What do you usually spend on a present for a classmate's birthday party?

[Anonymous]

For school parties, I keep it under $20. I often choose a hardback book.

[Anonymous]

$10-$15 for a classmate who isn't a close friend. Typically a book and/or art supplies. $20-$30 for a good friend. Fortunately, with 3rd and 5th graders were are finally at the point where there aren't any more "invite the whole class party", they are normally just the kids' close circle of friends. A lot fewer parties than during the preschool years!

[Anonymous]

Probably around $10 to $15. Art supplies are good. Sometimes a few cars. Sometimes games.

[Anonymous]

I usually give books, so $10-$18.

[Anonymous]

Wow -- the $20 to $30 is really astounding me. I usually figure 10 to 15, but I try to get stuff on sale, so try to get something that retails for about $20.

[Anonymous]

$15-20.

I stock up on generic gifts and then only shop for the closest friends.

Marshall's, Kohl's, TJ Maxx, and Target have the best deals on toys, science kits.

And, yes, we do regift but among a different circle of friends.

[Anonymous]

$25 for preschool friends in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

I'm the original $10 poster.

I stock up on superhero stuff when target clearances it all after Christmas. That lasted 2 parties for my son.
Another he just had he took a bug lot and book.

Recently my daughter had 3 parties!
One we did a bubble wistle, a small palace pet and another bubble thing she picked.
2 others were a bubble thing, a my little pony and a mystery pony pack.

All around $10-12.

[Anonymous]

$15 MAX - and I shoot for under $10.

For the 4-8 YO group - I try for a craft / or smaller lego set.

I shop AC Moore sales, end of holiday clearance at Macys or Lord and Taylor online.

Some things I gave recently - a kite, American Girl craft set, Melissa and Doug bead set, palace pet and a book.

[Anonymous]

Between $20-30. No more than $30 however.

You don't want to embarrass any other child who cannot afford more.

[Anonymous]

$25 - $30.

Close friends - $50.

In my defense - we are Indians. In our culture, what you gift and the cost of the gift has huge cultural connotations.
I am unable to break that conditioning!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$25 - $30.

Close friends - $50.

In my defense - we are Indians. In our culture, what you gift and the cost of the gift has huge cultural connotations.
I am unable to break that conditioning!

I am Russian and I totally relate.
I have seen a bday party for an Indian child at one of those kids' places- the cart with gifts was truly impressive!
I just had a bday party for my son. 14 kids. Most non-Russian guests brought $5-10 presents. One brought nothing, one brought a card. I felt stupid as I never spent less than $20 on classmates' gifts.
One thing was inexpensive but truly great- a decorate your own treasure chest from Melissa and Doug. Board games- we got two- I don't like them very much as they require parental involvement.
We got some inexpensive but nice things such as bubble blowers, water guns, etc.

[Anonymous]

We'll usually spend $10-20. If its just a classmate's party I keep a stockpile of fun but generic gifts. We go shopping for friend's presents and my kids know they have a $20 limit unless they're spending their allowance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What do you buy for $10??? I have a hard time finding cute things to give for $20. Where do you buy your presents, thanks!

Not the PP, but when I see board games go on sale at Target, I buy several to keep on hand for bday gifts -- usually in the $10 to $12 range. You can also get a bunch of art supplies from craft stores for $10.

Target almost always has board games for under $10-- and good ones, too-- recognizable games. This is my go-to gift for classmates. My son really likes games, but he only owns a couple. I figure most people are in the same boat. I typically include a gift receipt as well. I don't care if they end up returning it and find out it cost $9. It's the thought that count, and none of the kids who attend his school are in need of anything material.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What do you buy for $10??? I have a hard time finding cute things to give for $20. Where do you buy your presents, thanks!

Not the PP, but when I see board games go on sale at Target, I buy several to keep on hand for bday gifts -- usually in the $10 to $12 range. You can also get a bunch of art supplies from craft stores for $10.

Target almost always has board games for under $10-- and good ones, too-- recognizable games. This is my go-to gift for classmates. My son really likes games, but he only owns a couple. I figure most people are in the same boat. I typically include a gift receipt as well. I don't care if they end up returning it and find out it cost $9. It's the thought that count, and none of the kids who attend his school are in need of anything material.

very good attitude, thumbs up