we always give a nice picture book that my own child loves, between 10-20.

Ok--I really have to comment. First I guess it depends where you live. Unfortunately as a single mom, I am probably one of the poorest people in this upscale neighborhood where I live. I keep seeing so many people commenting about giving cheap gifts like Dollar Store hula hoops, art supplies, etc. Firstly, if you are trying to buy a nice gift on a budget, consider going to your local Ross/TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc and look around. A gift is supposed to be about the thought, not being cheap. All of that cheap junk ends up in the trash so it's better to buy a $5 or $10 gift card. Trust me, you're not going to fool anyone into thinking you spent more than you did. Second, places like Chuck E Cheese, etc actually costs the parents money, I spent almost $30 per child. Believe it or not, they are thinking about your child's happiness also so you should do the same OR don't go! Lastly, If you don't have a lot of money it just means to have to be creative. Go to a bank and get new $2 bills or something they might think is cool and stick it in a cute card. Please don't buy something cheap and waste your money on something that won't end up being touched.

On average, $15 a party. Honestly I do not automatically spend more on something just bc the kid is a close friend. If they're a close friend we usually spend $20 or so, and can get something I'm sure they'll enjoy. But I don't feel like being close to someone means I must spend more.

If they're a classmate/not a good friend we get something more generic like art supplies or a game, with a gift receipt.

$25-$30. We must have really boring imaginations because I usually only buy the stuff I think my own kids would like and it costs that much!

$15-25. How old are the kids you buy books for? My second grader said she would never ever give a book.

$15 - $25 generally. Occasionally under or over. Private school, 3rd grade. More likely to spend more if it's a smaller party with just a few kids.

$15 if we don't know them well
$25 for good friend

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.

That does scream "I'm cheap!"

So you are all about appearances I guess. That screams "I'm shallow."

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.

That does scream "I'm cheap!"

Well, I don't really give a *!*@)% what you think. If you think my gift is too cheap, don't invite my kid next year. My husband is out of work, I'm doing what I can to keep my family afloat. Your judgement is about you, not me.

Anonymous wrote:If my kid was only invited because the whole class was and they're not friends they don't attend or give a gift. If they're really friends we'll spend as much as $45.

I find this slightly odd. My kids attend most parties that they are invited to unless they truly don't like the birthday child. If they are friendly with the birthday child but not necessarily friends, and we're free, we go. What is the problem if your child is invited because the whole class was invited, but the kids aren't that particularly close?

I try to get things I think the birthday child might like. I do have sort of a cap of around #20, because I think we can find great stuff for that amount.

For the last few birthday parties, we bought:

*Good-quality hula hoop and whiffle ball and bat
*Cute purse with a baggies of beads and cords inside
*Fingerprint dusting kit for junior detectives
*Spirograph
*Boobietrap, the game
*Two fashion sticker books
*Remote control cars

All for girls ages 5-7

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.

That does scream "I'm cheap!"

If my kid was only invited because the whole class was and they're not friends they don't attend or give a gift. If they're really friends we'll spend as much as $45.

As little as possible. In preschool and early elementary, I bought a bunch of generic gifts on sale. I found new M&D craft kits at a consignment store for $3.99. I bought all of them. I found paint your own frames one year for $2.50 and bought 10 of them.

Anonymous wrote:$20

+1