I have 4 kids that I have taken. A 17 year old male with NO MONEY SKILLS and no money; an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and this year 14 year old girl that spends very little and works for her money, a boy that was 4,5,6,7,8, 9 and this year 10 with lots of wants and money that gets spent as fast has he gets it, and a boy 4 mo, 1,2,3,4,5 and this year 6.
They all make it known that they want money from Grandma for Christmas because we go in January or February. This usually gets them anywhere from $20.00 to $50.00. Last year Grandma was so impressed with what they purchased the year before she gave them $100.00.
We stay nearly 2 weeks.
First the girl. She shops and shops and on the last day we rush around to where whatever is that she finally decides on. She usually spends no more than $100.00.
Next the 10 year old boy wants everything and is reminded of his amount and he buys junk through out the trip. If by some strange fluk of nature, he is picking reasonable toys and not the things that will fall apart on the way home, I might add a little to his money but usually he takes ONLY what he received at Christmas (20-50)
Lastly the 6 yaer old. He shops and finds something. I remind him that at certain places I can get a discount and that we need to check those places. He generally does VERY well on deciding. For instance, 2000 he wanted the monarail. I didn't really like it be that was what he wanted. He played with it all year and when we went back in 2001, he got the Contemporary and additional track.
So I guess they spend about $50.00 through the whole trip each.
