Christmas is getting close and I am trying to prepare... Just wanting to see what some other families do in regards to present limits or dollar amount limits. We set an equal dollar amount for each child (and try to stick to it). Each child may not get the same amount of gifts but we spend about the same in value. The older boys seem to understand this and they are ok with it. They know that if they want something big and expensive that will be all they get while their 2 yo sister might get alot more because her toys are much cheaper. Now Im trying to explain this to my 7 yo dd and she seems to be getting it. It has worked for us so far, but I was just curious what others do. Thanks for the info moms!
Hi M., we have a 15, 11 and 9 yr old and spend the same $$ on each of them. We have all three make a Christmas Wish List and made the deadline for 11/15 so we have time to shop. Each of the kids know that the more expensive their wish list is the less presents they will have to open. Hope this helps!
We do the same thing. my 14 year old and 3 year old get the same budget. If teen wants designer clothes and shoes and video games, that is fine, but when his budget is gone, he gets nothing else. Our 3 year old doesn't care as the box that the presents come in are toys too! He gets so disctracted in all the excitement he wouldn't know who got more presents!
I know how you feel... I have two older ones, 13 and 11 and 2 year old. The two year old doesn't know how much anything cost or value, just likes to have fun, give him a box and he's HAPPY. So I try to just be as fair as can be with the older two and get the same amount of presents for all three. Of course the older two seem to only want expensive presents, especially my daughter. My middle son is very thoughtful, and understands we are on a budget, my daughter still hasn't figured that one out, I think she feels she should have been an only child (LOL). Seriously, I think you are doing it fine. I go on actual gifts, and try to stay in the same price range for both.
I just wish there were as many cheap toys for the bigger kids as there are for toddlers...
That's exactly what we've done all these years. I have sons who are 22 & 18 and a daughter who's 20. Over the years, the quanity of gifts has decreased; but, the $$ amount stays the same for each of them. My husband & I decide at the beginning of the "buying season" what that amount is and we hold to it for each child. They are used to it by now and understand if they want that one "big ticket" item, that may be all they get.
My husband and I would set a limit of *X* dollars and we would let the kids each have a crayon (different color) and give them the Christmas catalogues. Each child would mark what they wanted throughout the book. After the marking was done and the kids were asleep we would go through the books and decide what they would receive as they did not know what they would get. As the years progressed we continued the same thing. Sometimes my son would get three or four gifts and my daughter would get 2 and other years it was the other way around. We reminded our children that we spent the same money amount it just went differently if there was a large item for one and not the other. Quick note: make sure that all the pieces work before you wrap them up as it is a sad experience to get a toy and it not work because something was left out. Don't want to do that again. Both children were very happy with what they got. My son is trying to get me to give him the original Star Wars toys that Ihave in the closet but I won't yet as they are collector's items. The other S.
The rule at my house is "Jesus got three gifts, so do you!" My husband and I try to keep the focus on the reason of the season and not the gifts.
My husband and I will get one thing for us...something that we both need like for the house. We have 2 small children, a 6 month old and a 3 year old so we just probably get them about 3 presents each. Grandparents will also be getting the kids presents so we don't spend too much money. We also do the tree and lights on the house so that's another fun thing for them.
We do three gifts regardless of the price, though we do have an upper limit. Jesus received three gifts so we don't get more than that.
My kids are much younger, but I try to keep how many presents they get a little more equal. I've wrapped a $1 package tootsie rolls or a 20 cent box of crayons (bought during school supply sales) before to try to even out the presents.
I actually decided to let myself of the "everything has to be equal" guilt trip last year. I have 4 kids, and realistically, the 8 year olds toys are getting more expensive, while the 1&2 year olds dont really need a lot more toys, and they have no clue how much money is spent. There is a difference between fair and equal, and I think that you could focus on that. Maybe do more family gifts as well..like this year we are getting a wii as a family, with a few small gifts for the kids too. But, if I spend more on one this year, that is ok..maybe next year a different child will have something he or she cares about that costs more..in the end, it will all balance out. Last year I was just buying the little kids stuff, just to be equal..nonsense in my opinion. Do the best you can! The kids should not be counting presents, or price amounts anyway in my opinion. Good luck!
~A.~
