To not buy my kid a birthday present?

[FThursdaysupthearsehole]

My kids get so spoiled by their grandparents and other family on their birthday. Ridiculously so.
We get them things as and when they need through the year.
We are paying for their birthday party, but would it be really shitty for me to not get them presents from us?
Ive given family members (who have asked) the ideas for things that they'd really like. But they don't actually need anything. Id be buying for the sake of buying.

What do you reckon?

YABU. That would be their childhood memory, that their mother and father bought them no presents

Yeah; right. My kids remember NOTHING about all the amazing trips and experiences we forked out a fortune for lovingly arranged for them for the first six or seven years of their life.

If I ever have another, I'm going to photoshop pictures of the kid in his/her early years grinning in front of the Disneyland entrance, Grand Canyon, Taj Mahal etc, show the snaps to him/her as a teenager, and tell him/her what a great time we all had together. Making memories; the affordable way...

YABU

My parents and ILs pay sums into my DC's savings accounts, then get them something small to open on the day. Both boys have everything they could possibly need or want, but they're still only little and love getting presents to unwrap. Plus it's lovely seeing their faces light up, and that's what it's about.

Maybe get your families to do something similar?

OP - when our twins turned three, we got them next stage car seats which they needed anyway. Wrapped 'em up and everything. They were chuffed to bits!

FThursdays - why do you think that a small present HAS to be tat? You could spend a few pounds and get your child a book or two, or some arts/crafts stuff - things they will get lots of pleasure from. It really doesn't take much thought to come up with a gift that will have real value to the child, without spoiling them or costing the earth.

Or you could collaborate with your mum on the trampoline purchase - ie. she buys the trampoline, you get the safety netting.

As others have said - I can't imagine not buying a birthday present for my children, even if others are getting them things too. When my boys were about 2, 4 and 6, their grandmother (dh's mum) bought them a climbing frame with tent and slide - it was a joint present for the three of them for their birthdays and christmases for two years. It was a far bigger present than dh and I could have afforded for them - but we still got them presents for their birthdays.

You are being a tight bastard tbh. You are choosing to pay for a party, relatives etc are obviously going to buy gifts.

I would get a token present at least, unless you are talking about a one year old.

crazycatladynumber2

Yes I do. Problem?

SDT that's a very good point. I was thinking toys, but maybe nan can still get the trampoline and we could have a think of something a little more creative. Thank you

You're welcome.