HOW MUCH WILL YOU SPEND ON GIFTS FOR YOUR CHILD THIS CHRISTMAS

[Luvbug]

What about layaway I have noticed that some stores are bringing layaway back so will you spend the same amount of money or less this year.

[Nappykat]

I usually do Christmas charity from places like the Salvation Army but I didn't sign up for any of that this year - yet. I still might do that. On those years that I have to sign up for the Christmas charity I spend next to nothing because I can't afford it. If I get adopted I usually do a little better with the christmas presents that if I sign up the Salvation Army or the like but since it's almost November I might be too late in getting adopted.

When I have some money and can afford to buy a few things, I spend the same as I always do - give or take a few bucks. It's gets harder when the kids get older (pre-teens or teenagers) because what they want gets more expensive. My daughter wants a mini laptop that cost near $300 and my son wants some new subwolfers that cost about $200. In the past I had less than that to spend on all 4 kids, and $300 can get my youngest child, whose 7, about 10 presents. I am working with that amount (about $300) this year but I don't think they are getting a personal laptop and subwolfers. I like layaway but will not be utilizing it this year. I don't have a steady income for payments on a layaway right now - it has to be out usually by December 15th. I like a layaway of usually 60-90 days or more.

I wonder why some stores let go of layaway in the first place. I heard it was because of all the storage space needed for layaways, especially at Christmas time and a lotta people forfeited their layways and didn't get them out. Well I guess they missed out on a lotta money and found that layaway contributed more to the store's profits than not. Nothing like that bottom $ I guess. Or maybe it's the recession and they figure people need more time to pay. So in a good economy layaway might leave again.

[Pam C]

I plan on sticking to my budget which is a little less this year. I want to spend more time on creating memories this year than spending money. I live in California which the weather is great. So I will go to more out door festivals and the marina has a light show each year I'll take the kids to see the decorated boats.

[Pam C]

So far I am spending way too much on my granddaughter. My weakness chocolate and my granddaughter.

[Kisha Jones]

I was just speaking with my husband about how the whole thought of shopping for Christmas is making me nauseas. We have a blended family so there are 5 kids total (ages 6-17) to shop for and each wants something like a cell phone, airplane tickets, laptops, flat screens, clothes, etc. We just did a rough estimate of what it would cost if we got everyone one big item and clothes and we're already hitting $2500.00 and this doesn't even include grandma's, grandpa's and teacher to buy smaller gifts for. It's just too much and we were both getting stressed out about it.

We've decided to speak with all of them and let them know that this is a time of reflecting and giving on everyone's part and maybe ask them to come up with some ideas on how we can cut back on our own "wishes" and maybe think of some ways that we can help others.

I'll let you all know how it goes! :)

[Pam C]

You are right....Its not what you get it. It what you give. My greatest joy is when I give gifts I love to donate gifts to children each year. Last year at my church I signed up to deliver gifts to children who's parents are in prison. I felt like santa driving from place to place delivering these gift what a feeling to see the look on the kids faces.

[LindsMom]

Even in this crazy economy this is the first year, that I will have an opportunity to buy for my daughter like I want to. God has blessed us, and I am thankful for that. In the past, I've tried to let family members buy the toys and I bought things she really needed. This year, I plan to cautiously do a little more because my daughter will never be a 5 year old again and I want to enjoy it with her. Anyway, I'm right at $500 or less and that includes the Christmas tree :)

[Margaret Rogers]

Our kids usually get what they want for Christmas. We are blessed to be able to do this for them. They usually don't ask for much but this year was hard!! My son is going on a trip with a friends family. He's 16. So the trip was birthday and Christmas (and maybe next year's birthday and Christmas! LOL! ) My daughter is 9 and she wants a scooter and ugg slipper boots. UGGS ARE EXPENSIVE! She's been doing VERY well in school so she will get these items along with a few other things. Then my grandchildren will get the one "big" gift apiece that their mother has requested for them and we will get them a few smaller things as well. The only adults we make sure to buy for are my parents, my stepson and his wife, my BIL and each other.