Birthdays + Big Ticket Expenses = Big Birthdays
We're not big spenders, but we do (sometimes) have big ticket birthdays.
I'm all for keeping the celebrations simple and gifts, within reason. However, if we have a major expense coming up--plus a birthday impending--we try our best to combine the two. Thus money from the "household maintenance" envelope helps us keep more in the "gifts" category.
(I did let my husband know that 2 new toilets couldn't count for my birthday, no matter how nicely they flush!)
Case in point: my toddler reached that fast-and-risky phase. We needed some sort of fence to keep him safely within bounds. Instead of a functional fix, my husband applied his extra effort to a birthday gift for me. He designed horizontal trellises which connect to a small iron gate--for less than the cost of chicken wire. The money he saved was enough to invest in a couple of climbing roses.
Likewise, when his grill died, we went a couple of months without charbroiled chicken. Delaying its replacement gave me an easy way to make his birthday grand. I had time to look for the best price and even a fancy cover for a "new to us" Weber.
For my mom, I often perform a helpful task, like hiring someone to clean her windows or picking up a wedding gift on her behalf, then wrapping it at my house. She's at the stage where she wants nothing, and these practical acts of service mean a lot.
In the past, big ticket birthday gifts have included a replacement phone (him), painting the living room (me), and oh yes, the new roof that marked our anniversary. No matter what, there's always cake and celebration--even when the gift doesn't fit in a nicely wrapped box!
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10 Responses to “Birthdays + Big Ticket Expenses = Big Birthdays”
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
With my own birthday coming up, I’ve been thinking along these same lines. Our toyroom/schoolroom is in serious need to permanent storage instead of the ever increasing assortment of baskets, tubs, boxes and bookshelves. I’m hoping hubby will build some shelving – I already have a design in mind:) – for my birthday. I’m even willing to paint it myself!
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
One other thing we’ve done is give two year olds a “new” big kid bed for their birthday. It counts as present when you build it up ahead of time – “you’re getting big enough for a BIG BOY BED!”
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Would you not have gotten the grill, the fence or the roof had there not been a birthday or anniversary? Just me, but I would have been disappointed to have received a “Happy Anniversary, Dear, your present is on top of the house.”
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:57 am
Fantastic solution for fencing your little one in safely. We’re trying something similar this year…I’m hoping to trellis some peas along a newly planted lasagna bed (trimmed in a sturdy scrap wood box).
Would you share some photos??? I’m curious to see how the gate and trellis look!
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:05 am
Thinking of things that are needed as gifts for occasions Like Anniversaries and Birthdays work wonderful for our family as well,and seem even more appreciated than (oh we need that lets go get it)It seems to have more significance,that is a gift it’s self.
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:37 am
We often do the same thing. While a major purchase can sometimes be put off for years, we like to see birthdays and Christmas as an opportunity to justify bumping it to the top of the list.
Case in point: for many years, our dining room chairs have been very old folding metal chairs. We would love to replace them because they’re a real eyesore, but it’s not a pressing need because they *do* get the job done.
For a Christmas/birthday gift this year from hubby, I was delighted to receive a pair of unfinished oak benches, which I stained to match our cabinets! Updated seating, no guilt!
March 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
We would have replaced the grill…but not with such a nice model, if we hadn’t delayed purchase long enough to find a killer deal.
We would have gotten some type of fence…but definitely nothing quite as nice as what he built, putting special effort toward creating a custom design, had it not been for my birthday.
We could have patched the roof and taken an anniversary trip instead…but we mutually agreed to spend the money on a new roof and have enjoyed it ever since. We’re both practical people who don’t want more “stuff” than what we need.
Not every family works this way, but we do, and it’s one of the many strategies that keep our budget in check.
March 28th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I do not celebrate birthdays at all, but it seems to me if the house needs a new roof, you put it on regardless of how close it is to someone’s birthday.
March 28th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
The roof wasn’t delayed due to an occasion; we simply decided to use the funds for another occasion (anniversary) toward a purchase that would benefit us both (roof).
The point was: how nice it is when wants and needs can overlap!
April 28th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
DH and I differ in our gift-giving strategy:
I’m all for frugality, but DH likes the Wow! factor when giving gifts.
I don’t like surprise gifts (they never seem to suit my taste); DH and the kids love surprises.
I think my husband’s love of gifts stems from his childhood: One year, he received a toy robot for Christmas. He was completely dazzled.
Or else, it’s just that gifts are more his love language than they are mine.
So, I’ve given in.
I don’t regret it — we can afford the gifts we’re giving, and our gift recipients have been thrilled.
So, I guess, my overall message is BE SURE your recipient (especially if a family member) won’t feel slighted by a Kid Corral rather than a necklace.
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