Would you decorate kids rooms as a present?

[Loobieloo27]

My 2 children are 6 and 3 and have ridiculous amounts of toys, there's no big gift that they both need, however both there bedrooms need updating, would you redecorate ie new beds, tv and Xbox which is a gift for Christmas, I can't help feeling might be a bit rubbish but I am stumped!

I would. I've thought about doing the same for my dd.

Having just redecorated both boys rooms...Yes as it cost a fortune. Wish I had waited!!

I think it's a nice idea for older kids but at that age I can't see them being very excited about it.

Yep, did for our 4 yr old. They loved picking their own bedding etc and enjoyed helping to decorate it.

No I wouldn't - the decorating bit I would just do whenever because it doesnt seem like a Christmas present to me, but yes I would keep the tv/Xbox for Christmas (or just the xbox) so they have a big present to open on the day - and bulk it out with other bits - ie pj's, books, etc.

No. It's just something that you do.

I remember last years post from the woman wanting to buy her DD a passport for Christmas.

Dd got a double bed for Xmas once. And she was thrilled. Twas expensive and her bed was perfect

Her existing bed ...

Now I’d probably be daft enough to attempt to completely redecorate a bedroom on Christmas Eve while the dc were asleep!

I don’t really think duvet covers and curtains count as proper presents when you’re a child. I had an aunt who always bought me beautiful clothing for my birthday but as a child it was always a very disappointing gift.

Maybe spend a bit less on Christmas generally and put the extra towards the cost of decoration, but just put it off for another few months to ease the financial impact.

No I wouldn't. But if necessary I'd off-set the cost by buying cheaper presents.

My DSes are always thrilled to get new clothes, shoes, special towels or bedding. Except for'Christmas or birthday when it's more a disappointment that the huge nicely wrapped present isn't a big toy!

Yes definitely, if they were up for it

Ive wrapped framed posters, wall art, over bed light, novelty bin, footie team duvet cover etc in Xmas presents and redecorated over Xmas, but would not include this like a new bed, blinds, paint, laundry bin etc.

Been thinking the same op!
My kids have far too much already and both have birthdays not long after Christmas, in February.

Ds is 15 and dd is 7. She already has a very expensive bed ( we got it in sale for £300 down from £900 ) but it's a pain and is huge.
She has been asking for a new one which is around £400 and makes sense to buy it as a present. I can't cope with the amount of stuff they are bought as it is.

I'm considering doing this for 10yr old dd this year. She wants a bunk bed and a general bedroom spruce up.
I'm considering getting the bunk bed sorted just before Xmas and asking family for vouchers for shops where she can choose the extras, Ikea / Primark / Argos / Tiger.

Not rubbish idea at all!

But no, I wouldn’t. I have just had both completely redone. It was a wonderful mid year “event”. I bought new beds, new bed linen, re painted, new carpet, new furniture and some pictures for the wall. I didn’t regard it as a gift but, as I say, it felt more like a family “event” IYKWIM

I splurged £700 on a high bed for my 8 year old with a built on desk and sofa underneath.
I will never forget his face when he walked in to the room for the first time after the work was all done and saw that bed. He was over the moon.

I remember last years post from the woman wanting to buy her DD a passport for Christmas.

How old? Because if, let’s say, a uni student or just finishing up A levels, then that could be quite a sweet present. Not the only present! But as a present, quite a thoughtful gift and would be appreciated by a cash strapped teen/uni student

If you let them choose the decor and new duvet covers, new curtains, pictures for the walls then yes.

Not of you're just redecorating according to your own taste with keeping the house neutral and similar throughout with an eye to resale, but I assume that youre not in this case!

No, no nope. They will be disappointed being the age they are. My children don't give two hoots about their bedrooms.

Blue her idea of redecorating includes TVs and X boxes. Aside from the fact no 3 year old or 6 year old should have a TV and X box in their room, how spoilt would a child have to be to be disappointed with that!

No, it’s just the job of a parent to decorate a child’s room

If you want to do it just do it, but it's not a Christmas present.

You could always redecorate then take them round to look at accessories like cushions, fairy lights and lampshades which could be gifts from father Christmas?

If you want to have a scaled back Christmas that's fine! They are 3 and 6, 3 year old won't know much different and the 6 year old will just have to deal. We're in a similar boat this year and just feel like we are buying toys for the sake of it!

I'd decorate a child's room as a reward for doing well at school or something but not as a Christmas present. I know decorating is a lot of effort but as a Christmas present it just seems a bit naff, particularly for young children.

My child never wants anything except books so her presents tend to be practical or experiences. She wants a particular bookcase And a desk for her room so those will be her actual present but she’ll also get a token present on the day, most likely clothing vouchers so she can buy what she likes from somewhere like Zara. She’s 10.

@Blueskiesandforest - very good point, they shouldn't have Xbox or TV in their rooms at 6 and 3.