spending on grandchildren at Christmas

[way2serious]

We’ve currently got 2 grandchildren (from our eldest daughter) on whom we spend about £150 each. So firstly is this too much / not enough / about right? And secondly, we have four other children and so very likely to have more grandchildren in the next few years. We want to be as fair as possible and would need to decrease our spending for each child to ensure they all had the same amount as we couldn’t afford £150 each for more than 2. This obviously means that the first two will have had more for a few years. Do we need to make this up to the others or just lower the amount for all of them?

I hope that makes sense - I know I am probably overthinking things!! How have you managed what you spend as the number of grandchildren increases?

It sounds like you're very generous and caring grandparents, and definitely overthinking things! Just spend what you like/can on the ones you have, and then drop it down to suit your budget if more grandkids arrive in the future. Honestly, if any grandkids (or their parents), want to quibble in the future about past gift amounts, then it's their problem. I'm sure none of your child-free children are keeping a tally of what you're spending on the existing grandkids - and if they are, then they have some serious work to do on themselves!

You know your finances and what you are comfortably able to spend. Beyond that no one else’s opinion matters. Personally if/when I have grandchildren children I look forward to being as generous as possible.

I think it’s too much for little kids unless their parents are struggling. We’ve spent about 150 on young teenage grandchild (we’ve just the one for now) on a very much wanted surprise event/ ticket, and a sweatshirt . We also save a bit every month for all grandchildren born prior to us popping our clogs (or before if they need it)

It’s a shame though if it’s giving you pleasure . Can you keep some of the things you buy at your house? Say for example board games? That these and any future grandchildren can play with? Make it a tradition? I was always getting our grandchild clothes when they were little I didn’t really count it as a present 😅 so your two outfits are fine imo 😉