Budget, smudget?!

[1stTimeMama]

I have 4 children, ranging from 3 to 10yrs. Up to now, I have had the same budget for each child, but this year the things I'd like to buy my 3yr old are a lot more expensive than those for a couple of the others.
I've come to realise it doesn't really matter that I spend the same amount on each of them, but that they get what they'd like with some surprises thrown in, and it will probably balance out over time.

Same with my parents, I usually set a £50 budget for each of them. In the past year my Dad (72yrs) has had various health scares, was robbed at knifepoint after being punched to the ground, my Mum lost her Mum and then to round things off they were burgled on Tuesday. My poor Mum had her entire jewellery collection stolen, 69 years worth, plus pieces which go back 3 or more generations. I live 8 hours away, so haven't been around for them for anything that has happened, but they're spending Christmas with us and I want to utterly spoil them for the crap time they've had, and feel like budgets should go out the window, and as long as I can afford it, just treat them to some wonderful gifts!

Does anyone NOT stick to a budget, but spend, within reason, what they want to and feel is appropriate?

Do you have any fabulous suggestions on what I can do for my parents?

[melissasummerfield]

Sorry to hear about your mum and dad OP, how awful

I think if you can afford it ( not going into debt for it ) then go for it!

I have had years where i have had to be careful and years when ive gone a little OTT, as long as your DC appreciate it then why not [santa]

[Cherryrainbow]

So sad to hear what happened.

A bit random but if you wanted to get jewellery for your mum in silver or gold with real gemstones, i buy all my jewellery from gemporia. It's worth looking out for the auctions where they reduce the prices even more - I buy a lot through the app.

I think you're right about budgets being flexible, with different ages will be different preferences and wants, plus personal circumstances may change - work, another kid, etc

[DreamingofSunshine]

Your poor parents

Within reason obviously, but for my immediate family I tend to buy what they'd like rather than £50 on each person. One year I knitted my mum a scarf so didn't spend a lot compared to my Dad's present which was theatre tickets.

[Barbarara]

What about getting your mum a custom piece of jewellery. We got my dm a bracelet with 7 sections with each of her grand children’s names in ogham lettering. She has a background in archaeology so it was a celebration of her as well as her family. Obviously it wouldn’t replace what she’s lost but maybe you could find something meaningful to her.

I’ll just add a proviso that there are lots of ways to spoil the people we love without putting ourselves under strain financially.

[buckeejit]

That's rubbish but he's hang the budget if you can afford it.

I'd say get her a nice piece of jewellery at an auction for the best bang for your buck!

[MrOnionsBumperRoller]

I don't stick to any sort of a budget and love present buying so often spend a little ahem wildly. Tend to spread it throughout the year mind, then forget how much I've already spent/bought. Your parents have a loving caring kind hearted child, something worth much more than money.

[1stTimeMama]

I'm glad I've not lost the plot with the idea of no budget! Some lovely ideas of custom jewellery. We had our wedding rings made by a fantastic lady, and I'm sure she could help come up with something brilliant. They love the theatre too, so tickets and a hotel would be nice, and maybe a so a day for me and my Mum next time she's down here. There's some lovely ones on the coast.