A few questions re what to buy step children (age 12, 15 and 18)

[Marne]

We usually give the step dc's cash for christmas and a few presents to open when they come over on boxing day, this seems to be geting harder each year.

First of all me and dh are unsure what to do about dss (18), now he's 18 (almost 19) do we still give him the same amount as we did in previous years or do we reduce it now that he's an adult? he's not working and living at home with his mum. When do you stop spending as much? i can remember my parents reducing the amount they spent when i was around 16 but then again i was working part time. Me and dh are unsure what to do??

Dsd is 12 and not really into anything, she likes baking (last year i did her a cake tin full of cake making bits with a recipe book) and she likes crafty things such as card making. I havn't got a clue what sort of things to get her, just need 3 or 4 nice gifts for her to open.

DSS1 is 15 (almost 16) and we hardly see him (his choice), not really into anything other than going out with his mates and riding his BMX. What can we buy him??

DSS2 is 18 and likes going out and playing his xbox, oh and football (just watching it not playing it).

Dh is useless with the whole christmas thing so i'm left to do most of the shopping. Help??

Erm...ask them what they'd like?

we have, the answer is 'i dunno'

I definitely wouldn't reduce the amount spent on DS1. I would wait until they are all adults to do that. If he still lives at home with his siblings it would be really harsh to suddenly start giving him much less than them IMO.

Can you get dss2 a ticket to a football game , or lot's of gifts available for individual teams.
How about cinema vouchers , or you can't go wrong with i tune vouchers.

Don't reduce the amount on DS1 - that would be weird, I think.

The tickets idea is a great one, and Itunes tokens always go down well. How about also buying music like The Beatles etc for a small gift. And clothes are always good - but do go to shops they usually buy from. Swiss army knife is also a good boy gift.

For dd12, try the Djeco range - all fabulous - plus really good Stabilo or Caran d'ache pens.

Thank you, your right, it would be weird to give dss less than the others but what happens when he's working full time and earning money?? do we still give him the same?? it just seems odd to me as my parents gave me £100 (or spent £100 on me) each year until i was working (at the age of 16) then it was reduced to £50 until i left home (then it was just socks and smellies). Its hard when he doesn't really want anything, dh and i are happy to pay for him to have more driving lessons or to re-take his driving test but dss cant be bothered .

dearheart- i will have a look at Djeco , i much prefer buying for dsd than the boys (they are so tricky).

Im working full time and quite a lot older than your DSS and my parents have yet to reduce the gift buying budget. What I buy them has gradually improved though!

Same here mysteryfairy. I still get a cheque for £100 every Christmas and birthday but now they also write one for DH and DS too!

It hasn't ever occurred to me that other people get less as they get older.

I do know I am very lucky BTW.

You are very lucky, i'm lucky if i get £10 spent on me by my parents .