Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH – When Eid Al-Fitr holidays come, children get happy because they know this is the time when they will get their Eidiya or money gift.



Today, most children do want to spend their Eidiyas on toys as they used to, however.



They are no longer interested in traditional gifts; they want latest cell phones, iPads, and electronic games instead.



Many children tend to save their Eidiyas to make their dreams of buying an iPad or a cell phone come true.



The Saudi Press Agency asked different children about their spending plans for Eid.



Badar Al-Mebairik, who is eight, said he saved SR400 and would try to get more money from his father in order to buy an iPad Mini.



Nine-year-old Mansour Al-Obaid says he is planning to purchase a laptop. He has SR800 and needs another SR700.



Another child said he eyed a new radio-controlled car at a toy store and he would continue to save money to buy it.



On the other hand, parents agreed that most children today ask for more money when Eid comes because they want to purchase the latest gadgets.



They said they used to enjoy their Eidiya when they were as old as their children and used to spend it on buying clothes or small gifts.



But now they need to start planning for Eidiya before Eid in order to satisfy their children’s needs and expectations. 



Huda Al-Salim, social worker, urged parents to encourage their children to spend their Eidiya on helping the poor and needy in order to get them used to helping others.



The meaning of Eidiya should not be restricted to purchasing gifts and clothes, she added.



Besides, children should be stimulated to think of new ways to spend their Eidiya on social programs.



Fuad Al-Meshaikhis, sociologist, agreed that children should realize that Eid does not give them leeway to make their own purchasing decisions.



In other words, they cannot buy what they want just because it is Eid time. Parents should have a say on their decision and should advise them to properly spend their Eidiya on useful things and on helping others.



After all, Eid is a time when the needy and poor wait patiently for financial help, he said.