How much is enough -Xmas presents for a GC?

I think we would have hit that mark sometimes with our kids. And definitely with the grandkids. Mostly little presents. But it definitely overwhelms them. Not doing it this year. For one thing, as they get older the things they want get more expensive!

That's OTT, why are they doing it and how old is the child? DGC get one major present from parents, major, in the 'much wanted' meaning not the 'very expensive' meaning and one other and we all contribute pocket money presents for the stockings. Obviously they get presents from other family members, including us, but again on the 'one big, one small' basis. Lots of presents and magical excitement on Christmas morning but not overwhelming.

What is more their parents list each present and who has given it and during January thank you letters will be written to all present givers

LuckyDucky - your Christmas morning sounds almost identical to mine as a child (also in the 50's). When my Son was born I admit to being more excessive each year because I could. Now with the GD's I have to stop myself being OTT! But overall, I do think we buy too much (speaking for myself that is).

Sorry, but I find it all just too much- not just the 32- but the number of presents our grand-children get. They have their rooms full of toys, a playroom full of toys- and will get so many more again for Xmas. Bah humbug! I dream of Christmases without all this commercial pressure on all- truly.

There wasn't a culture of Christmas stockings in Oz in the 1950s.

I woke to find a pillow case at the end of my bed and a present from F. Christmas at the tree, plus a present from my maternal parents.

No presents were opened till we returned from an 8am church service
then collected my grand parents. Meanwhile, my friends were outside playing with their presents.

OMG 32!!??!!
We all know the pleasure it gives us to buy things for our little ones, but this doesn't do anybody any favours.

Are some for a stocking? I do hope so!

I think the problem comes later on in life, when obviously the parents can no longer carry on with that sort of expenditure, as the expectations of the child become more sophisticated.

Depending on GC's present requests, they receive one 'big' present (which other family members may have chipped in with if it's over budget), plus a small bag of bits and pieces that I know they'll enjoy (hairbands/slides, funny pens/pencils, books, silly socks etc) - certainly not 32 items each Being an only child does not seem to be a valid reason for so many presents!

GC get a game, a toy and some clothes from us. The gifts from Father Christmas are, usually, one or two things from their would-like list and lots of smaller items like a lego figure or playing cards.
This year DS asked me if I would like to buy a new Wii and a game between the two GC, went online and in 5 minutes Christmas sorted

It does seem completely absurd, but it does also seem to be the norm with so many families these days. Many children have more toys than they know what to do with and I don't believe this helps them to learn the value of things. Small parts get lost, making the toy useless, but so what? They've got loads of other things to play with so who cares if one is no good anymore? And if something they care about gets broken Mummy and Daddy will just buy a new one.
My children had plenty of toys, but they certainly weren't overrun with them and I do think they had more understanding of their value. They took care of them because they knew there wouldn't be any new ones until the next birthday or Christmas!

We have a cash limit for each child and buy up to that amount rather than count the number of presents.

Each child and grandchild gets one present. End of.

They do not feel the least hard done by and are always pleased with what they get.

32 is completely bonkers!

I don't think we need to overthink this. They are most likely, just doting parents. Better than the other kind. There will certainly be nothing 'competitive' in it!

It's a quite ridiculous amount, just from parents!

Very young children become overwhelmed by a huge number of presents and once the initial thrill of the ripping off the wrapping paper is over and done with, can, become quite uninterested in the content lying on the floor. 32 is an enormous number, like others have stated, I'd be inclined to give them to him over a period of time. The only problem with that though is there will be an expectation from the child that presents are something he can expect on a regular basis.

My mum GSs great gran, has never really bought presents, but each year at Easter, birthdays and Christmas she puts money in a savings account.Elder GS is 9 and his eyes light up when Grt Grandma tells him how much he has got..... so far he is going to buy a blue sports car and take to Asda shopping in it (but says he wont drive fast)! phew I may have to wait some time as the amount he has will not quite stretch to a sports car !

I remember one Christmas with my smallest Grandson when he sat in front of a huge pile of presents and burst into tears - he was completely overcome so DD2 put half away for his birthday later that year.

As they grow the number of presents gets less but the unit costs rises - lap tops, Playstations etc. This year DD2 said could I buy GS a few smaller fun things as he is having a new I-phone (he is 11 but travels quite a distance independently to school). I'm having fun finding little fun things rather than something large and expensive.

It does seem to turn into a competition for some and then of course the children come to expect it every year. How many toys can children play with? Also do their rooms have elastic sides?

If the child is young it might be quite overwhelming Christmas day. 32 seems a large number at any age but then I'm constantly surprised at how many children, not my GC thankfully, seem to have a large number of toys bought for them throughout the year.

Soon, I think your last sentence is probably right. But however can one spend £2500 from benefits on one child? Almost obscene to me. Im having a problem thinking about my own GC because they have so much. I think it will be something small, to include a book, and something in their savings book. I know the 3 year old cousins have one.

Too many in my opinion.
And I assume that they will get more from elsewhere too.

ll mentions a competition. Is that what it is?
Or perhaps they are trying to make up for something?

To me that's ridiculous, but it's up to them.
I'm always saddened when I hear of parents getting into debt because of (to me) excessive spending at Christmas. I know of one who openly bragged of spending £2500 on his 4 year old daughter......and he doesn't work and is on benefits.

For some it almost seems like a competition.

Families vary in approach. Would be too much for me but if it's fine with the parents who am I to argue? Wouldn't join in though.

I think it spoils Christmas. Much more sensible to have a few that they can really enjoy- give your time to play with them and put the rest of the money into a savings account.

32 and that's only from the parents?! Presuming the child will also receive gifts from other people that's OTT.

My only grandson had his 1st birthday earlier this year, and he got so many presents from so many people, that his mother put most of them away and has told us all we're off the hook for Christmas.

So I'm going to put money in his savings account instead.