Is It Fair to Spend an Uneven Amount on Christmas Gifts for Your Children?

When it comes to Christmas, the age-old question arises: is it fair to spend an uneven amount on gifts for your children? This year, my older daughter received a tablet for Christmas, while my younger daughter, who has been without one for four years, did not, despite helping with household chores. The result? A shut-out and angry feelings from my younger daughter, causing her to hate Christmas because of this perceived unfairness.

Striking a Balance in Gifts

The key isn't about spending equal amounts but about finding a balance that ensures each child feels valued and appreciated. This year, I faced the challenge of purchasing gift for a five-year-old who wanted a Nintendo Switch (buying one second-hand with accessories for ￡185 and adding ￡65 to their savings account to be used at 18) versus a two-year-old who wanted a teddy's DVDs and books (totaling ￡76, and putting ￡174 into savings for when they turn 17). This way, by age 17, they can have a nest egg for buying a car or saving for a house deposit at 21.

Proportionality and Affordability

It’s important to consider how much you can realistically afford to spend and whether it impacts your overall budget. If you’re able to give uneven amounts while remaining within your budget and without affecting other necessary expenses, it’s generally acceptable. However, it’s not about strict equality but about being fair to each child’s needs and wants.

Valuable Gifts versus Merchandise

When you do choose to spend on gifts, consider the long-term impact. While it's tempting to buy toys and gadgets, it’s better to give items that can be useful to them. For children, this could be books, especially personalized children's books, which have a lasting emotional impact. These books can foster a love for reading and create personalized gifts that children can cherish.

Practical Gift Choices

If your children have similar wants, like racing bikes, and they are on sale at different price points (e.g., a race bike for one child at ￡100 and another at ￡150), it's okay to choose the one that better suits their needs and desires. Quality over quantity, as they say, applies here. Focus on the gift that will provide the most joy and utility for each child, rather than stressing over the price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it's important to be mindful of perceived fairness, spending an uneven amount on Christmas gifts can be acceptable and even beneficial if done thoughtfully. Make sure each gift is appropriate for the child's age, meaningful, and within your budget. By doing so, you can ensure that your children feel loved and appreciated, and develop the values of patience and contentment that come from thoughtful gift-giving.