How do we split this cost?

[roshi42]

So my mother wants a fairly expensive present for Christmas and we're splitting it among the siblings. There's me, my two sisters and each of their partners. Some discussion about whether we split the cost 5 ways or 3. Or somewhere in the middle! I kind of think the guys should pay less as she's not actually their mother, but splitting it 3 ways feels like I'm paying double because I'm single? All names will just be on the tag equally, of course. Your thoughts? It's not a huge deal or anything, just wondered what everyone thought was most reasonable!

[Aspieparent]

I would say 3 ways as there's 3 siblings I wouldn't really class partners if am honest.

[Hoppinggreen]

3 ways, one for each child.
Partners are irrelevant here

[angelopal]

3 ways. Would never even have thought of 5 ways.

[CheeriosEverywhere]

Yep, 3. Partners can get a separate small present for their MIL if they choose.

[roshi42]

I should clarify, the gift is from the partners as well - all 5 names will be on the tag.

[KTDaly]

You need to accept either you pay more or your sisters partners pay...
Alternatively you could split the item four ways and then the two partners split this amount?

[PaintingByNumbers]

Definitely 3 ways, easy q

[RockinRobinTweets]

Still 3 ways IMO

[PaintingByNumbers]

It isnt really from the partners is it though its not like they usually buy a present each.

[squeaver]

Three ways.

Would the partners normally buy her an individual present?

Or, if buying as a couple, would it be double what they would spend as an indvidual?

[BritInUS1]

3 ways unless the partners normally buy your mother a present from them personally

[TinoTheArtisticMouse]

3 ways of course
If one of the couple's had a child, would you expect them to pay a share too, to get their name on the tag?

[BlueFleece]

Three ways - whether the partners contribute to 'their' third is up to how they manage their finances. All names would go on regardless.

[Ecureuil]

3 ways

[notacooldad]

3 ways.

[NotAPuffin]

3 ways. Would you split an inheritance 5 ways or 3?

[Trinity66]

I would say 3 as well

[stormstar]

3 ways. We often do similar for my parents and we only split the cost among the children (4 in our case). But we do adjust the split if finances are tighter for one of us - but that's based on income not whether they are in a couple (e.g. DSis has a DH but both are on low income so they pay less, DB is single but he pays the same as he has a good job).

[sunshineintheclouds]

3 ways

[BeetrootTart]

Definitely 3 ways.

[NannyR]

3 ways - me and my sister spend a similar amount on my parents Christmas presents even though she is in a couple and I'm single, they don't spend double as they also have his parents to buy for.

[TwoBlueFish]

3 ways, however allowances should be made if someone has significantly less money than the others.

My siblings & I bought my mum a tablet & case, youngest brother has very little money so he paid for the case and we split the rest of the cost 3 ways. All names were on the tags for everything.

[MikeUniformMike]

3 ways.

BTW. If your sibling has 3 kids and you have 1, them giving your dc 1 present (of value £x) and you giving 1 present (of the same value)between 3 kids doesn't work. Someone I know used to do this and her SIL complained. Friend took umbrage and no longer speaks to her brother and SIL.

[Bluntness100]

I also agree three ways. And you already clarified all names on the tag

If you can’t afford it just say to them. But the fact you’re single isn’t really relevant here, the partners don’t buy your mum a seperate gift just from them.

[Aki99]

3 ways. In our family children buy for their parents but its from the couple