To think a 'main present' for dc isn't necessary.

[User6447482684755]

I grew up with a mum who also believed a main Christmas present was necessary, even if something wasn't needed. For instance I often got given a bike for main present when I didn't really need one, nor was I much of a cycler. Looking back it was just something she bought for the sake of it - nuts.

I have my own dc. Sometimes they've had a considerably more expensive present for a main present, DS had an Xbox last year which he wanted which is fine.

but this year neither of my dc need anything particularly expensive or large or a main present.

dd wants a couple barbie cutie reveals and they aren't cheap. DS wants Lego but will have a few small Lego sets rather than a large one - his attention span js too short for the larger sets. Amongst other things they will like. Dd will get crafty stuff, books, soft toys and kids make up. DS will likely have fidget type toys, books and other stuff I can't think of yet. DS wants monopoly.

my two seem to appreciate the stuff more. My mums flabbergasted they they don't always have a 'main present' but if they don't need or ask for anything it's not needed right?

ds has an Xbox, we have computers, well lots of them actually because Dp fixes computers, also builds his own and a total computer geek. We have an iPad, Nintendo switch etc.

there is nothing I could think of they would need!

@bellathedarkoverlord thank you, I will look!

Not unreasonable at all, but I agree I always want to get a “wow” gift. It’s hard though. If you’ve got the money could you have a small trip planned that you “surprise” them with, or even just something a bit silly- like if I got my children a bunch of disgusting tooth rotting acidic spray type sweets that I NEVER let them have, ever, they’d feel that was a wow as they’d never expect it! (Not doing that but as an example of a non expensive thing that could still be a wow).

I always figured a main present was more to do with a most wished for item than necessarily a costly one. Of course often that does coincide with being the more expensive present.

This year my DD doesn't really need a "main" present. I've figured (thanks to this board!) a few lovely things she will like. One year as a child my "main present" was a polaroid camera which was actually bought as a little side present. I'm sure many of us have stories like that!

So yes I agree, nothing wrong with a main present and a few smaller presents if your DC wants something big, but if they don't, I would never go out of my way to buy something just for the sake of it.

Until the twitch inevitably sets in sometime in November

I do think they need a 'wow' present but I don't think it needs to be big or expensive.

My DS's main birthday present this year was a £15 Minecraft toy that he was desperate for. If he'd asked later in the year then it would have been his main Christmas present because it's the thing he wanted the most.
My DD likes a local theatre ticket for her main present, probably not the most expensive or certainly not the physically largest gift on its own but it comes with the promise of a day out with DM & I so definitely the biggest & most exciting gift.
A main gift is just something they will love. You know your own DC and what will give them the 'wow' moment, that's their main present, the one they will remember.

My DS just wants lots of little bits, so am not bothering with a 'main present'...

I agree with this.

Agree. They get so much at Christmas I don't see why they need a 'main' expensive present when they get a stocking (which can be ££!!) and other gifts under the tree. Birthday is different and is the time to get something they really want in my opinion.

@CloseYourEyesAndSee what do you mean by "something they really want"? Surely everything you get them at Xmas they really want because why else would you be getting it?

The Q Connect notebooks are only £4.85 each on Amazon. I just ordered 3 for dgc stockings. Still delivering before Christmas. Thank you for tip off.

Agree completely! We don't do main presents for Christmas, we did once, that bloody Thomas Trackmaster super station, blew most of our budget on it and he got bored within a week!

We've got Christmas gifts ranging from £5-40, £40 being a Pokémon master box so not big and flashy. They have a good pile of presents (15-20 each, we have 2 boys) but nothing particularly high value.

Their birthdays are in march so we save bigger ticket items for then, our eldest will be 10 next year so is getting a gaming PC as it's a big birthday (normal budget about £150, they're both within 8 days of each other 🙈😂), youngest will be getting a big bruger truck and a couple of smaller bits.

Pokémon trainer box sorry!

We always did a ‘main’ present for dds - but that was just ONE present from us - not a pile. And it wasn’t down to money - to us it was enough. Relatively little things in nicely bulging stockings were from FC. They did get presents from other family, too, but nothing at all expensive.
Dds were always very happy with what they got.