I’ll get into debt to give my kids brand new birthday presents – I’ll bin any charity shop stuff they’re given
WE all want to spoil our children on their birthdays, but new research reveals one in three parents are spending less on their kids’ presents compared to five years ago.
The average parent spends £175 per child and a further £95 on presents for their children’s friends.
But with the cost of living crisis rumbling on, some parents say they are now teaming up with others to buy joint gifts for kids’ pals, while 63 per cent shop for party decorations they can use again and again.
Everything single mum of two Ila Dawn, 42, buys for her sons Blake, 12, and nine-year-old Cain, is brand new.
“I’d rather give them nothing than give them a second-hand present,” says Ila, a model and aesthetic beautician from London.
“I grew up with a single mum and she couldn’t afford new things. She used to take me to jumble sales for toys, clothes and everything in between.
“One day, when I was really small, she plucked out a brown teddy bear from a huge mound of toys and gave it to me as a gift.
“It was absolutely filthy and I remember thinking, ‘This is so gross – where has it been?’.
‘Mum worked hard, but couldn’t afford new things, so when I became a single parent, I vowed to give my kids the very best.
“I spoil my sons rotten because they deserve it. From TVs to PlayStations, new trainers and mobile phones, I’ll spend about £500 on each of them every birthday and Christmas.
“It gets me in so much debt, but I pay it all off eventually. It warms my heart to see the joy on their faces when they open their sparkling new toys.
“I really can’t put a price on their happiness. I’ve never said no to a present on their wish-lists.
“There’s something so satisfying about opening a brand new gift. The fresh packaging, the new smell, the untouched present that’s all yours.
“When it’s second hand it’s dirty and smelly and you’ve got no idea who’s slobbered all over it.
“I’d feel so guilty if I gave my sons a used gift. I’d feel like I hadn’t done my best.
“I’m a house proud woman and keep the whole place spotless, but it’s not just the germs that bother me. Second hand stuff just doesn’t fit. It looks wrong.
“When Cain was small I was given a used xylophone by a school mum and it made my skin crawl.
“There were brown stains all over the keys and the wooden mallet was all chewed up.
“If people give my kids second hand gifts, I politely accept them and take them straight to the charity shop.
“When I walk through the door I’m hit by the horrid stale smell of used belongings.
“I spy all the grime on the toys and it makes me shudder. I feel the same about clothes. I couldn’t bear to dress my children in stained outfits.
“That’s my choice, but if you want to buy second hand, that’s fine. Don’t judge me, because I don’t judge you.”