what would you say is the most......

[kelly ann]

Acceptable amount of money to spend on your children at christmas?

[sugarplum fairy]

I think it depends on the ages of the children and someone's financial situation. JMO

[kelly ann]

yes that's true but what is everyone's limit to how much they will spend on each child this year? (if you have any) Some parents I know just don't know when to stop and get themselves into debt. Kids want all the latest mobiles, computers etc and the parents will get it for them even the ones who can afford it. I personally think £150 is reasonable. Kids get so much throughout the year anyway, not like when i was younger, birthdays and christmas and that was it. It made me appreciate things more. Kids today, well some expect to have what they ask for and they do not appreciate it. Kids do seem to have too much these days. Christmas isnt about spending spending and spending is it? See my point?

[MrsH]

We don't have any children, but we have 15 neice and nephews. One of my brothers has 7, another has 6 and my sister-in-law has 2. My two brothers' kids are the most ungrateful children I've ever met. We used to go all out and get fantastic gifts for all of the neices and nephews, but noticed that they never said thank you. Because of several things (tight finances, possibility of layoffs at work) we've decided not to buy individual gifts for each child in my brothers' families this year. We put together a "family movie night" gift. A popcorn bowl, popcorn, candy and a movie. I know this is going to be a BIG shock to them, but after 5 years of marriage where these kids have not thanked me and my hubby, we've decided we can't do it anymore. We have decided to still buy individual gifts for my sister-in-law's children because they actually are very appreciative. It is sad when parent's let their kids get so selfish and greedy.

[kidzrme]

I could not agree with you more MrsH. I do not understand how parents can let their children act that way. Personally, Santa brings 1 present, mom gives 1 present, and the rest comes from family and friends. We try not to focus on the presents so much, and never have. We keep the true meaning of Christmas at our house, and it's not all about presents.

[miller4plusmore]

Mrs. H--I totally get from where you're coming! I would do the same thing. On my side of the family, we always buy for the kids and our limit is $10. All the kids seem appreciative and thank us every year. I also make sure that my sons say thank you and they are always thrilled with whatever they get--big or small.

KellyAnn--My sons are 6 and almost 5 and I try to stay under $300 for both (not each). If this seems like a lot, the reason is that I'm trying not to get so many odds and ends toys so there isn't so much clutter and excess. Last year I got them a battery powered F150 as a joint gift which took half the budget and then I got them each a few smaller things each. This year I'm going to get them "I Can Play Guitar" as a joint gift which will take 1/3 of the budget and then I'll decide how to spend the remainder. Of course, they're already giving me ideas! I'm also teaching them that Christmas is about more than receiving gifts, that it's about giving and the joy of the season. They are learning.
:give:

[Sunshine73]

Dh and I usually spend about $100 to $150 on my 15 year old step-daughter. There are years where we spend less or more depending upon what kind of deals we can find on the things we choose to buy.

My step-daughter is great though. She doesn't ask for much and she's happy with whatever she gets so it definitely makes it easier to splurge on Christmas now and then...because we know she'll be grateful! :)

[Annette1990]

I think it all depends on the persons finances. My husband and I only have one child so we tend to go all out for her.