How much do people in the Netherlands spend on Sinterklaas on average?
Every year, people in the Netherlands spend a substantial amount on Sinterklaas gifts. In 2025, the average Sinterklaas budget was €134, according to the annual holiday survey by lootjestrekken.nl. That amount is higher than the average budget in previous years, even though people also said they did not plan to spend more money.
How much should you budget for Sinterklaas?
There may be an average amount, but there is no amount you are “supposed” to spend on Sinterklaas. A family with three children will probably need a different budget than someone who is only drawing a name at work. Focus on what fits within your monthly budget. A successful Sinterklaas Eve is not automatically more fun because of an extra €50 gift.
How to set your Sinterklaas budget
So do not start with the wish lists. Start with how much room you have in your budget. First, see how much you can afford to spend this month without taking money away from essential expenses or important savings goals. Suppose you have €180 available for Sinterklaas. Then decide how to divide it.
A family with two children could, for example, set aside €120 for Sinterklaas Eve, €30 for small gifts to put in their shoes, and €30 for treats and other expenses. Once you have set the amount, shopping becomes easier too. You do not have to decide what you can spend again with every gift: the limit is already set.
Please keep in mind the costs around Sinterklaas Eve
When you think about a Sinterklaas budget, gifts are probably the first thing that comes to mind. But the spending often starts weeks before December 5.
Suppose you have two children and decide to spend no more than €60 per child on gifts. A budget of €120 may seem sufficient. But then you add three small gifts for their shoes at €7.50 per child, two chocolate letters, pepernoten, craft supplies for Sinterklaas surprises, and food and drinks for Sinterklaas Eve.
Before you know it, you are spending dozens of euros more than you originally planned. It is better to create one budget for the entire Sinterklaas period. You could divide it among:
- Sinterklaas Eve;
- small gifts for their shoes;
- candy and chocolate letters;
- Sinterklaas surprises and craft supplies;
- food and drinks;
- any Sinterklaas celebrations at school, at a sports club, or at work.
That way, €5 here and €10 there do not add up to a surprisingly expensive December.
5 more tips for keeping Sinterklaas affordable
1. Agree on an amount per person
Celebrating Sinterklaas with family or friends? Set a maximum amount in advance. That prevents an unintended gift-giving competition.
2. Draw names in a large group
Eight €20 gifts cost €160. One €25 gift costs €25. The math is simple.
3. Limit how often children put out their shoes
For children, putting out their shoe is often at least as much fun as what is inside it. So it really does not have to be a €10 gift every time.
4. Make a list first, then look for deals
A deal only saves you money if you were already planning to buy the product. A toy promotion does not save you money if it makes you buy three extra gifts.
5. Buy secondhand
Toys, books, and games are often barely used. Especially for younger children, a gift does not need a price tag to be exciting.
Track your Sinterklaas budget with Grassfeld
A budget only works if you know how much you have already spent. That is why it helps to create a separate Sinterklaas budget in Grassfeld. Link your bank account, and you can see throughout November and December how much room you still have.
With Grassfeld Intelligence, you can also ask questions about your own financial situation. For example: “How much can I spend on Sinterklaas this month without putting my other budgets and savings goals at risk?”
Grassfeld not only helps you create a Sinterklaas budget in advance, but also helps you stay within that budget as the wish lists keep getting longer. Want to keep Sinterklaas Eve festive without a financial hangover in December?
