I totally agree that it’s about making Christmas special without breaking the bank. In our family, we set a budget that works for us each year and keep it flexible based on what we can afford at that time—no loans involved. A good rule we’ve tried to stick to is “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” This way, they get a mix of fun and useful items, and it helps keep the gift-giving balanced.

It’s tempting to go big, especially with all the ads around Christmas, but I find that kids are just as happy with thoughtful, meaningful gifts as they are with the “big stuff.” We also try to add a special experience, like a holiday outing or a family game night, which doesn’t have to cost much but makes the season memorable.

Oh gosh I hope people are not getting loans.
My spending was different every year depending on our situation. I always buy during the year and never leave things to the last minute. There are things you can buy as extras when they are on sale such as bubble bath, clothing items, pjs, books, hair ties, etc

I think it depends on the age. My kids were kept to $100 including Santa and they could not have been happier but they’re still little so might change as they get older.

I think we me it depends what they want sometimes I spend more on one kid then the other (not intentionally) but always make sure they have equal presents to make it fair

I keep within limits and even with 4 children I have never spent $1000. Besides a birthday present is far more intimate than Christmas Day ones.

The most expensive gift we’ve bought has been a laptop for high school, otherwise it’s usually something small like a top or some stationery.

Our kids have a wish list but during the year, we take note on what they like and what they might enjoy. They certainly don’t get everything they want!

You do what you can! Kids don’t know the value of money. At times, they’ll find the silly stocking stuffer gift more exciting than a big ticket item you’ve bought. Just buy something they need, they can read and something they want.

We budget and save for Christmas and the holiday period. No credit cards or loans and we only ever spend what we can afford. We never go overboard with presents and never will. We give lots of attention and time and just enjoy being together.

we dont buy for adults in the extended family and only buy if we can afford

I think the meaning of Christmas has been lost and it is about families getting together for a meal, it’s not about spending big amounts of money on presents. People are silly and put presents on credit cards because you don’t have the money. You need to stop and think that with children you just buy one present each and set an amount for a teenager I wouldn’t spend more than $100 and $40 for younger and adults don’t buy for most of us like to buy for ourselves what we like or want. Make it a rule for every year and 6ou will save and also do it for birthdays do the set amounts again sticking to it say for your mother a bunch of flowers she would love instead of something she wouldn’t need. Just stick to the rules and explain to your children that they are getting one present ask what they want and make a list and that way you can look when they aren’t with you and if they get pocket money tell them they can save for things they want.

I always made a rule (for myself) that for my family they would get something they needed and another smaller gift that they would like. I just don’t always follow that rule. I don’t go overboard though, I only spend what I can afford. I found the best way was starting in January I would put money aside and come Christmas I had money available.

I dont set a budget. I just buy accordingly for the person, their needs and their relatiinship to me.

I think it depends on their age.I don’t think its necessary to spend lot of money on age o-5.

I have a limit of $300 per child, which I think is more than enough. That’s Santa gifts. The kids have $50 to spend on each other ($50 for 2 kids to buy for 1 kids) if I haven’t used up all the $300 it either gets put away or added to the $50 if needed

I think a loan is the wrong way to go. A budget, plan ahead, make use of mid year sales, lay by, make the financial burden is the last month less. We have 3, and it’s probably $300 each. Especially when you start adding electronics for boys when they reach a certain age. We combine gifts and the an maybe a game/accessory each.

I stock up on needed items, such as clothes throughout the year and then will spend up to $100 on something fun to go with the other items as a present. I don’t think I’d spend more than $200 per children normally. However, if we need to get them something big, such as play equipment, as a one off we have done that too but when that happens it’s their big present for the year including birthday and Christmas.

I have less people to buy for now so I allow $50 each generally for extended family and special friends, and my hubby and son it’s anything goes. Within reason though. There’s usually something big or key that my son wants (this year a surf watch), and then smaller gifts.

One of my friends always just spent around $10 per child when they were younger (primary school age). And although I didn’t succeed to do this myself, I found it most inspiring !

Hubby set the limit to $500 each. Maybe a little more give or take.
It honestly depends on what we can afford year to year. Dependent on what the kids are desperate for will depend on what we spend.