birthday & Christmas, which are within 1 week of each other. I guess there were so many cool toys & it was me that was excited.
She then got so much more from grandparents etc, and it was just too much. This year i have spent $50 for each, that includes clothes & an out door chair set. But most things i got over 70% off in sales. I finished shopping for her in June. I know her grandparents have gotten her a pool & swing & slide set. So she is going to be very spoilt anyway. Next year i will most likely spend a bit more & get her a bike. But that will be her only present. Being an only grandchild and having most her great grandparents she gets alot of stuff. -------------  
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Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 6:28pm
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I spend $100 per child but Xmas ends up being more because there are a few extras in the Christmas stocking etc. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 7:15pm
My girls each have a piggy bank that we fill up over the year then they get to open it at around the middle -end of November. They spend whatever is in it on whatever they wish. 2 years ago DD1 had almost $300 in hers so she chose a 2nd hand laptop off Trademe and was able to buy various gifts for family, she was 14 at the time. DD2 had over $400 in hers and got herself a 2nd hand PSP with games and movies off Trademe and was also able to buy various gifts for family..she was 8 at the time. Now they are older they dip into their piggy banks more often so last year DD1 only had $80 or so and got mainly pressies for her cousins and grandparents. DD2 had almost $200 in hers and managed to get herself some clothes and gifts for the family. We don't give them any extra money at Xmas time as the money in their piggy comes from various sources..ie our change from shopping, monetary gifts from their bdays and family, dance items at family events etc. They both know that the piggy is their personal spending money for Xmas as we never have extra money at Xmas.
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Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 7:23pm
Oops forgot to mention that DS turns one on Xmas day this year and we aren't planning anything majorly different. We will have our traditional family Xmas pressies in the morning (normally around 7am) and then our usual church Xmas pressies (normally around 10) then our Xmas lunch - but this time we'll have bubs pressies after lunch hehehe...he has his own piggy and we will buy him his gifts with that money but probably split it 50/50 for separate Xmas gifts in the morning and bday gifts in the arvo
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 8:38pm
For the girls 1st birthday I think I spent about $250?? But to be honest, one of the toys hasn't even come out of the box and they didn't see it, so it's being regifted for Christmas  As for other Christmas pressies...I haven't even started shopping and have no idea what to get them!!
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Posted By: monkey33
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 8:47pm
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I have budgeted $200 for Christmas & $200 for birthday (only 2 weeks apart) but I think we will be going a bit over the Christmas budget oops.
------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 9:17pm
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we were really strapped for DS1's 1st bday as DS2 was due and money was real tight. we probably spent about $30 and he loved what we got it, and we got it off trade me in good condtion so it was sweet. xmas will be no more than $100 for both kids combined. they are so close in age any toys we buy for one, both kids will like. we also largely only have toys the kids have to do stuff with so different types of blocks, playdoh, crayons etc too which saves us a lot of money. we have a quite different philosophy to most ppl on toys though. however when the kids are big enough for bikes and trampolines and stuff it will be a different story. they'll have a large present on top of the normal budget ------------- 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 9:21pm
That will be Lily too - only grandchild and great grandchild, all the aunties/uncles... And being her first Xmas and Birthday I am really excited whereas DP said we don't need to bother - she'll never know... 
I also wait for sales, I rarely buy her anything at full price if I can avoid it! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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_SMS_ wrote:Posted By: Leelee
Date Posted: 26 October 2010 at 9:56pm
There is just under 4 weeks between xmas and ds bday. I have a tendancy to go overboard. I buy through out the year so don't really stick to a budget like I should, I think we have spent $250 for xmas then the same for his bday and to be honest he is getting to much  ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: ooEvaoo
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 7:48am
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Usually have a budget of $100 each for birthday and chrissy. DS birthday is 2 weeks from chrissy. Not sure what we're getting him this year....some remote control ferrari cars I think. Really wanted to get him a trampoline (which would be way over budget) but we're getting a second hand one for free this weekend. ------------- 
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 8:12am
I spend too much on DD1, but have learnt from it and don't plan on go as overboard for DD2 and 3 who are 11 and 14 years younger (DD3 still in tum)... For DD1 I usually realistically spend around $300 for each bday and xmas... she always gets a big present like her phone or IPod or such, and then some smaller presents which usually includes clothes and stuff she would need anyway I guess... To be honest her last birthday we spent over $400 but it just seems to add up... . DD2 we have spent about $80 to $100 for each bday and xmas so far... although we have her a swing slide set for xmas and a few other things so probably more like $220 this year... ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 8:14am
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We have spent so far about $400 per child, 3 kids. Have a few small things still to get & a family present a pool.
DS2 birthday is 2 weeks before Xmas & will spend $100-150 on him. DS1 birthday is the first week in Feb & usually do his in the January sales. I am finding as they are getting older I get less for my money & there wants are getting more expensive. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 8:16am
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Wow i cant believe how much people spend on there kids -------------
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 8:20am
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We have spent approx $350-$400 for DS, those gifts will be split between Christmas and his Birthday in mid-Jan. We bought most things in the mid-year toy sales and I told myself that was it, but I can't help myself when I see things on special I have told myself no more but with the sales between now and January.. we'll see!!
He is the only grandchild (though only one set of grandparents are in the country I'm sure he'll get things sent over) so we know we went a bit ott seeing as he'll be spoiled by family but it's just too hard! I've been excited about having a first Christmas & Birthday for years so I figure it's ok! Thankfully he will be too young to understand where they all came from so we won't have to top it next year when there will be two hehe  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 8:58am
When they were young I spent heaps on all the cool toys, but now they are older they know what they like & want & DS1 often stets the standard as the 2 younger ones want his stuff. Some of the presents are near $100 each. We do the same amount of presents per child & try to stick to quality. My MIL spends heaps on the grand kids & I send her a list this yr I am asking for scooters for all, & still thinking..
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:16am
I soooo agree!! For DD1s recent birthday she only got three presents - it's just the one cost well over $300! but she's good and sharing and the wii is so much fun, so it was worth it ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: kellie
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:21am
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DS's birthday is boxing day so this year we got him a trampoline, and he will also get a stocking on Xmas. I figure the tramp will last for ages, and it was a good deal. ------------- 
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:25am
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Kellie - a trampoline was one of the best presents we ever got DD1 - she got it at 2, loved it and used it for many years!!! ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:44am
we did the wii as the family present last yr & yr before we did the xbox 360. This yr we are getting a pool. The kids get a game each for the PS3 so that builds the collection up, but that is about $200+....it does not take much to blow the budget 
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Posted By: naysgirl
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:46am
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DS's birthday is 2 days before Xmas. I know that he is going to get spoilt from the grandparents but as a family we never spent heaps on xmas presents. Birthdays we tend to spend a bit more as its your special day.
I can see how its easy to spend more money on each child as they get older as they want more specific things. I must admit that I am a little stunned at how much people spend on each child. But I can also see how people can as I keep seeing things and think 'oh maybe I should get DS that'. We are buying DS a paddling pool for his birthday and then I will get 1 or 2 good wooden toys for him. And then for xmas I will buy just another smaller toy plus have a stocking for him and put in some crayons, a small book and maybe some matchbox cars or something. Been his first actual Xmas where is he is going to be awake I know he will probably have more fun with the paper than anything!! I am really excited about having a stocking for him as we never had stockings as kids. Im also trying to rack my brains for some other little traditions that I can start for my family... what do other families do?? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: CrazyCass
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:52am
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I agree tramps are a great presnet that they will have for years....
DF & I dont have kids yet but we spent up to $60 for neices & nephews birthday then no more than $20 for Xmas, and if i cant think of anything they'll get bonus bonds or cash in their bank accounts. We believe Xmas is too commercial and make more of an effort for birthdays as they are special for the particular person. Shopping during the year is good, means you can take advantage of all the sales etc. Just have to find storage for it all so nosey fingers dont find it all! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 10:06am
| How many presents do you try to do per child? |
Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 10:13am
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each child. hard one. they kids will get a shared present for both xmas and bday since their bday are 3 weeks apart with a one year age gap and both the same sex. for each event they get one big present to share and 1 small present each. xmas they will get a stoking too to renew their playdoh, crayon stash etc.. that was it stay age appropriate with lego, bikes and tramps as they get older but the number of presents stay the same. the cost will go up but they wont be too spoiled. they wont really get anything from family but we also add things like zoo trips and stuff as well, so they get more stuff but dont accumulate too many material possesions -------------
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 10:14am
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Storage ideas - Suitcases. I have stored all the pressies in our suitcases for years and my 14 year old has yet to discover them. They don't look in them as they are always there in the cupboard and don't look any different when full. Also doesn't hurt that they are lockable.
I agree. Once your child can ask what they want and you see their friends having stuff you tend to spend more. It is a vicious circle and not necessarily the correct way to do it but I find myself falling into it. Once they hit 5 I think it gets a bit harder and before then you can get away with what you would like them to have. Then again my son who is 9 never asks for anything. He is so laid back and he is the one getting the most this year as he is so easy to buy for. I think it is the last year before he hits the expensive don't look like much presents. I also have trouble buying for my 4 year old as she has all the toy hand me downs from her older sister. So many toys and no room in her bedroom. Would like to get a tramp but my DH hates mowing around them. He is also a bit ocd with lawn and worries about it dying underneath. Not to mention the two teeth and one broken arm on them that we have had. But it was a great way to get the kids outside. hmmm dilema |
Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 1:30pm
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We buy through the year for birthday and Christmas presents. They dont really get toys through out the year. I do however buy puzzles through the year and arts and craft type things.
Big presents like trampoline and duplo and that gets bought for the family so I dont have to go buy again for the next sibling. (meaning Andrew here) Birthday's I spent a lot more. I must be honest and dont keep too close track of it as I only buy on sales. This year I spent a fair bit on Andrews but it is mostly good quality wooden toys. Wasnt over $150. His "party" and other things extra over my groceries as it was normal food and just us and I would have had to make as well was like $30 for plates and hats and balloons and gift wrap paper. Then Christmas I always said we will keep small. And it just got bigger and bigger. Last year we did the 2 gifts per child rule where one of the kids gifts was a bit bigger and they are able to play with their sibling. And then small little things for a stocking. It came to about $120 both both kids for all presents. And I must admit they both went nuts over their things and actually played with it as there wasnt much. This year so far I have only one gift per kid and very tempted to just do that and then a huge box with craft stuff as a combined thing for them. If you have to include what I spent on a birthday party well then people might get shocked. I just love making the little decorations and planning and all that. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 1:31pm
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As you noticed I didnt include McKayla's birthday cost. I am too scared to add up as her bike was already 120 and she got a few other things as well. So total up might be between $250 and 300. (but that includes some new school things. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 1:54pm
It's a bit harder to do joint presents with a teenager and a 2 year old ... but definitely when baby is born her and DD2 will get shared presents for the bigger things....
The games are soooo expensive eh! When they're young it's soooooo easy to get away with not spending much! cos really they are happy with anything... I agree with kiwi2 - it is after about 5 it becomes harder! ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:11pm
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I find 5 easier again. McKayla is so much happier with $2 craft things. She loves having beads to make things and get her a pack of colored pens and paper and she is super happy.
I must say when people ask me why I get so much: Part of my defence is my kids seriously dont get take aways or anything like that as such. Even when we go to the zoo we mostly take things ourselves. They dont get brand new clothes or expensive clothes etc. Their stuff is either second hand or bought on sales. So I save huge amounts in that sense. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:15pm
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ooh freckle are you having another little pink thing yay
It is great when they are little as you can do their shopping with them & they have no idea, ha ha. DS2 was 2 weeks old on xmas day so he got clothes & a couple of rattles & stuff I would usually buy. I think what we struggle with is if they only have a couple of presents because of the cost. 1 yr DS1 asked how many he was getting & DH said I think Santa will bring you 25...eeek & he counted them...I had to individually wrap pencils, DH was put in his place. I also buy things they can share or will help them out. DS1 is getting 2 huge maps & D2 is getting a leapfrog text thing & DS3 is getting a leapfrog write & spell thing & I have been buying books & art stuff & put them away. DS2 & 3 have hot wheels stuff & play doh sets, they are close in age so like the same stuff, DS1 is getting a phone. So everything they are getting will keep them occupied while I drink, ha ha
Also with all boys they do have heaps of toys they have been handed down from DS1...& then 2 so I go through them & sell on TM when have grown out of them & then use that money for xmas & b'days. |
Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:18pm
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SMoody - when I said harder, I really meant more expensive... I found around then DD1 started knowing what she REALLY wanted, you know like the latest toys kinda thing... craft stuff is always a hit, I still get my 14 year old art supplies and flash stationery ... ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:21pm
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SMoody yes I get sick of people saying my kids are spoilt or get too much...think they see toys & not realise it is for 3 boys & they have been handed down.
My SIL was going on about the amount of stuff they got for xmas 1 yr..but then my kids have not had overseas holiday or go to the movies when a new one comes out or get things bought nearly every month. They spend mega in outings & sport etc & new clothing. Then I saw what her kids got for xmas & told her her 2 kids each got more than my 3 put together...that shut her up. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:24pm
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The amount of kids at primary school that have phones, laptops & ipod is amazing...No wonder DS1 wants all the stuff his friends have.
I am lucky my kids are not hung up on labels for clothing yet & that they can all share so that saves money. |
Posted By: BessieBear
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 2:36pm
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Agreed!!! I've so far bought DD her Christmas present for $40 and thats all she's getting. I think for DS birthday we spent $50. ------------- Sarah Mum to, Boy 07/2008, Girl 03/2010, Boy 05/2012, Angel  07/08/2014
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Posted By: MyPeas
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 4:53pm
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I probably should but haven't really set a budget for presents but am going for quality items. DD won't really understand anything this year as she'll only be one so it's probably more for me than anything.
For her birthday she is getting a metal framed paddling pool and a silver bracelet which I'm going to get engraved plus a toy or book. For christmas she is getting a junior leather look bean bag plus probably some wooden blocks and one other thing. I've also started what I hope to be a tradition and have brought her a christmas ornament personalised with her name and the year for both last year and this year and also a pregnancy one for this year for our next wee girl. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 5:31pm
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I'm amazed at how much people set out to spend....
I haven't set a specific budget at all except for other people that is $20 each. The kids so far I have got A: Pink Wii remotes $20 C: Remote Cars car $9, laundry basket (cars) $9, three wheeled scooter $39. I didnt intend to spend that much on that either. I am going to get A a couple more little things but do not want to spend much. Hmmm $60 that added up fast LOL Both their birthdays are after Xmas. We are thinking of getting a walled tramp to replace our little one, but hate the price of them. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 6:21pm
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i have spent 49.99 each on both boys i got tonka romate controll cars half price at werehouse so that will do them - uslly it would be about 100 each but we are on hoiladay this year so thats there main pressy ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: zoeymil
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 7:51pm
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I think i'm abit out of control with pressie buying... but i just love buying things for people!! This year DD is getting a painting easel and wooden switch car track, i have laybyed through the wooden toy box website and i have also brought her a balance bike but i think she will be too small for it , so she will have to get it during the year. For her bday on the 29th of Dec she is getting a tramp!!! and then she just gets books and puzzles and clothes, but i must stop buying things!!!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kiwikid
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:15pm
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I spent way to much on DS last Christmas, well not so much spent as I NEVER pay full price and what I spent was within budget but he had so much stuff that one gift was completely overlooked and in the end I put it away and he'll get it this Christmas!
I tried to be more restrained for his birthday but he does end up with about 10 presents costing around £100 or so but actual retail price would be about double that. His birthday and Xmas are 6mths apart and he doesnt get toys during the year so I find he's usually ready for another developmental stage by the time one or the other rolls around. For Christmas this year we will be in NZ (instead of the UK) so I have a few things I brought for him during the year before we knew we were coming over that I will save for when we get back and have a late Christmas with SIL, he's got a balance bike (half price at least, $30), an ELC Pirate Ship (75% off $20), Megadoodle (half price $20) and a couple of puzzles at 75% off maybe total $20, all up about $100 but again retail price so much higher. Will get him his Santa stocking bits n bobs in NZ and maybe one present to unwrap on the day, he'll be so busy with all the fun stuff to do and new people to meet he'll not even notice his gifts I dare say! ------------- 
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Posted By: Shelt
Date Posted: 27 October 2010 at 9:31pm
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I clearly spend waaaay too much on DD - you guys are making me feel embarassed
I don't set out to spend any set amount. DD's birthday is just before Christmas (15 days to be exact) and I buy all her birthday, christmas and santa presents during the year on sale and stash them away. She is getting a trike, books and puzzles plus a lunchbox for her birthday, a fisher price little people fairy princess castle plus more books and mike the mower from me for christmas and then a thomas train set and a new paddling pool from santa. Plus there are her stocking presents (wee things like a harmonica, a hairbrush, notebook and stickers) and various items of new clothing and a couple of little people figures. I might have more stashed in the cupboard but thats all I can remember
I try and buy stuff thats going to be played with for the whole rest of the year because she won't get anything much till next December since her birthday and christmas are so close together. Must cut back next year! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 12:52am
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Hmm well I don't think we will be spending that much on DS...so far we have gotten him wooden blocks, a little gardening set and some musical instruments. Some is birthday and some is Christmas. Will also get him a ride on toy plus some things for his stocking but not sure what that will be yet.
And that is it haha poor deprived child....not. ------------- 
Oct 11
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 2:48am
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Our budget is normally around $100 for gifts. This year we'll be under for DS1 and waaay under for DS2.
DS2 will have so many hand me downs that there is very little he will need. So the gift we do get will be a token thing. It's the grandparents we have to worry about!! For two different reasons: 1) The in-laws generally want to spend the same amount on each child, only they have one daughter with VERY high standards and expectations (don't get me started), so that bumps up the amount. I have pleaded with them to forget about "matching" for our kids - it's really the thought that counts. 2) My mother is a bit of a "buy your love" type person, so I can see her being excessive. The crazy thing is that Jackson ADORES her and it had nothing to do with presents. I wish she'd see that and not buy him stuff all the time. I am seriously hoping she doesn't go crazy this year. The number of toys in our house is already starting to stress me out. Most are gifts, or things I have got off TradeMe, but man do they start to add up in terms of volume. Tonight I have gone through and sorted out a bag of stuff to give away. Trying to think of a good cause, but they'll probably just get dropped off at the Sallies. |
Posted By: Leelee
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 9:48am
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I sorted through our ds presents the other night, there is 13 things for xmas and around the same for his bday in Jan,and I still want to get him a remote control Thomas. He is getting one main present for each, for xmas he is getting a trike and for bday he is getting a battery operated ride on. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 11:27am
I'm the same - I especially love buying presents for the kids! and maybe some people would say we spend too much or be surprised at what we spend, but the way I see it is it's only a couple of days a year, my children aren't spoilt everyday, so I don't see the harm... we aren't buying more than we can afford so we're not going into debt for xmas for anything ...
------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 2:50pm
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Normally $100 for birthdays because that's their day, and $50 for Christmas. We're trying to make the best thing about Christmas more the camping trip though, so we spent too much on a family tent this year, but their actual Christmas prezzy was the tramp. Back to the budget next year. -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 4:34pm
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$50 if we can for each kid, yet this year we decided to get them a tramp which was joint with my parents and the IL's, so we spent $300 of our money - good investment though.
I too can't believe how much people spend. I know it'll get more expensive when the kids are older but for now I want to enjoy the cheaper stuff. Also, I kind of think, it's just stuff at the end of the day. I've had a huge priority shift since I started packing our house up after the Chch earthquake (house not going to fall down, but will have to move next year (hopefully) to get it fixed). |
Posted By: RicKer
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 6:04pm
| Dp and i have spent WAY to much!! We didnt have a budget though and brought throughout the year. I think all of DD's xmas presents came to approx $300 and her birthday in Jan is going to be close to $700 (one gift was $400 & DP wants to get her a pandora ontop of the few things we got throughout the year). I was going through what mum & dad have got her and if it wasnt for the $400 pedal car they would easily out do us. DP is a big spender though so im not suprised. |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 28 October 2010 at 6:19pm
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I am trying to keep it reasonable this year!! My kids get so much stuff being that they are the only kids in the family. It is really hard to buy for the younger 2 since we have so many hand me downs, we already have bikes and blocks and a trampoline etc from older brother so that kind of stuff is out. I love christmas!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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Posted By: julz85
Date Posted: 29 October 2010 at 10:25pm
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Iv already bought all DD's christmas pressies , I did a layby in aug and fully paid it off a few weeks ago which was just over $200 , i also bought her a $30 book today to add to that and spent $60 today on clothes , socks, sunglasses for her so will either give her that now or save it for christmas , ill see. Dp has a 5yr old daugter and my DD isnt his biolgical daughter so we have decided that i will buy majority of my DD's pressies and one thing for his DD and he will buy majority of his DD's things and one thing for my DD , we have decided to spend the same amount on both so its fair , at this age the pressies are from Santa to them anyway so makes no difference to them . Im always spending money on Amelia , shes always dressed nicely and has alot of toys but i am missing out on alot lately ,I have hardly any clothes , makeup , Underware etc etc and its the same for my DP so me and DP have been saving a bit lately and this weekend we are both going on a little spending spree and spending some well earned money on ourselves , only rule , no buying for the kids!!! i cant wait !!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 29 October 2010 at 10:47pm
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Do you include stocking fillers as part of your christmas gift budget or are they additional? -------------
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 8:50am
| For us it is all inclusive. So roughly $100 per kid on our presents, $50 for stocking and new outfit for the day which is a present. Sometimes a bit more on the outfit especially now with DD being 14 so hers comes into the $100 spend as well. But with the the 14yr old sometimes we go over to $200 instead of the set $150 as her wishes are more expensive. Stocking consists of 1 present and a lot of $2 stuff and lollies etc. This year since we are going camping we are doing jacks, knuckle bones, card games, crafty things so they have stuff to do at night when we are chilling out with a drink. And a small lantern for their tent room. Not sure if that will be the $2 one or the $10 one from the warehouse yet but it is essential camping stuff so I may spend more for it to last and be brighter. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 12:09pm
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We spend $10-15 on stockings & will put in play-doh, hot wheel car, chocolate coins, lollies & anything else small we see.
So far we have spent $1000 on the kids & have a few things to get. We don't buy much through the yr for them & we pay cash so we are not buying what we can not afford. We are spending nearly $100 more on DS1 than on DS3 but they are all get the same amount of presents. We did not have a budget this yr & next yr I will buy more during the yr & put away so am not really going to do a budget. I did 2 big laybys that were to be paid off just before xmas but DH got his pay rise & back pay so I have cleared them now. |
Posted By: Flossie
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 7:25pm
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We have huge families on both sides and she is the first grandchild on my parents side so she is going to get spoilt! We have decided to not go overboard and to keep it in perspective we want Belle to grow up not expecting big presents for either Christmas and for her Birthday and to have more of a focus on spending time with family and giving of gifts to others Plus for her first we are going to have a big party, more for us than for her and I would rather put money into that, celebrating with everyone on our babies first birthday! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 8:43pm
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The way I look at it is this is not a dress rehearsal. I only have 1 chance to make my kids childhood the most magical it can be. Sure you don't need money to make their birthdays and Christmas special but it doesn't hurt either. My children aren't spoilt, they're definitely indulged Having said that I've cut out a lot from our "special occasion" celebrations so we can spend more on the kids gifts. Last year at Christmas we didn't buy paper napkins, christmas crackers or other novelty items that add up at the checkout, we ate a roast chicken instead of a turkey and wouldn't have had a ham if my MIL hadn't bought one for us, DH and I didn't even buy each other gifts last year and this year we've given ourselves a very slim budget for each others gifts. We've decided birthday parties with friends are only going to happen on the big years (1, 5, 10, 13 & 16) and on interceding years we're going to have a family day with maybe 1 best friend allowed to join in. Michaela's 4th birthday was done on a very tight budget this year and I was worried what she'd think of it - our budget didn't stretch to a party but DH took the day off work and we had a fun family day that she and I planned together doing things she wanted to do and we made a huge fuss of her. She says it was her best birthday ever (it probably helps she's too young to remember previous ones -------------
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but they're not spoilt and I figure that if we have the money why not spend it on them. It makes me happy.
).