Money as a gift for DD

[booknerdxo]

My 6 year old wants money for her 7th birthday next month, she wants to make a day out of it, go around the shops to spend some birthday money and then go the amusements.
I was all up for it until my friend made a comment about how ‘every kid should have presents to open on their birthday and they get what they are given’ she also said I’m teaching my DD a bad example of money
Between me and our immediate family we all made plans for her to have £300 in total, which I don’t plan to let her spend in one day but to spread it out.
The last 3 years we have done birthday parties and invited some school friends but she doesn’t want to do that, she just wants to have a sleepover with her best friend and do that above with best friend
But now I can’t help but think £300 is a lot for a 7th birthday but I’d spend over £200 on a party plus presents and a cake.
Spreading the cost between family I was actually only giving her £100 and her grandparents were giving her £50 each.

Sounds perfect. It’s what your child wants and is old enough to know they won’t be opening a present. My DC of a similar age would be far more excited at the prospect of a shopping trip than ‘getting that they’re given. Ignore your ‘friend’ and parent your child however you want.

your child will learn the cost of ‘presents’ and how much things actually cost if she’s using her own money to buy what she wants. It’ll make her consider her purchases far more carefully than if she was just writing a list of I want XYZ. As obviously she only has finite resources. I actually think the opposite of your friend and think it’s far more valuable for her to learn how to spend her money how she chooses- and I agree with you that she probably shouldn’t be spending all £300 in one go. I’d suggest you set a limit for the day and see how she gets on. And have the rest of the money set aside for a different time. I’m very hard line and when my dc have money to spend will only let them spend what they have brought with them then and there, no going over budget at all- and I don’t front them any cash for them to ‘pay me back’ when we get home etc etc.

I think it's absolutely fine, if that what she wants...you could put it in one of those money balloons, but I personally think they're a waste of £20.

I'm teaching my dc about money early, and they definitely value it more when it's their own money. We've just had a chat that I'll continue to buy everything they need, but if there are any wants above that they'll need to save up/use their own money. Does kids no good thinking that there is an endless pit of money!

Sounds like a good day. Think I took one of mine to the toy shop at that age as there was nothing she liked. Set her budget and it's a good lesson on handling money.

At her age I would get a little of small things to open, maybe a nice bag and purse to take shopping with her?

One of my eldest daughters favourite birthdays is when I gave her £20 (she's 32 so this was loads then!!) and let her pick anything she wanted from Woolworths. She had such a great time and couldn't believe how much she could get....her money seemed never ending!! She still talks about it.

I'd probably have done this or even just a purse, but spending her own money is exciting,

I had a birthday like that as a kid and loved it!! If you really want to give her something to open, I like the other suggestions of a nice bag and purse to take with her.

And no, £300 all in isn't too much

My DD asked to do similar at 6 and she still talks about it now. I explained to her that it meant there wouldn’t be presents to open but we still had cards and balloons, etc.

Put 150 or 200 in a savings account and use it to start teaching her about growing money... use the rest to do as she asked and go out and pick some fun stuff on the day.

Your friend sounds like a fun sponge - ignore.

Do cards, balloons and birthday breakfast etc as usual.

Shopping with money is a lovely birthday! I often do it with my children but I do make sure they still have a few inexpensive bits to open. A party would cost a fortune so two little gifts to open is nothing!

How lovely, sounds like it will be a wonderful day that will bring her lots of joy! Absolutely nothing wrong in this whatsoever, it’s what she wants and is something you can enjoy doing with her. Agree with others who have said would be lovely to buy her a little bag and purse to take along on the day. Ignore your friend she’s talking rubbish 😂

I generally dislike money as a gift..

But you aren't actually giving money - your giving an experience. One that is very exciting and fun (and potentially useful).

My son does a similar thing, not on his birthday but on a festival (non UK) where money is traditionally given. It's great. He knows how much he has, we go out, he umms and ahhs for ages over this toy or that, has to deal with seeing things that are out of his budget.. plays with combinations. 4 small things or 1 big thing. Etc. snacks and food, activities etc. and has a great time with the whole thing.

Usually he is encouraged to use a bit on a thank you card or small gesture back as well...

300 is a lot in one go, but you've already said that, so I don't see any issue. Sounds like a fun birthday idea.

Amusements is just a waste of money, gambling machines

Listen to your friend. She makes a lot of sense!
What will she expect when she's 10,15.17 etc!