Hellobee Boards

I think at some point you have to go from # of gifts to value of the gifts.

Agree with the previous comments. My two are 3 years apart. So far, the youngest doesn't understand gifts, and the oldest certainly doesn't understand the value. While they are young, we will likely give the same number of gifts, regardless of the value. As they get older and have actual wants, we'll probably set a budget.

I definitely think it's important to be fair, whether it's the same number of gifts or the same value. Value will definitely be more important once they are older and understand the value or things, but the number of gifts will be king for a long time. But I think you can try to be even on both. Say one kid wants a $50 gift and the other wants a $20 gift. Maybe you get them each three gifts. One kid gets the $50 gift, plus two $5 gifts, and the other gets three $20 gifts. That way they each get three gifts and you've spent the same amount on them. Of course it all depends on the expense of the gifts they want and your budget.

So this is my stance and it comes from having a niece and nephew that are exactly two weeks apart. I have always tried to be "fair" with their presents. When they were younger it was definitely easier. I tried to always give them both the equal number of items. When you're a kid that's more important to them! For myself I would try to make them roughly the same monetary value. As they have gotten older the number of gifts are less important as they start asking for things. But I do set a budget cap for each. Once they reach it, that's it. But that really only works when they understand numbers and dollars and cents. Ie the one year both my nephews were obsessed with Skylanders and that's all they wanted. My niece wanted a pair of winter boots. So my niece got boots and something small on the side. My nephews each got one "big" gift (Legos) then a couple Skylanders.

I will do the same with my kids as they get older!

My mom tried until we were well into teenage years to keep both budget and number the same amongst 4 of us-- it was a terrible idea because I know it added stress and almost every year she was scrambling to go out and buy a few more things to even it up. Finally she sat us down and said she was done, budget only and we were all thrilled.

Long story short, I agree with keeping the number the same when they are little and budget the same after maybe the age of 8 or so. I think I would find myself buying joint presents for awhile anyway, play kitchen and food, bicycles, outdoor play set, lots of musical instruments, dress up set etc. I would probably do a big gift with any supporting gifts (kitchen and food) and maybe one small thing for them personally? Clothes, a book, stuffed animal etc.