our family started doing thing – it is definetly better than getting heaps of stuff from different people. just be prepared some family might take offense.

Yes absolutely do this!!! Kids get toys, they use them everyday for about 2weeks then they get forgotten about or broken! Respectfully ask friends or family to buy something small to open(book/colouring in book/ball/ something age appropriate) and then request money. This money can be saved up to assist in buying their first car or a down payment on their house in the future. All those $$ adds up. When you have a decent amount of $$($2000) in bubs account, invest in mutual funds and elect to have the dividends re-invested! Put it in and leave it there… Don’t worry about the ups and down of the market, simply forget about it. Even if a resession occurs again DO NOT PANIC leave it there! The market always bounces back!! It is proven that the 6monthly dividends earns you far more than that of a dollarmite account every year.

To begin with out it in a dollarmite account and when you have a il sizeable amount then invest in Argo or affix.

Who knows what things are going to be like to buy when bubs are 18-25 they will probably need all the $$ they can get to help them on their way.

I think the idea itself is great. But its a hard conversation to have. I think for people very close to your family ie. Grandparents, auntys, uncles etc this would be ok if you explained exactly what you wrote here. But also remember that loved ones like to give gifts and feel like its special because they took the time to choose the present. Ive felt wronged in the past when ive been told please just give him money. Granted it was a different situation and this child was very spoilt, his parents didnt care for others feelings and were very much self important people so i was upset by thir response. That was more about not appreciating the time i took and that i chose a gift i thought the boy would love rather than a matter of money.
I think its fine to ask for people to put money into an account for the child so long as they feel comfortable. Certainly better than gifts that are not needed but be cautious of the fact that some people like to give gifts that they feel have meaning.

I think that’s a wonderful idea as long as they have parcels from yourself to open.

If its your parents or inlaws, I don’t see a problem. We’ve told our parents we prefer the kids get money for their back account. They just buy them a small gift so they have something to unwrap.

after spending 4 hours with my daughter clothes shopping for her because shes got nothing but boys clothes from her brother (her choice)…I was able to get her to compromise with 5 pieces of clothes that’s not too girlie. my mother has gotten my daughter clothes over the time and she doesn’t wear them. that goes for my son who doesn’t wear what my mother in law got him…so instead of wasting their money you just got me to think about asking them to put money in their account instead of getting them presents. thanks for the idea..im off to email my families.

I think it is a great idea. We don’t buy our son much just the essentials and we put money into his account. He is the first grandson on my side of the family so he gets care packages once a month from the grandparents. We won’t be getting him much for his birthdays as he doesn’t need anything instead we will put money into his account. For anyone who asks what to get him we will suggest money too!

There is no harm in talking to your family members,maybe part money and part a present they can give to your children.

Not a bad idea, my grandparents did this for me

I think it’s a great idea. I did it myself. I just said that the girls no longer needed any more toys and would prefer money. If your family members have children then they will understand. Just be up front and honest. The amount given can be what they would have normally spent on a gift.

It is really hard to make requests like these. Relatives often do love to send something special (a great excuse for them to go shopping if they like that sort of thing!). I think you could politely tell the relative who sends that they don’t need to give anything at all – the child has too much already and you’re having trouble storing it etc.. But if they really feel they need to do something then suggest that just a card or letter or photo or something personal like that, and maybe a voucher etc. if they feel more comfortable. Good luck!

It probably depends on the relationship and how comfortable people feel about this idea. Some people prefer to give money and some presents. Maybe give both options?

It is hard to ask for money for presents but how about getting gorgious or unusual money box for the childrenand this being called christmas and birhday boxes gifts? you can bank money and grand parents can put in what theycan afford for future of their grand kids? Kids could get say 45 gift(as the love presents to open.Idea’s are endless…eg colouring in books and pencils,jigsaws,ball,drawing books,drink bottles etc hope this is useful

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what you are proposing, especially with close family members.

It kind of depends on the age of your kids; with young kids I think they’d still like to give at least a small concrete gift.

With my parents and inlaws we ask that they give us some money to buy the kids a gift so they have a present,, we then give it to them for them to wrap and give to the kids and put the rest in their accounts.. Sometimes it clothes we give them or a toy etc they have been asking for but we can not afford…People like to give gifts.. and see the kids enjoyment when they give it.. Just like we do as parents..This way the kids only get what they want or need…and some savings..

We do a similar thing but discuss it with family members before Xmas and instead of receiving money, they buy our kids an experience. Last Xmas they went to the zoo and the year before they went dolphin watching. I like not getting plastic crap for Xmas and birthdays as well!