How much do you spend on your young kids birthday?

Question

I’m feeling really guilty right now. We’re having some money struggles and I’m not able to spend a whole lot on my sons birthday coming up. We’re having him a party with family, so he’ll get plenty of presents. We’re getting him a cake, decorating and all of that. But we’re only able to get him a few small toys. I don’t even know how much you “should” spend on your kids birthday. He’s only turning 5, and he’s has toys galore. He definitely isn’t going to miss out on anything. But I grew up very poor. Barely even got birthday or Christmas present, so now that my husband and I make decent money, I tend to go overboard and do as much as I can every year. But this year, everything’s hitting all at once and I’m just feeling guilty. I’ve always made sure to give my kids what I never had. And I know he won’t even realize how much it costs or care. He’s a sweet kid, he’d be happy no matter what he got. Idk. It’s just sending me back to being a sad little girl going back to school after my birthday being embarrassed when I was asked what I got. I’m just really overthinking it.

Answer

This is why it is always great to start teaching them young that life is not about gifts. Sure, it is very nice to receive them but they are not needed. The time spent with the people around you is what is valuable.

Answer

There is no amount a person “should” spend. You spend a reasonable amount that doesn’t take away from you paying for necessities. My husband and I budget for these things and put a little aside throughout the year. I feel like parents go way over the top for their kids. I think it’s ok to spoil them sometimes, but spending hundreds on your kid each holiday/birthday is ridiculous. 
Don’t put yourself in a financial bind. Do what you can financially and feel comfortable with. It’s ok if your kid doesn’t get as much this year. Just make the day special. Do fun things with him 🥰 toys break and they outgrow them, but memories will last forever ♥️

Answer

Depends on what we think he needs. For his first birthday, we spent around $100 because we got a kitchen helper tower for him. We viewed it as an investment and he’s still using it two years later. I honestly don’t remember what we got him last year. This year, we’re getting him an apple tree because he asked for one and, again, it’s an investment.

Answer

It’s so hard, wanting to give them everything and not being able to! He’ll be thrilled with whatever you do for him! Here’s a few things we did for my daughter’s small at-home pandemic birthday that helped it feel more exciting but didn’t cost a lot: 
streamers in the kitchen when she woke up
water beads ($8 for a TON on Amazon, we filled her kiddie pool with them) 
small toys frozen in ice for her to scrape out
homemade play dough with pantry ingredients
lots of outside playtime

Answer

This year we made him a cake and got take out, and 2 gifts equaling about $40. No party this year bc of Covid restrictions but it was still a nice time. You don’t need to feel guilty for not spending a ton of money. Kids need to learn that Life isn’t about gifts but about the love and attention you give them

Answer

I told everyone coming to my child’s party to not even buy gifts (of course they did anyways). He doesn’t even play with any toys except for a select few. It’s about being with family and about what y’all do not what he gets. I bet he will be happy either way:) just try to make it special and all about him. Like ask him what he wants for his birthday breakfast and what he wants to do that day and stuff like that. If the days enjoyable and memorable that’s all that matters. I think on my 8th. birthday all I got was one Barbie doll and I loved that thing and took it with me everywhere. Sometimes less is more. :)

Answer

You don’t need to spend much. He’s little and won’t know what things cost and that’s not what matters anyway. We have a cpl consignment shops here that resell toys in good condition, some are new, for great prices. I’d check for a place like that they even have big items like play kitchens and plastic slides. Check on apps like offer up too if you’re looking for a specific item he wants and see if you can find it used in good condition. He won’t be concerned with how much you spent.

Answer

To much 😬 
My youngest turned one, I spent well over $400 on gifts,decorating ,cake and food.
My oldest is turning 7 tomorrow and spent over $200 on gifts. 
I'm buying the food $35 and my sister took it on herself to get decorations and the cake.
I save some of the tax money to use it on their parties.
If I didn't get that money I would spend way less.

Answer

It’s not about the gifts and decor. We’ve never spent about $40 for everything - home made cake, paper plates and cups, a little food (simple like a taco dish or pizza) some reuse-able decor $1 streamers in multiple colors, and 1 gift. The grandparents or friends can bring gifts but this mom and dad don’t spend much. Instead we are choosing to put money into the kids college funds.

Answer

We don’t do presents, we do experiences as a family...I think the family birthday party is great! We are all about making memories not clutter and helping to prevent the entitlement to stuff mentality and create an appreciation of the things we do get or have. There is no set amount but please set yourself free from that guilt, most kids want quality time and YOU time over more stuff.

How much do you spend on your young kids birthday?

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