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AIBU?

To spend some of the kids' Christmas money on a meal out?

339 replies

Happythistime · 27/01/2016 17:34

Can't decide whether this sits right with me or not.

We are thinking of taking the kids to the Rainforest Cafe at the weekend. It is super expensive due to its central London location and themed interior. I want us to go and not wince at the prices and I know the kids will love it so am toying with using a little bit of their Christmas money that they've received from relatives to go towards the bill.

I think that if Christmas money I had given to a child went towards a nice day out, be it a meal or a show or something similar I'd be happy with that. Usually we just put their gift money straight into savings as they have more toys than they need. A bit of me worries though that people would see it as me and DH profiting from their xmas presents. We would obviously pay the bulk of it and only put a bit of their money towards enabling us to go and enjoy it without feeling resentful at the prices. AIBU?

OP posts:

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Grapejuicerocks · 27/01/2016 17:36

Sounds ok to me.

nilbyname · 27/01/2016 17:36

I think it's fine.

Arfarfanarf · 27/01/2016 17:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SellFridges · 27/01/2016 17:37

I think that's a great use of Christmas money. We often use our DC's "gift" money towards nice days out, including meals.

I'm sure someone will tell you that you should be saving it all for them though.

Muskateersmummy · 27/01/2016 17:38

I think it's fine. Their money doesn't have to go on toys, it can be spent on experiences. Go and enjoy it x

ImperialBlether · 27/01/2016 17:38

You're overthinking this. Go and have a lovely day out and spend their money to achieve that. Nobody is going to hold you to account for it, are they?

Katedotness1963 · 27/01/2016 17:39

I would not use it for a meal. I would not be happy if I gave the money and found out later that it was used for a meal.

RainOhJoyus · 27/01/2016 17:39

If I gave cash and you took them there with all the money then I would think it was a great idea.

RainOhJoyus · 27/01/2016 17:40

It's not just a meal, it's a fun day out

Hassled · 27/01/2016 17:40

I think that sounds like a lovely idea. My DCs' presents are increasingly in the form of events/outings rather than "things" - they have quite enough stuff, really.

FlopIsMyParentingGuru · 27/01/2016 17:40

I would prefer that to a toy they didn't need

Artandco · 27/01/2016 17:43

I would use it

However I would review the rainforest cafe if possible, the food is dreadful! Even my 4 year old wouldn't eat it

AnnPerkins · 27/01/2016 17:44

YANBU

You have to walk through the shop to get to the restaurant so take enough cash to buy them some animal-themed tat as well.

OnlyLovers · 27/01/2016 17:44

I'd be perfectly happy if money I'd given was used for a meal out. It's a treat for them.

Kate, why would you not be happy? I'm curious.

Merguez · 27/01/2016 17:46

You don't say how old your DC are, but I think you should ask them what they think.

After all, it's their money.

Happythistime · 27/01/2016 17:46

Thanks all. Seems the consensus is that is ok. DH is a bit funny about it though and may need convincing that the parenting police won't be turning up if we spend it on anything other that MORE lego or put it in the bank

OP posts:

Katenka · 27/01/2016 17:47

I wouldn't do it.

Unless the kids has said that's what they wanted to do with it.

It's their Christmas money. This is treat for all of you.

But each to their own

Mlb123 · 27/01/2016 17:48

If the children want to go for a meal there then yes its fine, but if they don't really want to and it is benefiting you and your husband mainly then I think it best only a very small amount of their xmas money be used.

Happythistime · 27/01/2016 17:48

DSs are 3 and 6. I've not asked them about this as the trip to London is a surprise until the weekend.

OP posts:

Merguez · 27/01/2016 17:49

Just looked at the menu. 17 quid for a burger! Surely you can find somewhere better than that for the money!

newyear16 · 27/01/2016 17:49

Who would know unless you tell them?

Pocketrocket31 · 27/01/2016 17:51

Omg!! No. I would not spend my kids Xmas money on meal out. Mine is 9 & would not want me to do that. It's his money for savings or something he wants to buy not food. Asif!

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peggyundercrackers · 27/01/2016 17:51

Nope I wouldn't use it to take them for a meal no matter where it was. That's not really what Christmas money is for - it's not really day out is it? It's going to a themed restaurant.

Katenka · 27/01/2016 17:51

DSs are 3 and 6. I've not asked them about this as the trip to London is a surprise until the weekend.

But I wouldn't unless they said 'I would like to spend my money on a meal at X place'

You giving them the idea isn't the same. I can't imagine a 6 & 3 year old would come up with that.

It's just my opinion, but it's your idea to go there. I wouldn't spend their money on it.

TheIncredibleBookEatingManchot · 27/01/2016 17:52

If they're old enough to make a choice then I think it should be their decision what they spend their own money on, so you should ask them.

Otherwise, if it's going to be something they enjoy, then YANBU to spend their money on a nice day out for them.

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