I grew up in a household where, financially, things were not there until I was about 16 years old. Unfortunately, my grandpa had to die before my parents came into any serious money. (My grandpa left his VERY financially stable business to my dad when I was 16.) Even when my parents first got the business, they still weren't in the financially well-to-do until I got into college.

My brother has reaped far more benefits, materially, from my parents than I ever did. Jealous? ehhh, I don't know but definately not spoiled. When I was growing up, my parents couldn't afford really nice clothes for me. In turn, it fell upon my grandparents (both sets) to get me the Abercrombie and Fitch, department store, American Eagle, etc. clothing if I wanted to fit in remotely at my high school.

I still think $10 is too much to pay for a purse so if was to get a Prada, Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade, or Vera Bradley purse I'd probably take "too good" care of it, if there is such a thing. I'd be highly pissed if something happened to it. I think it's probably hard to find that middle of the road type of deal with kids. It's either you're sheltered from the nice things in life and get overly protective and possessive of the nice things you have or just dismiss nice things as boring. No in-between kind of deal.

I am sure if someone found a solution or formula on how not to spoil your kids without sheltering them too much from the nice things in life, then, that person would have a goldmine.

Anyways, good luck!