How much do you spend on children's birthdays?

[Mayhemmumma]

It's getting a little obscene as my two get older and the gifts/clothes get more expensive.

DD is turning 12, she's doing an average cost activity and lunch with friends.

Presents are converse trainers - adult size and either theatre or experience type gift.

I'll buy a cake, balloons, badge, card, wrapping (obviously but still adds up) and will have a family dinner on her actual birthday.

Im happy ish with this, kids aren't grabby or demanding but do have expectations and I have always tried to treat them on birthdays and Xmas but I've looked at my bank balance and am likely going to use my credit card, and is does seem a bit too much. I have no idea what reasonable is.

How much would you spend on a birthday for a pre-teen all in?

It's my 6yo birthday soon, I've spent 300 on her party and around 200 on gifts. This does include clothing and some things bought second hand. I save through the year towards her bday and Christmas. I plan to drop the party next year for a day with her best friend instead.

Presents and either a party or a day out plus a dinner out somewhere cheapish like Pesto is what we normally do. Obviously adds up as there’s cake, balloons etc. I don’t think what you’ve planned sounds obscene OP.

Usually around £50 plus a meal out somewhere. Birthdays are not long after Christmas so they don’t really need more stuff.

My 12 year old DD, party activity and food with 8 friends £300. Trainers £85, clothes £50 and then stationary and some other bits and bobs about £50.

We did but tickets to a theatre show about £280 for the family; yes it’s her bday present but also it’s a family day out so for all of us. Her ticket was £70.

So I’m about £550-£650.

Oh yes cake £45 and a meal out about £65! Jeez it’s adding up!

It’s not over the top at all…..my GD 7 got similar for her birthday….but no way would my DD have gone into debt for it….just do what you can afford ….don’t put stuff on your CC

As cliche as it sounds, whatever you can afford without getting into debt. Girls I find are particularly easy as you can get all kinds of bits cheaply to bulk it up a bit