Birthday's on a budget

My son Chase on his 1st birthday

Nobody likes to think they're having to budget for someone's birthday, especially their own children's. Unfortunately in this day and age we haven't all got the funds to be buying our teenager, or indeed our 6 year old, the latest gadget. So how can we combat the feeling of guilt for not spending as much as the 'Jonses' up the road? Well, it's simple really, the gift of time is the one they will remember more than the latest fad, (that will probably be forgotten when replaced with the shinier newer version they year after.) I remember when my eldest, Olivia, was 6. I planned a cinema trip, something a lot of people do on a weekend for fun, however I told her we were going for a girly night out, just me and her. We spent the afternoon getting dolled up, doing our hair, putting lippy on and got in the car.

Olivia on her 6th birthday ready to go out

She was so excited, not knowing where she was going and that she was on a 'girl's night out'. I took her to Mcdonald's, which she was very happy with and then onto the cinema. We watched Shrek the 3rd, actually that's a lie, I watched Shrek the 3rd. Olivia thought when the adverts had finished it was time to go! She played musical chairs and asked constantly is it finished yet (maybe not the best of ideas!) But the point being, she still to this day (she's 14 almost 15 now) remembers our night out. Would she have remembered getting the pink Nintendo D.S she really wanted that I couldn't afford? Does she remember being disappointed she didn't get it? No. She just remembers the fun night out she had with mummy. I can guarantee you any moment you make special will be remembered and even carried on for generations to come. Try it when you are stuck for something to buy, even if it's because they have too much and you don't know what to buy them. You don't have to be skint to make memories, rich people can be happy too.....

My daughter Neve on her 4th birthday

Christmas traditions that don't break the bank

There's nothing better to create a bit of magic than a new tradition to stick to every year. Children love routine it makes them feel safe and secure when they know what's coming, especially when it's a fun tradition! I have seen some of the new traditions like 'elf on the shelf' which needs a lot of props. For those of us without a great deal extra to spend at this time of year, we can do without paying out for a tradition. So, with this in mind, I have put together a few of my favourite, free, or very cheap ideas to start a new tradition in your house this year.


Christmas Eve box.

For this you need a box, some wrapping paper, pyjamas for everyone (if you really can't afford to buy new wrap up their favourite ones) a Christmas dvd (or make a ticket to the showing of...... if watching on t.v) and some snacks and hot chocolate sachets. Wrap the box and everything to go in it. when the kids are preoccupied on Christmas eve hide the box somewhere for them to find and tell them Santa must have popped by early with a treat! Enjoy the movie as a family with your new/ favourite pyjamas on with some snacks and a hot chocolate.


Christmas sleepover.

On the day you put your tree up make it extra special by having a family sleepover in the living room. Bring down the duvets and pillows and camp out watching Christmas movies, or to make it a bit more special for the children, try a technology free night talking about Christmas's from when you were little.



Secret Santa.

All children love to buy a gift for their family members, but we can't all spare the money to buy everyone a separate gift, so the secret Santa is a great idea. Set a budget amount per person (even a pound will do thanks to the Poundshop) and put everyone's name into a tub and pull a name out each.  If you get your own name put it back and try again until you all have someone else's name. Now you must secretly buy that person a gift for the budget amount. When you open them see if you can guess who bought you it. If you can't afford it then try a family swap where you all get items you no longer want and swap them for ones you do.


Advent stories.

Most of us with kids have loads of books lying around (if not there's the library) and what better way to spend time with them than reading. Every night from the 1st December you could read a different story or poem finishing with 'The night before Christmas' on Christmas Eve.


Christmas light spotting.

If you have a car get everyone to put their pyjamas on and have a drive around the neighbourhood looking at lights. Get the Christmas tunes on and you could even pack the mince pies and have a supper picnic. If you haven't got transport then enjoy a late night walk.

I guarantee these traditions will make the memories the children remember forever. Let's face it how many children remember their gifts year to year?