Deck the halls withlotsoflolly..
FRIDAY
If requests for cash as Christmas presents sounds familiar, fear not. Skint Dad blogger Naomi Willis has some tips that will keep everyone happy on the big day, without breaking the bank ground or who is getting hundreds of pounds, but it’s clearly not all kids.”
Last year, a survey found that each child had an average of £200 spent on them.
When it comes to more distant relations, Naomi reckons that small sums can be an acceptable present.
She said: “If you don’t see relatives often, it can be hard to work out what to get them, so giving cash or even a gift voucher can be a solution. Posting money is cheaper than sending a larger box, too.
“Some children love a gift voucher for a toy shop, but others may be too cool and just want clothes. I’d always check with the parent.”
Whenever cash is changing hands, Naomi favours saving over spending.
She said: “Our children all have savings accounts. If a relative suggests guving them money then we give them the account bank details. This way, the money is safe in the bank and can be accessed if they really want something rather than getting wasted, a few pounds at a time, on chocolate, magazines or other throwaway items.
“It helps to teach them to save money and only get something when they can afford it.” “WHAT do you want for Christmas?” Inaudible grunt. “Sorry, I didn’t get that.” (Shouting angrily) “Money.” If this sounds familiar then you probably have teenage children, nephews, nieces or grandchildren.
Once the digital generation has the phone, the games console, the headphones and the bluetooth speaker, all they want is cold, hard cash for data and upgrades.
And when it comes to trainers, sweatshirts and contouring kits, they don’t trust a mere adult to buy the correct (read most expensive) one. They prefer having the funds to get it themselves.
But while it might be easy to hand over a carrier bag of cash for them to spend on virtual money or Fenty foundation, it can feel a bit underwhelming.
Where is the fun in opening an envelope? You can’t play with a handful of banknotes, take it for a turn around the park, or put it on for everyone to admire.
Naomi Willis runs the blog Skint Dad with her husband Ricky. They have three daughters – aged five, 13 and 18.
She said: “For me, Christmas is a time of giving – but that doesn’t mean cold hard cash.
“It’s meant to be the thought that counts. For a parent or immediate family member, giving a gift – or having Father Christmas deliver a gift – allows the child to have something to keep hold of and use through the year. Cash would likely be spent on throwaway things, such as fast food, so it seems like a waste.”
Just because it’s on the Christmas list, it doesn’t mean that Santa needs to comply.
Naomi added: “Although my 13-year-old daughter has asked for cash, she won’t be getting any. If all she got was an envelope while her little sister was able to continue opening gifts, she’d be disappointed.
“I know deep down my children will enjoy something they can physically keep hold of or play with.”
If money is changing hands, how much should it be? It’s a vexed question and kids have a vested interest in inflating the going rate.
Naomi said: “Children are good at using the line, ‘But all my friends get this or that’. There may be one child with the latest gadget in the play-
Cash would likely be spent on throwaway things, such as fast food, so it seems like a waste