| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 09:44:42 AM
Out of curiosity does anybody else limit the amount of gifts they give to their children.
We've always limited it to 3 per child. We've felt that Christmas means more than presents (family, friends, charity) and by limiting the amount they get from us we feel they appreciate what they do get more.
Just wondering if anybody else out there does the same.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| peachy |
Posted - Dec 27 2008 : 9:02:31 PM
I can't say I "limit" gifts for the kids...there are 6 between my hubby and me! I do spend an equal amount on each child and some get "more" because they are less expensive than gifts for older kids that seem to be more expensive! This year I tried to get them all an "outfit", a game or something that they're interested in and some kind of craft for the girls...usually hunting things for the boys. This seemed to work out well and they all had a great Christmas! The girls and I are already planning on making most of our gifts for next year, homemade gifts were the big hit this year and it's so much fun planning them, making them and the person receiving the gift knows it's handmade and coming from the heart! My step daughters designed me a tshirt this year with my silly "nickname" on it and pictures of my favorite farm things - my animals!!! What a special gift!!!
Melissa
Farmgirl Sister #360
Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain! |
| JoyIowa |
Posted - Dec 23 2008 : 5:18:49 PM
All the while I was growing up we got three gifts (along the wisemen theme) The twist was that we got one gift that was a bit pricey (or pricy in a minimum wage household-I still remember my blowcomb!!), one gift that was intended for use with the family that we were expected to be the keeper of, and one gift that was something we needed.
At the risk of sounding preachy:
As for all you grandmas out there that "just can't help yourselves" may I be so bold as to ask you to consider looking at it this way: Would you have wanted your own kids to grow up as "gimmees"? Is it really worth upstaging your child and child-in-law so you can be "Good Granny"? My mom went through this until she overheard a grandson tell his friend "Yeah, that's my stuff Granny, but I like my doing Granny better." Doing Granny was the one that bought tickets to shows, invited them to Camp Granny each year, adopted animals in their names for "Heifer Project International" , etc. WOW! Now they have two "doing Grannys"
Best of wishes for your holiday season.
Joy
If it's not illegal, unsafe, or immoral, why not try anything once? Who knows? You may come back for a second helping! |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Dec 19 2008 : 11:41:32 AM
My kids are grown now but we always limited their gifts to 3 under the tree and small, useful things in their stockings. I also told them that the wisemen brought three gifts for the baby Jesus and if it was good enough for Jesus it was good enough for all of us. Much of what we give as gifts are handmade items. Fast forward 25 years. My oldest daughter married into a family that does Christmas way over the top. She was very worried about that and explained to her DH(who doesn't agree with the over the top Christmas) what our tradition is. He liked it and they've decided to stick with it.
"Nature always has the last laugh." Mrs. Greenthumbs
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| crazyapple |
Posted - Dec 19 2008 : 03:50:26 AM
We have 3 boys who are all on the austism spectrum and have found in the past that too many gifts were simply overwhelming for them. They each now get 3 gifts each, representative of the gifts of the 3 kings (but they know its one from each brother and one from Mama & Daddy) and their stockings are from Santa.
We've intentionally tried to train the boys to not be big consumers so they "want" lots but they seem to understand about avoiding excess. They're all pleased as punch when they get to go to the thrift store toy area and pick something out.
As we try to simplify our lives, we find we're always having to use teaching moments that present themselves as the neighbor children get all the newest toys and such. The latest one was, 'why, we don't need a WII' 
"It's Never Too Late To Be Who You Might Have Been" G. Eliot |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Dec 18 2008 : 2:49:56 PM
I also do a set dollar amount. As so many of you said if they want an expensive gift then there could only be one, they are all fine with that though. These are my grandkids I am talking about. 15,14 and 10. Mom and Dad always got our girls 3 or 4 gifts, one larger one and 2 or 3 smaller. With a set dollar amount too. I think most people probably have to set a dollar amount that they will spend. As they get older their wants tend to get more expensive! So, that could cut down on the number of presents! I will say they and my girls both have and were always appreciative of their gifts, even if someone got them something they really didn't like they always made sure they thanked the person and were sincere about it.
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| kmbrown |
Posted - Dec 18 2008 : 1:14:38 PM
We do a dollar amount and then wrap the gifts so that there is the same amount for everybody. My children are very young (3,2 and 8 mos) so it's important that they each have the same amount!! This year they have 4 and then 1 from grandparents!! They also have one big gift we bought for all of them ( a wagon) as they will eventually all get to use it!! |
| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 18 2008 : 09:57:23 AM
In previous years, I gave my three children three gifts, and Santa brought one, plus their stocking.
This year, money's tighter, so they are all getting one less gift. I'm still doing the three gifts, but Santa's just bringing their stocking this year. They are all older now, so they understand, and gifts are very practical (boots, pyjamas, gloves, etc.)
Hubby and I have also cut our gifts to each other, to $80 each.
If you read on the Barnyard Buddies thread, we have just had a big scare with our kitty, so gifts don't really have the same significance this year, although we had already decided to cut back before this week. We're just thankful we will all be together, and that we didn't lose our baby. A nice meal and a happy day is what matters most.
Lori
Farmgirl Sister #183 |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 10:16:20 PM
I limit mine to a dollar amount. Once that hits the magic number, that is it. One year it might be one gift total, the next it might be ten.
I spend the same for each kid.
Otherwise, if it is for my parents/brother/exchange-cousin I try to keep it twenty bucks or less.
My parents used to give my poor single parent aunt money to help her buy her kids Christmas gifts. One year they got "better" gifts than my brother and I did.
Well, comparing notes a few years later, we found out my parents and both of my uncles gave her money along with my Grandparents. (can you spell greedy????) I think that was horrible of her to do that.
-rant over-
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| homemom |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 1:31:01 PM
We put a dollar amount limit and stick to it. This year our dd wanted somethings that were pretty expensive~name brand clothes and shoes~so she only has 3 things to open. For the same amount of money our son has many more packages because he likes things that average less than $10. She will be happy though because it's what she really wanted.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com/ |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 11:58:20 AM
I set a dollar limit, which usually dictates the number of gifts. But, I have just one child to shop for. Other family members get one gift from both DD and I. My brother doesn't like this 'cause he'd like to get everything on his list. I told him to grow up and ditch the list we're not children anymore. At my age (47) life is so not about what people buy me.
And of course I'm wierd - I prefer sweat equity gifts - rototill my garden, fix my patio cover, those kinds of truly useful things OR garden stuff.
My friends and I all talked a few years ago and agreed not to buy everyone a gift. We were all trying to downsize. Now, we get together over the holiday, sans kids, and have a girls day out at a nice restaurant. Way too much fun  |
| simplyflowers |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 09:42:42 AM
We are limiting....I want the appreiciation to go toward family togetherness...not whats under the tree so much
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
Check out my blog!! http://bestcoupleintown.blogspot.com/ |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 09:24:36 AM
Eek that organization spent $300/child, no wonder they could only help 25. I wonder what they're buying them? While their intentions are in the right place they probably need to reevaluate what they're buying.
Good for you and your husband, you're very right the kids will enjoy what they got. Kids don't care what you spent.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| AuntPammy |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 05:50:12 AM
I have always limited what my kids get for Christmas.My daughter's boyfriend was never limited and he thinks its awful that they don't get everything they ask for. My children understand that I have always done what I thought was best for them.Come Christmaas morning they are just as happy with their three gifts as anyone who had recieved more.
I have to tell you that I just read in the paper that a local organization just did their Christmas shopping. The article said that they had around 100 children sign up but could only help 25.It went on to say they had spent $300.00 per child!I could hardly believe my eyes!!!!Why not spend less per child and help out more children!?! I have never never spent that much on my children for Christmas and was appauld that these seemingly caring people felt that they had to spend that much per child.Who decided that Christmas means you have to spend so much for one day?
After reading this my husband and I went over to the organization and got a few names.This year these kids will recieve something for Christmas and I know in my heart that they won't care that I didn't spend $300.00! Geez,I'm not a rocket scientist but I do understand that 6,7, and 8 year-old children don't want or care if you spend a ton of money on them. Sorry this was so long but I just had to vent!!!!!!!
Let's dance in the rain and play in the puddles under the rainbows.
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 05:21:34 AM
I am this year. I have always gotten the grands SO much stuff they are overwhelmed and don't even see half the things. So this year I'm a little more ok with $ and will get them all a big thing each and one for them all together. Then a few smaller things, too. But the big girls already got their's from us. I am having a hard time with my parents now. The older, the harder.
Kris |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 9:19:09 PM
We do limit the amount of gifts for sure. They can make their Santa list as long as they want...but they know it is just some "hope-fors" and they will likely get one reasonable gift from it. Then usually clothes and books from us and fun stuff (not too expensive) in their stockings.I make matching pajamas for them that they open on Christmas eve each year too. The grown kids don't get quite as much, but still one nice thing and something little and fun. With 7 kids and 3 grandkids (2 are my oldest son's fiance's kids so I count them now) it adds up. Husband and I just do stockings for each other...we get a "gift" of our choosing at tax return time if we can.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 7:58:29 PM
We limit 4 gifts for each other and per child. Even though my sons are 26, 23 and 5 years old,they are all treated equal. I also make sure I spend the same amount of $ per child as well. We like to save our cash back bonus rewards from Discover for Christmas gifts. It really helps us stay within our budget.
Dawn in IL |
| melanie47601 |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 5:34:34 PM
I don't really limit the number of gifts so much as the amount I spend on each child. This year I spent about $50 on each kiddo. My girls have three a piece adn then my fiance's son has two and my son has 4 or 5 or maybe I can wrap them to look like three too. One I mark as from me and the rest are from Santa. The number of gifts they receive just depends on what they tell me they want or umm tell Santa they want.
Melanie
Shop~ http://www.squidoo.com/buyinghomemade
Blog~ http://wheelsarealwaysturning.blogspot.com/ |
| clux64 |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 2:31:40 PM
We only allow our kids to ask Santa for three gifts, so they are not frivolous in their requests, and I usually buy them some books from 'us'. But with Santa's three, Grandma, gifts from their closest friends...it's still too much. I'd like to see it scale back a bit.
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are"
--Confucious
www.urbanprairiehome.blogspot.com
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| jinia |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 1:56:33 PM
I don't limit very well for Christmas presents. I am a mom to a 6 year old boy (only child), and I know we get him too much. My husband is layed off so this year it is a bit less, but still quite a bit- we had bought most of it before. We buy on sale, and thrift, and garage sale. When he doesn't play with a toy for awhile we sale it at Once Upon a Child. We also donate some new and used toys every Christmas - which he chooses. He understands how lucky he is - at least as much as a six year old can! I love Christmas! Family, Faith, Fun! |
| goneriding |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 11:29:41 AM
I think it's a good idea to limit gifts...altho I do have trouble doing so. I mean, after all, they are my grandkids!! hehehe... But I send stuff all year long anyway so it kind of makes up for it. But I'll tell you, I'm close to a situation where the grandkids get oodles of toys and they end up just piled in a corner of the room. I consider these kids spoiled and not appreciative and feeling entitled. That offends me!! But I keep my mouth shut as it hasn't done any good in the past. The parents think it's showing lots of love...I see it differently. I'm proud to say that my grandkids genuinely appreciate their stuff. Truly I'm glad to see that others feel the same way. Sometimes I feel like I'm a lone voice in the desert!! :-)
Winona :-)
When you lose, don't lose the lesson!!
http://goneriding.wordpress.com/
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| Beverley |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 10:54:37 AM
I have always limited what my children get not maybe how many but how much they cost. If they want one that cost as much as three of the other ones that is all they got. and now that I am a grandma they get all home made and like Terri said they always look forward to them and if I don't make them they look funny at me!!! They like pjs I think that way when they wear them they get a hug from grandma at bed time even when I am not there.
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 10:25:14 AM
As a Grandma, we limit ourselves....I have sewn PJs for years and they all look forward to them each Christmas....
sounds great to hear of others who limit.....
Farmgirl Sister #368
A very Merry Christmas to all of my "Farmgirl Sisters"!!!
http:/froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
http://thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com
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| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 10:02:13 AM
We always give 3 gifts under the tree, for each child. These represent the 3 gifts from the three wisemen. Then under the tree there is one from Santa on Christmas morning.
Like you we feel that the focus needs to be on other things. We always work the soup kitchens, donate to the needy, put together food baskets, ect. Our kids are older now but by the time they were teenagers they had a hard time coming up with 3 things they wanted!
Tamara
http://smallfarm.about.com
The earth is in our hands - please use a gentle touch
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 10:02:09 AM
Our children get three as well. Always have. I think it is plenty. Their stockings are filled with useful things appropriate to their ages, which now means things like razors, shaving foam, gift cards to Sonic, socks,etc. You know, the things they will need in a pinch. :)
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 09:57:58 AM
Yes, one from Santa, one from Mommy and Daddy, one from the dog : ) ,usually Grandma send a gift card, and the neighbors are giving him something this year. We also include books, learning cards, candy and clothing in his stocking.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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