christmas shopping

[irmanator]

how much on avg. do you spend per teenager (your own ) ? I was planning on spending about 50 getting them a video and a new pair of sneakers. Then giving them 50 for the purpose of buying new clothes. (at this age stuff mom picks out is embarrassing)

[PrincessPerky]

I don't have a teen, but regardless, I wouldn't spend more on them than any other kid...though if all you have is teens and can afford 100 it's yours to give.

Our rule is actually number based with keeping all the costs about the same. two gifts one stocking. (one gift for mom and dad)..the amount two years ago was much less than this year could be..if we can't find what we like for less. though it wont hit 100 each.

[Knows Money]

Teens can be difficult - meaningful gifts versus something you're going to provide for them throughout the year anyway. Teens always like money but I say, if you're going to buy a gift specifically for Christmas, keep it within the budget, but make it special enough to be remembered after February.

[irmanator]

Mine are pretty understanding the oldest one actually asked for new sneakers. I had already bought her a video i know she would like. One of the dvd sets for a show she likes but misses due to her work schedule. I just got to take care of the other two. I fugured a pair of sneaks and a dvd for each will keep it pretty equal. I was just wondering what other people do. Their ages are 17, 14, 13.

[mike8822]

I don't have kids but as a teen I liked getting money mostly. But I made a list of things I liked and usually got what I wanted off the list.

You set a budget amount and cap it at that amount.

[CreditExpert]

I think money is the best to give them, as getting them objects, then in my case they tend not to like some of them. At least money, they can give buy what they want.

[Greer]

Ask them what it is they want, at least then you wont be wasting your money. And the earlier you start shopping the better, and take full advantage of sales!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I think your idea sounds spot on for your kids.

When mine was a teen favorite things to get included parts from a store that parted out computers, tools & parts from an electricity hobbyist shop, subscriptions to Scientific American, things like water-tight bags for his travel, leather work gloves, a gift card to Home Depot or Lowes, and food! Yep, specialty foods like imported cheeses, deli olives & sausages. I think the thing that made him happiest of all gifts ever was the graphing calculator he got at 17. Maybe kind of weird presents for most people, but that was him.

[mom-from-missouri]

I agree with princess perky BUT, then on the otherhand...even though we homeschool, we will still be getting our kids class rings and letter jackets (through our coop) and so those will probably be Christmas or birthday presents. My girls have already earned letters in band, baton, debate, music and one in sports. they can also earn pins in 4H. So, when it comes time to get the jackets & rings, that will probably be more.

[Johngate2100]

Teenager love to buy things on their own.They just need money.i try to give money to them and i suggest them to buy clothes but i don't compel them.