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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To spend 30 quid on my neice?

76 replies

Flowers665 · 02/02/2025 18:13

I earn an average wage but I'm single so have to pay all bills myself. Like everyone I've had to tighten my belt to make sure I've got enough to pay for everything. I normally spend about 30 quid on my neices for their birthdays (young kids) but I'm worried my sister might think I'm being stingy. How much do you spend on yours? I have 2 neices. AIBU to only spend 30 pounds on them?

OP posts:
Spurber · 02/02/2025 18:14

£30 is more than enough! And who gives a shit what your sister thinks about it.

Kahless · 02/02/2025 18:14

I normally spend about 30 quid on my neices for their birthdays (young kids) but I'm worried my sister might think I'm being stingy. How much do you spend on yours? I have 2 neices. AIBU to only spend 30 pounds on them?

What?

Are you saying 30 on both? Or 30 each?

Alalalala · 02/02/2025 18:15

£30 is too much for young kids! Don’t worry. You need to be sensible about your income.

Dont set yourself on fire to keep others warm.

feedmefudge · 02/02/2025 18:15

I spend £50 on my nieces and nephews, but mostly they're teens.
£30 is more than fair for little kids!

MumChp · 02/02/2025 18:15

£15 is fine.

Arlanymor · 02/02/2025 18:15

feedmefudge · 02/02/2025 18:15

I spend £50 on my nieces and nephews, but mostly they're teens.
£30 is more than fair for little kids!

Same but for me it’s goddaughters.

2025willbemytime · 02/02/2025 18:16

Spending £30 on your niece is more then necessary and very silly when you're on a tight budget.

BarrioQueen · 02/02/2025 18:16

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

theduchessofspork · 02/02/2025 18:16

I spend far too much, but £30 quid is perfectly fine. I’m sure your sister is appreciative, and if she isn’t she should be.

Crazycatlady79 · 02/02/2025 18:16

30 is more than enough for young children. My sister used to spend £15 on each of my twin DC.

theduchessofspork · 02/02/2025 18:17

2025willbemytime · 02/02/2025 18:16

Spending £30 on your niece is more then necessary and very silly when you're on a tight budget.

Don’t be so patronising. If the OP can work it into her budget and it gives her pleasure then it’s fine.

stichguru · 02/02/2025 18:17

I think with little kids its about how happy the gift makes them. They won't know whether it's £5, £500 or anywhere in between, so think about what they'd really like.

Original poster
Flowers665 · 02/02/2025 18:18

Kahless · 02/02/2025 18:14

I normally spend about 30 quid on my neices for their birthdays (young kids) but I'm worried my sister might think I'm being stingy. How much do you spend on yours? I have 2 neices. AIBU to only spend 30 pounds on them?

What?

Are you saying 30 on both? Or 30 each?

30 on each of the kids sorry

OP posts:
OwlInTheOak · 02/02/2025 18:18

You can easily get them a few nice things for £15 each, it doesn't have to be from big toy shops. B and m, hobby craft, amazon, have a look for a range of little things.

Truth25 · 02/02/2025 18:19

MumChp · 02/02/2025 18:15

£15 is fine.

What can you even buy for that?

2025willbemytime · 02/02/2025 18:19

theduchessofspork · 02/02/2025 18:17

Don’t be so patronising. If the OP can work it into her budget and it gives her pleasure then it’s fine.

Show quote history

She said she had to tighten her belt..

nellythe · 02/02/2025 18:20

Truth25 · 02/02/2025 18:19

What can you even buy for that?

Show quote history

Plenty, depending on age. If the nieces are young and OP has a Home Bargains type shop nearby then it’s more than enough to get some crafts and/or a doll etc.

Jumblebum · 02/02/2025 18:21

When I was really skint (minimum wage) I spent £15 on mine and partner's nieces and nephews but there were about 20 of them! As some of them have aged out and we've gotten better off I now spend between £30 and £50. You are absolutely not being unreasonable. £30 is more than enough.

Katieweasel · 02/02/2025 18:21

We do £30 birthdays and £50 Christmas in our family. No idea where those figures came from them to be honest.

AyrnotAir · 02/02/2025 18:22

£30 is absolutely fine. Don't even give it a second thought.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 02/02/2025 18:22

More than enough! I clicked thinking you were wondering if it was too much!

SaltyPig · 02/02/2025 18:23

I have 17 nieces and nephews...

MumChp · 02/02/2025 18:24

Truth25 · 02/02/2025 18:19

What can you even buy for that?

Show quote history

Of course you can buy a gift for a young child for £15 if you have to save your money. Lots of people do.

HundredPercentUnsure · 02/02/2025 18:24

I get an appropriate gift that I think they'll like, within my means.

Katieweasel · 02/02/2025 18:24

Posted too soon. We've always said that no one should spend that if they can't afford it. Would hate for my siblings to get into debt over a gift.