How much do you get/spend for your child's birthday? (5)

[Mrsmoo28]

So, my DD is 5 this week and I've been wrapping up her bits today. She's had no 'big' present as there wasn't​ one big thing she wanted. We have a very small family and she's not having a party (her choice) so she won't get lots of presents (around 3 after ours) and we're strict about not buying presents between birthdays and Christmas.
So, we've probably spent around £60. A particular Barbie, Aquabeads, Num Num's but there still doesn't look much. There's one thing she's asked for in the last week which she won't be getting, but I don't think that's a bad thing?! 🙄. I reflect on all the stuff we have she doesn't play with and just wonder whether we buy the wrong stuff or if they just don't need it? In this western world of tempting excess, just wondering what side of the fence people stood on? Spoil your child as they're your child and only have one birthday or less is more?

[Enidblyton1]

Looking around here at the the toys that are rarely played with, I'd definitely say less is more.
Our DD (5) had a similar little selection of presents on her Birthday.
I also find that her favourite things to play with are always the simple things - pens, paper, random leaves and twigs from the garden etc!

[ginswinger]

Les is more for us. I bought my DD exactly what she asked for (a scooter). I find it hard to go crazy when there's people in the world without access to clean water. I'm not pinning that stuff on my kid but it's important she knows there's far less fortunate than her out there and there's something she can do about it.

[Mrsmoo28]

Yes, ginswinger I feel the same but then sometimes I think should I pin that on my DC like you say. I've made my DC choose 3 things and 3 books to go to the charity shop too prior to getting new stuff. I'm not sure if a 5 year old gets the others are less fortunate vibe though.