Christmas Shopping

I think it will depend on 2 main things. One, it would be the WHO you are giving too. In this case, you mentioned your kids. So if they are still young, then there is no need to spend too much. And you shouldn't spend too much too. E.g. it may seem extravagant to buy a sports car for a 12 years old right? Age would be a factor here. Two, it depends on how well-off you are. If you are freaking rich, then the budget is really no budget. Otherwise, just make do with what you have and spend reasonably. Christmas should be a happy time - for both you and the kids.

That is tough, because you want to get your kids everything they want, but kids don't realize how much things are. Christmas has gotten too commercail, and we think that we are obligated to get a bunch of presents for everyone. If I were you, I would have a set price for each of them. If one wants something more expensive, then they have to understand that they may get one big thing they want while another gets a couple things that were not as expensive, but they each got the same value. Then maybe they will re think what they want and make sure that what they are asking for is really what they want, and be okay with one or two things that are costly instead of a bunch of things. That may bring Christmas down where it should be if everyone did that; you each open a couple presents, then enjoy eachothers time together with a good meal. I don't know, it is such a tough time of year. Good luck!

"Why can't they be little again and only want to play with the box the toy comes in lol" LOL tell me about it! My kids are 12 and 14 so I know where you're coming from....The older they get the less they like the boxes and that gets pricey LOL As for how much to spend..well we are really big on the kids having the same amount of gifts for example if my son gets 10 gifts then my daughter will too...but the value/cost isnt always the same so it's kind of hard for me to say anything about individual amounts...This yr though we're spending about $1500 on the kids (combined) which is pretty much the average I think give or take a couple hundred....

well i know my mom spends over $100 on my kids each (they are 10 & 14) but my hubby and i are suffering financially so we spend about 60 on each child if that. it just depends on what we can get on sale!

My husband and I have decided to put a limit of $100 per each of our two children this year. That is how much money we have set aside in the budget for the Christmas shopping. I think next year we need to start saving a little earlier, but $100 each for a 5 and 6 year old isn't too bad!