How much do you spend at Christmas on your teen?

[Magdelanian]

Just done some pre-christmas shopping today with my DD. New outfit etc. Thinking about all the lovely stuff out there that I know she'd love but think I should set a budget.

How much is reasonable? (Its all designer this, best of that with her friends.) She's not demanding and only asks for things she really needs, she loves unwrapping surprises bless her, so dont want to short change her.

[themoon66]

Welll.. this is a good subject.

I was going to spend £400 on a playstation 3 for DS aged 16. but he has been such a little arsehole lately I don't think I'll be bothering

Girls are so much easier.

Am spending on DD.... one trip to clotheshow live - £35, plus about 200 to spend there.

[serin]

Oh, Flippin eck,

Glad my eldest is only 10!
We just couldn't afford that amount!
Will have to get another job now and start saving!

[janeite]

Goodness me, I must be mean. DD1 is 12, so not quite teen, but we will spend a maximum of around £80 on her I should think. This will consist of one "big" thing (possibly an MP3 player) and a few smaller bits and bobs - a watch, some earrings etc, plus a stocking with a book, a DVD and some bubble bath in.

AM I mean? We could afford to spend more but I don't really see the point, as there's nothing she really needs.

[themoon66]

I should add that the PS3 is a combined birthday/christmas present... so not that bad.

[Magdelanian]

Its like how long is a piece of string. DD is going skiing in Feb so I've seen. Lovely luggage £100. Ski Jacket £100. Hat £12. She would like an IPOD £140. Some nice bits £40 and I've just spent £80 today. Like I said think I should set a budget.

[themoon66]

Magdealanin..... I'd call it a day at that lot... or tell her it has to be a birthday present also.

[Magdelanian]

Yeah, think you have to draw the line. If you give them everything then how can they ever realise the value of money etc. Just a bit hard when friends are getting all the designer stuff and you're torn (like I said she isnt even bothered, its me).

[mumeeee]

Spend about £80 0n each of my 3, Thats about £50 for main present and $30 for stocking stuff.Yes even though they are 20,17 and 15 they still have a stocing ( well a christmas bag0!

[mumblechum]

It varies massively depending on what he wants. A couple of years ago we spent £3k on a drumkit, but that was really because we'd just got his 11 plus results and we figured he'd saved us £100k in future school fees.

Other years it's been only about £100.

this year all he wants are 2 psp games which will only be about £60 plus a couple of stocking fillers.

I don't believe in buying just for the sake of it, if he doesn't want/need anything, what's the point?

[dragonstitcher]

I have 3 girls aged 7, 12 and 15. I am spending £60 each on their main present (thats excluding stocking fillers).

[agalch]

I have spent £450 on a PS3 package for my 16 year old plus some other small bits for his stocking. he is still at school but working part time so he knows this is the last year we will be buying a "big" present.

Oh well just ds2 and the dd's to buy for now!!