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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How much do you spend on dc's at Christmas?

442 replies

justalittlelemondrizzle · 07/11/2017 10:07

I spend about £70 - £100 each. They're 8 & 10. But from what I've seen at Christmas time -on facebook- eek other parents spend hundreds.

OP posts:
AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 07/11/2017 10:10

It varies. Sometimes I pick things up dirt cheap in the sales.

I never stress about making it "equal" either- cost wise or number wise. DD (10) has got a lot of jewellery this year, ranging from £1-10, DS (6) is mad on cars, so even the same number would be half the price iyswim?

justalittlelemondrizzle · 07/11/2017 10:12

I sometimes think I'm being a bit cheap. It may just be a case if other people's apparent amazing lives on social media

OP posts:
AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 07/11/2017 10:12

Ignore the fb smugness! I got so pissed off at it last year, I took pics of the DC opening value pasta, one sock, celery, and a can of lager, just because I'm an arse! (The DC were well up for the photoshoot...they get why I can't be doing with materialistic benkism!)

PandorasXbox · 07/11/2017 10:16

Everyone is different. I don’t judge people that spend a lot as I’m one of them but I don’t put it on FB as I think that’s a bit cringey.

louise5754 · 07/11/2017 10:16

Usually I spend £150 each. For some reason they've had £200 each and I still need to get them a bike. I've started a new Christmas job so I think I want to treat then while I can. However the job was supposed to pay off bills not add to it 😬😬

JamesDelayneysTattoos · 07/11/2017 10:17

IVE instogated a budget this year. £500 per child. My dh massively overspends at Christmas. He openly admits because he always had last years must have and so he over indulges our dc. He knows this. I try and reign him in but he works hard, likes doing it and the dc are not entitled brats so I mostly let him get on with it.

This year though he’s put a lot of money into his business so less spare so a budget it is.

TrojansAreSmegheads · 07/11/2017 10:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

louise5754 · 07/11/2017 10:18

I spend exactly the same. I found something dd2 wanted at £25 even though I was done so now I need to get dd1 something else. Dd2 had something that was £60 so age doesn't have as many. I know that will cause drama.

Soubriquet · 07/11/2017 10:19

Urm...usually around £100 or less for my two (2 and 4) but this year we've started shopping early and I think we've already hit our £100 usual budget...still got loads more to buy

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 07/11/2017 10:19

louise oops.

That reminds me of a (not over the Christmas period) time that me and my friend went into Tesco for a bottle of milk, and walked out with a CD player, a vacuum cleaner, and other assorted random shite!

And forgot the milk!

BootHill · 07/11/2017 10:21

I pick up bits through the year in the sales and stuff. DD1 is 11 and DD2 is 3 so DD1’s pile looks a lot smaller than DD2’s because she doesn’t ask for toys etc and toys are bulky packaging but they do have equal amounts of presents to open.

We usually spend £300-£400 each but it’s done throughout the year.

ilovewelshrarebit123 · 07/11/2017 10:21

I’ve only got one DD and I spend £100-£120 usually. She’s 10 and has asked for a lap top this year so my ex is going halves for this as it’s £300.

She’s of the age where she knows she won’t get much else.

Ignore the smug FB’s, it’s one day and spending hundreds is just ridiculous! Wink

MollyHuaCha · 07/11/2017 10:22

Ours will get about £40 each. That’s enough!

Sandsunsea · 07/11/2017 10:22

The stealth boast Facebook posts make me feel sick, parents posting pictures of huge piles of wrapped presents is extremely uncouth.
I usually spend under £100 per child. One or two main presents, a couple of smaller ones and a filled stocking. It is more than enough

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 07/11/2017 10:29

Sand me too! Which is why I was an ass last year with my piss-take.

Even worse when the owners of the photos get hashtag- diahorrea at the same time #luckylittleman #blessed #mommylovesyou...

#odfod!

NextInLine · 07/11/2017 10:33

Usually about £300 each. But I’ve finally come to realise it’s an absolute waste, they have that much, they don’t know what to play with. Bits get broken or lost so half of it’s in the tip by February.
This year they have had approx £100 each on things I know they will play with and look after.

Mulberry72 · 07/11/2017 10:36

We have one DS(11), we spend between £500-£600, depending on what he asks for.

Football kits, trainers, Xbox games, it soon adds up.

Oysterbabe · 07/11/2017 10:37

I don't really have a budget, if there's something they want or I know they'll love I'll get it.

stargirl1701 · 07/11/2017 10:40

We do the much hated poem - want, need, wear, read plus stocking and gift from FC.

Depends what they ask for, tbh. DD1 wants a candle making kit at the moment which is about £20. DD2 wants a pedal bike which we are trying to buy online preloved - looking at £180 ish.

I don't try to make it even in terms of money spent. Just be guided by them. It's more important for us to avoid plastic and choose preloved/handmade/ethical.

HRTpatch · 07/11/2017 10:41

Mine are 21 and 18 and I spend about £500 on each. £350 in cash and the rest in gifts .
I can afford it .
They get no other gifts.

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 07/11/2017 10:42

Do any of you buy a "family" gift?

I usually get something (last year an android box, this year an Alexa) that Santa "forgot to deliver". DH hears a noise by the front door, goes out to investigate, and it's there!

SloeSloeQuickQuickGin · 07/11/2017 10:43

I don't really understand these threads at all

£100 can be 2 weeks jobseekers, or it can be a couple of hours hourly rate.

And the competitive spending will commence on the thread to demonstrate worth. Or the marginally worse, those who buy their children an Oxfam goat because Persephone appreciates how lucky she is and genuinely wants to patronise the third world give to others.

gunsandbanjos · 07/11/2017 10:44

My daughter is nearly 14 and I spend around £100.

Cockmagic · 07/11/2017 10:44

About £200 on dd aged 9. It's her birthday beginning of December though and I've spent £120 on presents for that.

Ginorchoc · 07/11/2017 10:45

Varies each year but this year I’ve spent £160 plus she has £80 worth of items from Boots bought with points, so free. I never pay full price though, wait for special Boots points, the 4 per £1 went on the free buys which were also reduced 50% off a star of the week gift, 50% off electrical item. I also always use cash back sites, I sound tight but actually pretty financially ok. Just refuse to pay full price for anything Grin

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