Do anyone else’s kids always ask “how much was it?” When getting gifts?

Question

Hello! 
My stepkids always ask how much their gifts costs. It can be anything from us getting them a new mattress to birthday presents and the first thing they ask when presented with it is “How much was it?”. We do live in an affluent neighborhood but they are NOT spoiled. Wondering if it’s just the culture of school, peers, etc. 
I don’t know if this is just a regular kid thing or something we need to work on (I don’t want them thinking the value of things comes only from their price tag). 
Thanks for the help!

Answer

I would probably just let them know it isn’t polite to ask the cost of items. I understand being curious, because kids like to save money to buy things and they like to have an idea of how much things cost. But, if they were to ask someone outside the family how much a gift was, it would be pretty rude. 😬

Answer

If its a gift, you tell them not to ask about the price as that is irrelevant. It’s the thought that counts. 
If it’s a new mattress or something like school clothes, I would use this as an opportunity to learn about finances. That way they are not blind sided when they are older and understand that you cannot afford a PS2, iPhone, bike/car, etc all for 1 holiday.  You have to be feasible in your spending.

Answer

I always say “don’t worry about it” when they ask lol. They eventually stopped. My step kids weren’t used to getting what we can provide when they lived at their moms so they were always surprised at things and asked. She was also very open about finances with them, we are not. We just tell them we work for our money and spend it on what we want. If we can afford we get it, if not we don’t. If they’re at the store with us and mention “wow that was a lot” or something at checkout I just ignore it usually. If you keep answering they’ll keep asking.

Answer

I would approach it a little different than the other commenters. Instead I would respond with “do you like it” if they say yes then ask “then why do you want to know about the price”. Maybe see why they are asking. They could just be curious of how the adult world works, or they could be greedy. But maybe start to emphasize that if it’s something they like the price doesn’t matter

Answer

I'd tell them all that matters is that we worked hard to get it for you.

Answer

Mine isn't old enough to ask that yet but when she is if she does I will repeatedly tell her it doesn't matter the price. And that you don't ask the price.

Answer

I’d stop telling them. Teach them that price doesn’t matter, & that asking that is not very polite. If they ask how much it is, ask them do they like it (without telling them the cost). Then if they say yes, then say does it matter how much it costs then? Might make them think about it! 
I’ve never asked at as a kid neither did my siblings, or any kids I’m around now including mine/nieces/nephew etc. The only kids I know that did were 2 of my cousins & they were obsessed with how expensive things were & they became very shallow (IM NOT SAYING THIS IS AT ALL WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR STEPKIDS, I’m just saying that’s what happened with them. I’m sure your kids are lovely 🥰)

Answer

I really appreciate everyone’s feedback! I think being a stepparent I get nervous to act on things too quickly and being seen as an evil stepmother. So hearing your perspectives always help ♥️

Do anyone else’s kids always ask “how much was it?” When getting gifts?

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