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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

Really nosey I know but how much did you spend on your dc presents?

28 replies

Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 22:49

I know its nosey but Id love to know!

Clearly having nothing better to do I made a list worked out how much Father Christmas, x h and me had spent altogether on our dc's presents (then I worked out how much we would have spent had we not bought them at bargain prices! - I know I need to get out more )

I dont know whether to be proud at my frugalness or shocked at my overspending!!!!
Especially as ds fave present is two cheap plastic transforming dinosaurs - £3 each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OP posts:
goldFAQinsenceandmyrrh · 27/12/2008 22:50

oh I went OTT this year, as I got DS1 and 2 a joint present of a Wii.

Think the rest worked out at approx £70-100 for all of them (3 DC) + the Wii

Next year we'll be back to the £50 max for each of them.

Hulababy · 27/12/2008 22:53

We normally spend about £100-£150 on DD. However this year was a one off big purchase as we also bought her a digital piano, and she starts lessons mid January. So total prize was much more than normal.

Hulababy · 27/12/2008 22:53

price not prize

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 22:53

I think that is what shocked me because I thought I had spent about £50 each...........

when in reality £110 each - same amount by total coincidence!!!!!!!

Had I bought them at full prices the total for the whole lot would be £455!!!!

OP posts:
ceciliaaherne · 27/12/2008 22:54

Far too much

bellavita · 27/12/2008 22:56

A lot, but they are worth it.

Aimsmum · 27/12/2008 22:59

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 23:02

Ok so our spend was clearly utterly frugal by comparison!

My parents are coming tommorrow, I was feeling a little paranoid that they might say we had spent too much

Phew

OP posts:
bellavita · 27/12/2008 23:04

Does it really matter what anyone else thinks though Yurtgirl about how much you have spent on your children?

goldFAQinsenceandmyrrh · 27/12/2008 23:05

tbh I think you've only spent "too much" if you're gone into debt to do it.

As long as you can afford it you can spend whatever you want.

AlexanderSantasmum · 27/12/2008 23:06

I have a 22-month old and spent about £60 in ELC back in Oct (used their 20% off voucher) and that was the main part of his presents. I then went back later on and spent another £30 or so on stocking fillers (paints, crayons, puzzles etc) and also bought him a few bits that were Christmassy (books etc) which will obviously be reused in future years and can go into the Christmas box with the tree.

Maybe I did go a bit overboard but his birthday was the last time he got any new toys and that was 10 months ago, so I really wanted to get him some new things that were suitable for his age group if that makes sense?

bellavita · 27/12/2008 23:06

to give you an idea of how much we spent, we bought a laptop, bmx bike, 2 i-pods, a ds lite, games for the ds lite, guitar hero, wii fit, lots of books, stocking fillers.

Hulababy · 27/12/2008 23:07

Don't worry about how much so long as you can affprd it and haven't had to get unmangeable debts to pay it.

I am sure at least one of my friends think we have spent way too much on DD with getting her the piano, and then getting her other pressies on topp - but it was our choice, we can afford it and DD still remains an unspoilt and grateful girl.

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 23:07

It does if my parents think we have spent too much yes - They are coming tommorrow and I know everything will be inspected etc

I wanted to know as I had no idea (as lots of small things rather than a few bigger things)

I honestly thought £110 each was alot - it obviously isnt!

What is the average spend I wonder

OP posts:
bellavita · 27/12/2008 23:09

But you are your own family with your own children - it is nothing to do with anyone else unless your parents have to help you financially?

Hulababy · 27/12/2008 23:09

So don't tell them if it bothers you wht they think. If they do ask or comment you politely say you bought what you felt they wanted/needed and didn;t spend more than you can afford.

It really is no one else's business to comment on you spending too much, unless they are affected by you spending thtat money - even parents. You are a grown up and can choose yourself.

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 23:10

Hula - A digital piano could be a family present though couldnt it? When we get one Im going to insist we share - I want to play too!

No debts here, so thats not a worry

OP posts:
Hulababy · 27/12/2008 23:11

Yes, that is kind of our thought although neither DH and I play at all, and only 6y DD is going to have lessons. But I have had a tinkle on it

goldFAQinsenceandmyrrh · 27/12/2008 23:12

PMSL Hula - I've gone straight from the

"is an adult saving they're going for a wee rude" thread back to here to see you saying that you

"have had a tinkle on it"

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 23:14

Sneak a look at her piano book or help her practise!!

A proper keyboard is on my wishlist

For now im trying to keep one step ahead of ds attempts to learn to play chess........

OP posts:
Hulababy · 27/12/2008 23:16

lol FAQ

We have the first paino ook her tutot-to-be has recommended, so beenhaving a look. I can now play a mean rendition of "Mary had a little lamb" lol trouble is DD can still play it better than me - and I was the one who showed her the notes!

Original poster
Yurtgirl · 27/12/2008 23:19

LOL hula - you piano expert!!!!!!!!!

I am intrigued at which book the tutor reccomended - i would love a link/title if you can be bothered!

We will get a keyboard that can slide under a bed/sofa as no room for a proper piano - next christmas probably.....

OP posts:
Leo9 · 27/12/2008 23:44

I spent about 200 on DS. I have to say I really don't think it's about the money and it's none of anyone else's business what you've spent. The key is, as Hula says, the kids being unspoilt and grateful.

TeenyTinyTorya · 27/12/2008 23:49

FAQ - you're still here! Is this to stay, or will you have to go?

FiveGoMadInDorset · 27/12/2008 23:50

£80 on DD included a stocking
£30 on DS ^ months so toy from us and from his sister