Do you think this is too much for a child at Christmas?

[Petalsintheair]

This is for a 8 year old
PlayStation VR
Scooter
Bike
50 inch tv
Crazy cart car
Nintendo switch
Keyboard
10 small toys
4 board games
Samsung phone

It is way too much. Plus, tech stuff are very addictive. My 8 year old DS really wanted a Nintendo Switch this year (over my budget and not ideal for his first game console- barring the IPad). But later settled for the Nintendo 2DSXL. I'm not sure about other parents. But my DS won't be getting "heavy" tech stuff (PS4, PlayStation) till he's about 10.

At 8 I'd have thought something like either the scooter, bike or keyboard plus a couple of board games (if the family play them) and the small toys would be a great set of Christmas presents. Or just the crazy cart or the Switch if they have really said they want one, but then probably just a couple of small toys as they are expensive big gifts.

An eight year old does not need a phone or a VR set and a giant TV is a family thing not for any individual.

Plus it is not kind to give your child far too much and it is very stupid to go into massive debt so as to struggle with the basics.

I'm finding it hard to believe this is true.

But if it is, then I agree with posters who've said it's an obscene amount to give a child, and not in the least kind. One big, age-appropriate present, a few small things to unwrap, and bucketloads of his mother's attention and love would make for a better Christmas. And yes, we should judge, because training children to need massive over-consumption has costs and consequences for the planet we all have to live on.

As for getting into debt, this is a terrible lesson to teach a child - that you can have the very newest gadgetry all the time, and the money will come from somewhere.

I wouldn't want to give an eight year old a phone let alone the rest in one go

Gotta be fake thread. If its true then op sister is an idiot.

My dd's (13 year olds) philosophy class got asked how they would feel if their parents gave all their Christmas present money to buy poor children in Africa some goats. It did make them think actually. Dd told me about it very seriously. I don't think kids like being spoiled to a ridiculous amount. Even young kids of 8 know there are poor children who get much less. Kids want a normal amount the same as their friends. They like it if they have done something to help others too, like raising some money for charity or something. At 8 they are starting to develop a social conscience and if you give them way too much they sort of know it. They will become entitled as a self protection the only other option is to feel guilty.

My sister bought her 10 year old twins, Rolex watches on tick.

1.5/10 OP. Nice try

Even if you're super rich that's a stupid amount of stuff for a child. No child no matter how rich their parents are should get all of that in one go. Recipe for spoilt, entitled brats.

Madness. Totally overwhelming for a child when is he supposed to play with it all?
Doesnt matter how much money you have its too much at once. And to not have money for basic amenities after xmas because of it is even more ridiculous.

Tell her to get refunds on half of it the kid wont even notice!

I have always had a budget and stuck to it even though this year i could spend more my kids got quite enough, anything more would be too much and not played with. Whats the point in that?

What the hell is she going to do next year? Unless she wises up and spends according to her budget.

Woman at work does this and plasters it all over FB.

£££££££ spent .... there's no reason it's not real

That’s a lot for any one person whatever the age. Of course it’s not the OPs business. Until the person who’s paid for it all asks her for a loan til payday coz they’re totally financially wiped out. Then very much OPs business imo.

Children under 12 aren't supposed to use PlayStation VR anyway.

How much people spend on Christmas seems to be inversely correlated with what they can afford.
This is extreme but it made me think of a woman on Facebook - she probably spent 25% as much as OP’s sister but it was still the most I saw anyone spending and the photos are just too much.. poor children don’t know what to play with first. She can’t afford it but it’s some kind of status symbol I think .. look how much I spent, look what car I drive .. all on finance.

No child needs a 50inch TV.

Omg she is nuts !! We are very comfortable and I spent about £300 max ( probably less ) on 2kids.. I don't want them spoilt and also I want them to learn the value of money etc. She is clearly not teaching them that .i hope they get great jobs when they are older otherwise life is going to be a massive disappointment 🙄🙄

I’d have said a few. Small toys and 1 of the rest.

Way way way too much

If she’s using Provident is it because she already has CCJs? The best thing you can do for her is to gently get her some budgeting and debt advice.

I think before this was posted, the OP knew what they felt the answer was. The OP just didn't want to bask in the righteous indignation alone.

We spent £35 on our little one and we earn close to 6 figures

No, I think the poor kid is probably deprived.

Not a single book.

The people I know who do this had a pretty deprived childhood themselves, and are trying to do their best for their DC.

That would be too much for me and I'm a lot older

(Way) more money than sense

its up to the parents really but I say no to putting yourself in debt. Buy throughout the year or to what you can afford up till christmas eve. I would also think he can play with it all. Gifts are given to be used more than one day.