Does the Recession Affect The Way We Spend on Our Children? Part 3

Gifts Galore – Let’s do some figures.  If you have two children in primary school, in classes of 25 – 30 children, plus a handful of close friends from birth, grandparents and neighbours, it makes for a huge haul of birthday gifts entering your house and a considerable amount of money leaving your wallet for outgoing gifts.  I don’t want to sound either miserly or ungrateful, but I no longer shop for unique gifts for each of my children’s friends unless they are “best.” In an effort to cope, we have capped the amount we can spend, while still trying to find something current and of quality.  Books, footballs, superhero t-shirts, jigsaw puzzles and art materials are a parent’s dream and don’t seem to languish at the back of the cupboard, like some other items. If looking for a reasonably priced gift for several children, you can get lucky and stockpile great items bought at a shop like Tesco, online at Amazon or Book People or on the sale tables at Borders and Barnes & Noble, instead of a Hobby or Craft, Sporting Goods or ToysR store.

For our own children, strict measures have also been put in place. After watching a friend’s child casually toss aside each birthday gift received to see what was in the next package, we returned home and took a good look at what our own children have and don’t use. The economical and ecological sides of me are particularly offended by plastic and battery operated waste. Since then, we have all survived two no-toy birthdays in favour of giving the kids their own bedrooms, French and tennis lessons, a tree house and a trip to Paris. 

 I wonder whether I am so hell-bent that my kids won’t be spoiled by excess, that I actually lean too far into Scrooge-dom. I hope not, because I love both giving and getting presents myself. I advocate penny-pinching, but I was well-trained by my mother to find great quality, bargain-priced objects of joy. When I see something that I know someone will like, I buy it on the spot, even if it is 4 months before their birthday. Just make sure that it's not so current that it will be passe by the time it is given.

Kids are so savvy these days, picking up on every new trend. It used to be that Lego, a new bike, and Disney costumes were the most sought birthday presents for children. Now, I understand that Hollister is the new must-have clothing brand and rainbow-hued IPods are ubiquitous. But I was completely unprepared to hear that young children are asking for, and receiving, high-ticket items such as 10-megapixel digital cameras, Blackberries and IPhones for their birthdays. Why would a child need a Blackberry?

My philosophy is that my children should not own pricey, grown-up tech-toys before I do. It gives them something toward which they can aspire.  I'd like a shiny, new digital camera too, but can't justify trading in the battered, 4 mgp Coolpix (literally held together by a rubber band) just yet, as it is still operational. Am I mean (as in "cheap")? Maybe. But cameras don't grow on trees, if you know what I mean.

My tips for gift-giving in the recession (and any other time too):

• Ask your children for a wish-list for birthday and Christmas gifts.
• Knock anything off the list that is beyond your means, inappropriate for their age or not worthwhile, i.e. won't last a week.
• Re-order their wish-lists based upon cost and return it to them for prioritizing.
• Look on the internet for special deals before you begin the exhaustive search in the shops. 
• Become a "regular" at your local charity shop. When staff recognize you, they may be persuaded to put something aside for you. You can find brand new or gently used toys, DVDs and books at knock-down prices.

• Ask parents of your children's friends what their child is into at the moment; it will save you scads of time and money spent in making guesses.

• Ask your child if (s)he wants to make their friend or sibling a gift. Mine have decorated a plate with bake-on, non-toxic paint, sewn a denim purse with beads and embroidery and framed a drawing.

What do you do about gift-giving? Share by leaving a comment.