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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to worry my son has too little to open?

143 replies

Iloveegyptt · 21/08/2026 19:15

my DS is 6 on Monday and I have just had to fix my car which cost me a fortune. I feel like I haven’t bought him enough. I have bought him a full sized football net, football boots, trainers a new football and an iPad. I just think he won’t be happy as it isn’t much to open.

OP posts:
Gowlett · 21/08/2026 19:51

It’s not a wind-up. My six year old asked for a pile of gifts. Didn’t care what they were. Just loves the un-boxing! It’s definitely a thing!

PrayForPlagues · 21/08/2026 19:49

Is this a stealth humble-brag?

A 6 year old does not need an iPad.

dottiedodah · 21/08/2026 19:48

Maybe take him out for a treat , and then see if his friends can play when back to School? I think he doesnt need an I pad really .Can swap for more presents?

minnowonthesay · 21/08/2026 19:47

Is it a real iPad or an Amazon Fire tablet?

Stinkybooks · 21/08/2026 19:47

@Babygirlie thats heartbreaking.

@flippinnorastights Im pmsl at "thongs to build" (obviously we all know what you meant but that is funny!)

@Ethelrogers a perfect birthday for a 6yo! Can you be my mum lol.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 21/08/2026 19:46

Daft range of stuff to buy for a 6th birthday. You aren’t correct, he probably will want more to open, because kids like toys, where are the toys? Football and goal is good, 2 pairs of shoes and an iPad isn’t what I’d get my 6 year old, he’s not a teen. Return the iPad and buy your young child some age appropriate toys.

Stinkybooks · 21/08/2026 19:42

Absolutely way too much to spend on a 6yo. He loves you, you dont need to buy his love with expensive gifts. Plus you'll be creating a problem for yourself as he will inevitably expect the same/more each subsequent birthday and Christmas.

£50-100 max is plenty.

Wherethedogsits · 21/08/2026 19:42

I despair.

I can’t say what I’m thinking because I’m being internally snobby and I know it.

Just stop.

wishfulthinking25 · 21/08/2026 19:41

you’ve got him an iPad and you’re concerned he hasn’t got enough? This is a joke right

Original poster
Iloveegyptt · 21/08/2026 19:41

I would have loved to have done a party but all his favourite friends are on holiday so I also feel guilty about that now too. I did take my eldest with her friend and my son and his friend to the play centre a few days ago which cost quite a bit with food etc but it’s like they don’t realise, I think they are becoming spoiled to be honest. My daughter last year counted the presents she had and said she got more the year before! I was livid!

OP posts:
metellaestinatrio · 21/08/2026 19:39

Return the iPad FFS. Then you can use the money to buy him a load of toys so he has plenty to open. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for years of spendonf ridiculous amounts on presents just to keep up with the bar you’ve set now. My two kids who have had their sixth birthdays both had a new football kit for their favourite team as their main present and were happy with that.

HighburyHope · 21/08/2026 19:37

Blimey. My DD got her first iPad for her 18th birthday! Call me old-fashioned, but at 6 my kids got books and a puzzle, maybe a football top, Lego, sketching stuff etc.

tarheelbaby · 21/08/2026 19:35

Deffo return the iPad - it conflicts with enjoyment of all the rest.
Happy birthday to your DS!

Don't worry about 'enough to open'. If he's football-mad, he'll have plenty. Plus family and friends will be giving him gifts too?

If you're really worried, wrap some books and make plans to read them with him. Or buy a small Lego set, ideally with a football theme. Or, as per all the PPs' suggestions - lots of little cars, etc.

Also, perhaps you have arranged a party? When my DC were that age (and even much, much older) that was my main gift to them. It sounds trite but at that age who can arrange a party with your friends better than your mum? Memories really are 'priceless' and they had so many great parties with friends. Some were at local swimming pools, some were at the local park. Be sure to have huge platters of veggie sticks and hummus for them to snack on whilst playing/riding bikes/football. I found kids turn up hungry and need snacks to play nicely.

Babygirlie · 21/08/2026 19:35

God @Iloveegyptt I’m a social worker and I had a mum this week beg for £10 to buy her son some crayons and pads for his birthday. This feels like a brag post

Ethelrogers · 21/08/2026 19:32

When my daughter got an iPad for her 11th birthday, that was all she got. And she was thrilled.

It was my youngest daughters 6th birthday yesterday.

She got some colouring books and a set of pens, two Barbie’s and a care bear and a squishy toy. Her grandparents bought her a scooter.

They don’t need loads (and you bought him an I pad!)

TheFairyCaravan · 21/08/2026 19:31

fumingrightnow1 · 21/08/2026 19:30

If your son isn't happy with all that then you've raised a spoilt brat

Exactly this.

flippinnorastights · 21/08/2026 19:31

What on earth made you think an iPad was a good idea for a 6 year old. In my world 6 year olds like things like Lego, thongs to build, slime kits and books. You couldn’t have paid me to buy a 6 year old an iPad

fumingrightnow1 · 21/08/2026 19:30

If your son isn't happy with all that then you've raised a spoilt brat

VenusThighTrap · 21/08/2026 19:30

Just what small children need in their lives - the ability to stare at another screen. Why would you want that? Get him something that fosters play, movement and creativity, the football stuff is perfect.

BEAchDays2 · 21/08/2026 19:29

I’m embarrassed for you OP.

BEAchDays2 · 21/08/2026 19:28

I mean 🫠

Needmorelego · 21/08/2026 19:27

@Iloveegyptt if you do want him to have more things to unwrap (because yes it is quite fun when you're 6) you could get a bunch of little stockings filler type toys.
During COVID when it was more difficult to get things I made my daughter a birthday stocking filled with little things like Hot Wheels cars, Pokémon cards, stickers etc.
You could get a gift bag and fill it with whatever type of little things he likes - all individually wrapped so he has to take time to unwrap.
That could be done for £20 or less.

TrunkElliot · 21/08/2026 19:24

Can you return the iPad? Will the seller take it back and refund you?

MyManinCaracas · 21/08/2026 19:22

Return the iPad and get him some more toys and a couple of books.

Hatty65 · 21/08/2026 19:21

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