first nursery party for DS what's the standard sort of pressie to give?

[thesouthsbelle]

I have no idea. He attends a private nursery, and from what I can gather a lot of the parents are a bit well to do (if that's the right phrase) - and no offence intended to anyone.

it's his first time at a party which isn't the usual group of friends I have (where i'd typically spend £15 per child) on something specific from ELC.

anyhow I was thinking would the 2 games for £15 be ok or not really? (was going to buy 2 and keep one in the bottom draw for another LO) should I spend more, less, get something wooden or token gifts?

and then of course it's a little girl - what do 5 year old girls like??

am I expected to stay for the party or drop him off? (I know only one of the mums to say hello to in the group and don't think her little one has been invited, apart form that because the children all do different hours I don't usually see other parents.

Help! I don't want DS or I to become social pariahs

[thesouthsbelle]

oh ds is 3.5 btw, little girl I think is 5, as she's a sept born baby. (and he's one of the youngest in the class but will look at the register to get the right aged card.)

[MrsBonJovi]

Had a quick look on ELC site and cant see what types of toys you mean but am prob being blind.

Personally I think you just need to start as you mean to go on. Spend only what you can afford and dont try and compete with other parents who splash the cash.

Think you need to ring the LO parent about the dropping off arrangement but guessing you will prob need to stay?

[purepurple]

I work in a nursery and parties are a bloody minefield!
I would say set yourself a budget now, as this is probably the first of a deluge of party invites. £10 will buy a decent present for a child you don't really know.
I would expect that you would be better staying, these parties are an ideal way to get to know more of your DS' friends and their parents.
As for presents, most 5 year old girls will love anything pink. A lovely dressing up outfit or a craft box with lots of things to make will go down well.

The most important thing is to make sure you reply to the invitation as soon as you get it. I spend a lot of time at work chasing parents who haven't replied to invites (which isn't really my job, but I am stuck in the middle and don't really have a choice)

[thesouthsbelle]

thanks guys,

bonjovi - I meant the argos 2 for 15, typically for my other friends it would be something from happy land.

so the census is to stay there - (will have to come out of my shell a bit then and be sociable - eeeeek! )

I could afford to do £10 each happily - just thought as it's 2 for £15 would be a bargin, will try and link it for you.

still will be good to get an idea of where the bar is as it were for DS's birthday in feb - cos it will be his first ever one (so far all he's had is family tea parties!)

this one

this

this

this

any of those any good?

[purepurple]

had a look at your links and don't like the first one, has batteries and will probably not be much fun to play after you've done it once
the second game looks more fun, but with games you need someone to play them with and you can't always guarantee that
the backpack would be great for a 5 year old girl
don't like the fourth game, far too many pieces and looks a bit complicated and a bit pointless

[frimblypoo]

I buy all girls age 2-5 a my little pony for a fiver. Not tight, they just get so many presents they really don't care and I don't see the point in agonising over something that will just be put on a pile.
And you can't have too many plastic ponies

[thesouthsbelle]

I like the logic.

[hana]

that last game is fantastic - dd got it for her 5th birthday and has been great play value - I'd go for that one.

[dilemma456]

Message withdrawn

[thesouthsbelle]

don't think we have dilema, althou DB has one by him, and they're coming down tomorrow so might ask him to get it and i'll give him the money, that's a really nice thing there.

(was also looking about there's a few bits for xmas for DS as well)

[thesouthsbelle]

I thought it looked good as well hana, DS likes those sorts of games - he's got the shopping trolley one.

[stubbyfingers]

I would say you don't need to spend as much as a tenner on a child you don't know. Like people have already said, they get so much stuff at these parties that they're just overwhelmed by things. I personally think 5 quid spent on a massive cheapo set of felt tips and a sticker book can give the child just as much pleasure as something more expensive. Also, I think children of this age go for size and tack value than classy well-made stuff - save that for children you are closer to.

Hope you both enjoy the party, they can be a good way to tentatively forge relationships with other families. (Speaking as a complete antisocial recluse!)

[thesouthsbelle]

don't say that that's what i'm like, and I think a few of the other mums know each other. ho hum better bite the bullet I guess, there was some bits on sale actually in tescos might have a look at those.