How on earth do you handle constant expenses!

[Cokefirst]

We as a married couple in our late 20s have twin toddler boys. I’ve realised almost every week there’s a new birthday or kids party that I’m constantly buying presents for, or just little bits as soon as we leave the house that we buy like lunches coffees etc.
I work part time and DH works full time, but our household income isn’t what I would call amazing. We get enough to save abit monthly and have spending money.

Lots of our friends and close family (like my siblings) are having kids or have kids and I feel there’s a never ending line of expenses!

Is it just me who feels like this?

I felt like that at when the lads were at primary school. I used to grumble that I wish they would ask for a lump sum in September instead of having to pay a quid not to wear uniform or having to buy home made cakes at the end of term etc!
It seemed never ending.

Welcome to parenthood!

Present stash, you can get great gifts for a fiver if you shop sales. Bumper packs of cheap cards, all ready to go. I guess with twins you need to give 2 gifts or a larger present so it's going to add up, being prepared will help

Some of that is unreasonable as the spending on lunch/coffee out can easily be cut out.
But yes school parties can be a big expense in the first few years but thankfully dies down eventually (luckily it was covid time when mine were young so parties weren't a thing).

Yes unfortunately it is like that. If you find something on offer that makes a good gift, buy a few of them so you’re not constantly buying gifts.

Do you need to buy coffee every time you go out?
Often, it’s not necessary. Or have a separate budget for socialising and stick with it.
Also, see where else you can cut back.