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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How much to spend on a 8year old birthday present?

26 replies

LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:25

AIBU in thinking that £80-150 is way too much to spend on your childs birthday present at 8years old?

OP posts:
ThisIsAUsername · 22/07/2012 19:26

Depends what it is and if you can afford it, surely?

workshy · 22/07/2012 19:27

I tend to spend up to £40 on presents then £75-£100 on party

Original poster
LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:27

portable DVD player, 3DS etc, that sort of thing.

OP posts:
WildWorld2004 · 22/07/2012 19:28

Ah yes. i dont even spend that at xmas and i spend a lot more at xmas than i do on birthdays.
If its for my 8year old id recommend nothing as she doesnt appreciate anything.

buggylovinmummy · 22/07/2012 19:28

Depends if they can afford it really i suppose. Its my ds 6th birthday next week and ive just spent £100 on a new bike for him.

attheendoftheday · 22/07/2012 19:29

If they can afford it then they can so what they like!

honeytea · 22/07/2012 19:31

I buy my little sister playmobil and probably spend around 80-100 pounds on her at birthdays. She is turning 10 this year, so maybe no more playmobil altho she still plays with it I don't think it long before it's packed away for good. I will take her on a little minibreak surfing in Cornwall or something and probably spend about the same on her. I suppose I do spoil her, but she doesn't seem to damaged by it.

DuckingHell · 22/07/2012 19:31

Up to the parents isn't it?

NettoSuperstar · 22/07/2012 19:31

It's up to you.
I think £100-£150 is fine, but if you don't, then don't spend it.
DD is turning 11 next month, she wants a bike and a TV for her room, plus other things.
She'll get one of the big things (the other for Christmas), so I can see it easily stretching to £100, if not more.
Last year I spent £200 or so all in, she got a DS excel and bits and pieces.

Original poster
LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:32

I can afford it, just think its a lot of money. In my eyes, and this is just my opinion, i think 3DS, portable DVD players that sort of thing are more of the main xmas present IUSWIM

OP posts:
ThisIsAUsername · 22/07/2012 19:32

It is DD's 3rd Birthday in a week, we have so far spent £150 on her, not including cost for family/close friends party. Too much? You live within your means when it comes to these things. I don't think there's anything wrong with treating your children on their birthday if you can afford to and whatever it is will be well looked after.

Original poster
LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:34

What happens if its not looked after tho? Would you be willing to replace stuff that they have previously lost, and are now asking for it again for birthday?

OP posts:
DuckingHell · 22/07/2012 19:34

DD 9 got a kindle, DS got a 3DS for their birthdays this year.

I will hold my hands up and say yes my DC are spoilt in material ways.

PandaG · 22/07/2012 19:35

depend what you buy. A new bike can easily cost £100, and is an investment present, so I would be happy spending that for an 8 yos birthday present. Would be much less likely to spend that much on an electrical item for an 8yo though.

DuckingHell · 22/07/2012 19:36

I would not replace if hey had not taken care of it.

They would go without, but mine have never broken anything on purpose.

My nephew on the other hand is on his 3rd iPad as he keeps dropping them and lost one when he took it out to show off

kinkyfuckery · 22/07/2012 19:37

Depends what they need/want.

Usually, I've only spent about £40-50 on a birthday when not having a party, whereas this year about £100 each as they got new bikes, and another couple of bits and pieces.

You spend what you want/can on your children, and let others do the same.

missdeelite · 22/07/2012 19:37

Personally I think it's a lot although don't mind splashing out on a bike or trampoline or something, but if it's more plastic toys I'd be hard pushed to go over 50. If its something big they really want u get grandparents to chip in. It's not that can't afford it, I just want my kids to appreciate the value of things and not hav too much stuff. (although as we have a massive extended family they get heaps of presents-might feel differently of was just me buying)

Mrsjay · 22/07/2012 19:38

you can spend what you like it is your money and your 8yr old Smile personally i wouldnt buy that much mine is ! present no more than 50 usually unless it is a special birthday .

Original poster
LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:40

miss im the same i dont want her to expect stuff, not appreciate its value etc

OP posts:
missdeelite · 22/07/2012 19:41

ducking 3rd iPad wtf more money than sense? Shock

Original poster
LittleSugaPlum · 22/07/2012 19:41

mrsjay i was thinking about 50quid too, but DH thinks im tight.

OP posts:
Mrsjay · 22/07/2012 19:42

it all depends what you want to get him how much is a DS and a game ,

DuckingHell · 22/07/2012 19:46

Yep. Thing is she doesn't have all that much money but what her DC want they get. Makes no odds on my life at all. I love my nephew to bits and he is a lovely boy.... He's 6.

missdeelite · 22/07/2012 19:48

Think of kids are spoilt can still turn out gorgeous- my lil bro was really spoilt after myomere left and a finer young man u could not meet

missdeelite · 22/07/2012 19:49

My o mere meant my mum