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One-child families

Early Birthday present?

8 replies

BooseysMom · 02/08/2017 22:09

Hello out there! We got our DS a brand new bike today and told him it was an early birthday present. He needed one badly as he had a 2nd hand one which was awful so to have a brand new bike is a huge thing. His 4th birthday is in November. My question is should he have had it this early or should we have waited? A bit late now i guess as he's got it and loves it! Are we spoiling him as he's our only child? He has got alot of toys but we have a reward system where he earns pennies towards what he wants. The problem is everything is so bloody expensive!! This bike has to be his only present as it's a big present. I think tbh it's a good job we haven't got any more kids as there's no way we could afford another! The baby years are easy and cheap ..it's as they get older and want more stuff! Would love to hear your thoughts on the subject

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SomedayMyPrinceWillCome · 02/08/2017 22:12

I don't think that at your son's age they can understand the "early" birthday present thing, especially when there's 3 months between the present & the birthday itself. At this age your son has no expectations regarding the number or size of presents he receives so why not just buy him as much or as little as your comfortable with?
I am watching with interest as my only son is a similar age!

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BooseysMom · 02/08/2017 22:27

Hi Someday, thanks for replying. I think you're right ..he doesn't understand the early present thing. We tried to explain it but the look on his face said he wasn't getting it!. But this bike ..he just took to it straight away. .he was riding it all round the shop. The first time he's ever stayed on a bike properly even with stabilisers. I didn't want to have to put it back for 4 months when he needs it now. So that's that! So your son is a similar age. ..It's a great age isn't it? but every stage of development is fascinating. You ask yourself at every step are you doing the right thing? But so many things you stress over just work themselves out over time.

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HSMMaCM · 09/08/2017 08:29

He will forget that the bike was a birthday present, but he will be happy with a character t shirt or something on the day. He has no concept of price or value

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Thebookswereherfriends · 09/08/2017 08:35

We also have an only child with a november birhday and we bought her a trampoline this summer. It would-be pointless her having it November as she wouldn't really use it until the spring. Saying that, we don't spend huge amounts on presents at Christmas and birthday - £50 usually.
I try to not spend too much through the year, even though it's tempting, she gets a pound a week pocket money which she can spend as she wishes and I'll usually always buy books she asks for, but toys will be no more than a couple of quid and only occasionally.

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BooseysMom · 10/08/2017 20:02

Hi thebooks.. Thanks for your input. Same birthday month as my DS! Good to hear someone else with the same idea. We've been really good with money so far and he has alot of 2nd hand stuff including a bike which was awful so he's def due a new has..and like you i couldn't wait til November! He does save up for things with a couple of pennies every day in his money box ..that's the only way we can get him to clean his teeth!! But the stuff he ends up getting is usually alot more expensive than his pennies can afford and this can't go on obviously as when he gets older he'll need to learn the value of things x

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BooseysMom · 10/08/2017 20:06

Hi HSMM, thanks for the msg. You're right. He won't be having anything else big from us on the day that's for sure! I know he won't understand the concept of price..just a few little things on the day will be fine. It will be his gran who spoils him!

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Minimusiciansmama · 24/08/2017 03:57

My child is a bit older but is an October birthday.'DC had their birthday present at the end of July. I have three cheap presents as things to open and there will be a few small gifts from others, but we talked about the fact that the cost of the fabulous birthday (it was experiences they wanted to be part of that I simply couldn't justify otherwise). I plan to put photos from it in with birthday card as a visible reminder of what was the birthday present!
Perhaps you could buy a small bike accessory- a new bell, or some winter cycling gloves or something - to help re associate the bike with birthday xx

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BooseysMom · 24/08/2017 19:48

Hi Mini, thanks for the msg. That's a great idea to put photos of his birthday treat in a card as a reminder. And also to give an accessory for the bike on his actual birthday is a great idea too thanks. He already has a bell and helmet and wants a siren and lights to go with it as it's a police patrol bike so we could get those things for his birthday. It all adds up. I never imagined how expensive it would be to have a child and we've only got one! Tbh if we had another, he/she would most probably have less new stuff than DS as we just can't afford it. It would be hand-me-downs and i'd feel guilty! Xx