What age to give cash for Christmas or birthdays?

[WetBench]

Wondering what age you would consider it okay to give cash as a Christmas present (or birthday present). Late teenager or young child? I guess it depends on if the child will have it out in a bank account or get to go to a shop to spend it on a toy etc?

I don’t personally as I’ve read too many posts on MN where it never makes it to the child and is spent by the parents instead.

Maybe late teens if handed to them and you know they will be able to do with it as they please.

I think as soon as you realise you have no idea what kids like, or you ask and they tell you and you still have no idea what the things are! About 10 I think.

@IceCreamAndCandyfloss that’s sad that people have to consider that, but I’m certain (I hope) that none of my friends would do that to their kids.

@viques yes that’s it!

@Binnaggy I’m thinking for friends kids who we get more token presents, would they rather the £10 than a token toy? Bit different if you can spend £30 on a child

Never.

I think cash is such a lazy 'gift' (basically couldnt be bothered to put the time, thought and effort in so here go buy your own gift lol).

My sons both gets gifts off us but they love to go on a shopping spree at Smyths so from around aged 3 they received money off relatives and sometimes a bit off us if we spent under budget or they don’t have a party,

My kids are 11 & 9. I have no idea what to get them. When family members ask what to get I have no idea. Money is good as 1 child comes on a shopping day and gets what she wants (clothes, smellies etc) the other just sits on it for a while. (Might be games etc) all depends on the kids and the parents.

Teenagers definitely. Trust me, most teens would rather have the money than an unwanted gift.

Also, cash is not a 'lazy' gift. It ensures the recipient can buy exactly what they'd like. The amount of wasted gifts my kids have had that they didn't want or couldn't use, which basically means whoever bought it has wasted their money.

About 10. Before that they are happy with cheaper presents. After 10 they want to combine the money gifts and buy something bigger.

Twelve upwards if not close family.

Glad to see the consensus isn’t lazy gifting! Last year was a lot of work posting and not seeing everyone and wanted to concentrate on meeting up this year.

My DS (21) actually asks for cash , he saves , it makes him happy . He doesn't want or needs "things"
I buy him underwear,robe,socks,loungwear and pyjamas for his Dec 1st Box. He needs new ones , usually replenish once a year and replace any holey ones .

DD (19) ikes having things bought for her , lots of thought into her presents .

I look at ot as saving he Plastic Tat Mountain

Any age really, gift cards are also a good alternative because you can get ones for smyths, buildabear etc for young ones, high st stores and food places for older ones. I loved getting book store gift card from my parents as I was an avid reader back in the day. It really depends what your kids like and if they enjoy picking stuff out for themselves. My nana used to buy me stuff like sunflowers perfume when I was a teen which I hated, would rather have had money to pick out something I wanted.

I mostly still get kids gifts, I'd find something on sale, generally a lego set. Has been a number of times my ds' are the only children at a party to give a present and the birthday child is over the moon. Pushed to it I'd say about 13.

I only give cash if one of my adult offspring specifically asks for it. I tend to give a few less expensive bits and Bob's with it to open though, ie favourite wine, chocs, kitchen gadgets like a melon baller!

My DD is 4 and sometimes gets money as a gift, but always towards a specific item like an annual pass which nobody would be able to buy outright.

She also gets money from my husband's grandparents who aren't able to go shopping for all their many grandkids, so to make it fair give money to everyone. We write it down and then if she wants to buy stuff throughout the yesr she can use her Christmas money.

First time my DS got cash was age 7. He didnt know what he wanted and was thrilled. Waited a few weeks then bought himself a couple of things he absolutely adores.

The issue is with gift cards esp for places like build a Bear is that if you only get 1 for a tenner there's nothing to buy in there! Cash is not lazy. It's knowing your audience. Laziness is buying a gift you have no idea if they'll like.