DH has just bought our youngest a ridiculously expensive present, how do I even this out?!

[C0dy]

DS7 wanted a really expensive present. Me and DH had a chat and agreed we would not get him it because of how much it cost but said we would look at it again next year/for his birthday (depending on what money he got for Christmas) and go from there.

I have bought all presents and spent roughly the same on my youngest 3. DH turned up today and gleefully announced he has bought it and won't DS be so happy. He will be but seriously!! I don't know what to do to even it out! It doesn't have to be exactly even, but it just seems really unfair right now. DHs argument is that we were going to get it for him next year, but the intention was he put a significant proportion towards it.

I can't really match it with gifts for the other 2 as would not know what to buy and we have a rule of no cash at Christmas.

Aghhh. Do I try and take it back or just explain to DS5 and DS6 what is happening and hope they are okay with it?

I don't think it matters. I get my DC things I know they want and things I think they'll like. I don't price match. I don't match the number of presents or the size of presents. I just try and get each of them what I think will give them a lovely Christmas morning and keep them entertained in the months that follow. I would never buy a load more stuff for one child just to make up for a discrepancy in price or volume.

Will he need this for his gcse's if yes give it now. I like the idea about the card outlining what the other two are getting later in the year.
My twins had a birthday dd got an iPad (second hand) and ds wanted the two Pokemon games and a couple of other things. Games weren't released until Nov 23rd so he got a card with a confirmation of the order for the games. Having said that none of mine care how much us spent on the others. They write their lists and if I can afford it I buy it if not I explain.

Mycats

I think you either need to put it away for his birthday with suggestion he pitch in Christmas cash or commit to giving the others money towards their things too

Empress13 Sun 11-Dec-16 19:08:32
FGS explain the ages correctly ! Normally in text spk DS7 means son is 7 years old

On Mumsnet DS7 normally means the 7th son. Has done since I first joined many years ago.

Totally missed that the others don't know about their gifts for next year... Not sure what to suggest that won't cause bad feeling on Christmas Day.

This is beginning to remind me of the logic problems I used to do in puzzle books!

Right I understand the age thing now. If the other two are getting expensive gifts later in the year then I would give them cards or gifts alluding to this. Key ring and passport holder or something so they are aware that they are not losing out.

*Empress13 DS7 mean seventh son, DS (7) means son who is 7 years old.

Whoops...
Empress13

This tread has turned into one of those logic puzzles they give to Singapore school children.

emprrss: FGS explain the ages correctly ! Normally in text spk DS7 means son is 7 years old

Not on MN it doesn't

Ok, somif they don't know you're doing something for them, could you do a token gift so it is part of their present? A keyring for the one getting the car, and a handmade voucher for the holiday money to be cashed in nearer the time?

Will the laptop be used for school and is important?

It is very annoying, DH did this with DS1 one year with an Xbox 360, totally overshadowed the 'big' gift I had been buying parts to over the weeks.

Mycatisapirate

I'd say the easiest thing to do is let them know about the trip and the car this Christmas, then they've had a nice surprise and they know things will 'level up' in the year to come. If you know the car and the destination already, put a photo and a postcard in their Christmas cards.

How back to the OP - id do what others have suggested and give cards to other two ds's with their upcoming gifts on a photo inside or something.

Agree with all the PPs who suggested "vouchers" in cards for the holiday and car.

Keyring for car and luggage tag for holiday would be good.

whyohwhy000
Whoops...
Empress13

Ah, but is Empress 13 years old or is she the 13th Empress?

That was supposed to be a face.

NightWanderer Good question

Gift cards for car and holiday deffo.

Too much potential for sibling rivalry and resentment if you hand the laptop over and say nothing otherwise.

I'm so sorry, I have just nipped out with the dog. Did not realise I had confused everyone! I have 7 sons, my eldest 4 don't live at home, my youngest 3 (19, 17 and 15) are all at home still so I like to make presents for them fairly equal. Laptop is for my youngest (15yo)

I like the idea of tokens to let them know at Christmas. I don't think either of them would make a big fuss of it, but I guess it will be nice for them to know they have something expensive coming too.

He does need a new laptop (his is about 4 1/2 years old now) but he just doesn't need one that costs this much! The initial deal with him was that if he wants a fancy one he will need to give something towards it.

But I guess in the spirit of Christmas we can keep it and will sort out tokens for the other 2. I have a feeling I will have a very happy house on Christmas Day!

I would say either voucher in cards formthe car and holiday, ormthe laptop,is put away until ds7's birthday.

Has anyone worked out the answer yet?

Grrr - ....for the car and holiday, or the laptop....

Bloody fat fingers.