Page 5 | Kids parties and present value should be about the same as party cost?

Original poster

ElatedMauveFox · 06/04/2025 12:44

Dollshousedolly · 06/04/2025 12:21

Absolutely not, my children have enjoyed birthday parties in a friend’s garden, running around free playing as much as a party that would be more expensive to hold. I always spent the same amount, a present round £10 or the equivalent cash in a card.

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In a friend's garden they arent giving money to a venue so yes turning up with £2 is apt

OP posts:

Original poster

ElatedMauveFox · 06/04/2025 12:44

ARichtGoodDram · 06/04/2025 12:27

Not a thing here. Present is a £2 coin or £5 note in a piggy bank (brilliant idea started years ago by a local mum) so the birthday kid can buy something of their choosing (seemingly always lego!) regardless of the party type.

Have ten piggy banks?

OP posts:

ARichtGoodDram · 06/04/2025 12:27

Not a thing here. Present is a £2 coin or £5 note in a piggy bank (brilliant idea started years ago by a local mum) so the birthday kid can buy something of their choosing (seemingly always lego!) regardless of the party type.

Dollshousedolly · 06/04/2025 12:21

ElatedMauveFox · 06/04/2025 12:03

I was told rule of thumb is that a present for a party should be generally what the party cost - eg soft play at £10 than £10 present?

Aibu

Absolutely not, my children have enjoyed birthday parties in a friend’s garden, running around free playing as much as a party that would be more expensive to hold. I always spent the same amount, a present round £10 or the equivalent cash in a card.

GRex · 06/04/2025 12:19

I fully disagree. We give DS big parties, but our soft play is £24/ head when you add decorations, pizza etc. £5 gift or a book regardless of party type is perfect, up to £15 for a best mate, more only for a cousin. Band together 5-10 parents to get something more expensive if you can be bothered, but a party is already great for the birthday kid, they really don't need a house-full of presents too.

doodleschnoodle · 06/04/2025 12:15

How mercenary. I dont expect to recoup the cost of a party I’ve chosen to spend money on for my child. And I don’t choose value of gifts for others based on what I think their party cost.

ZiggyPlaysGuitarrr · 06/04/2025 12:09

Nope, not a thing. I always spend £10-15, whether it's a picnic in the park or an expensive party venue

Glittertwins · 06/04/2025 12:08

Never heard of that one. I just get what I think the recipient would like

TrixieFatell · 06/04/2025 12:07

I've never heard that rule. I'll give what I can afford. When my youngest had their birthday a few months back I did not expect to have the value of the activity back in a gift, I just wanted my child to have a fun day with their friends. The smiles on their faces was worth the cost.

SwanOfThoseThings · 06/04/2025 12:07

Yep, anyone giving a party should use reliable accounting software to ensure cost of gifts vs cost of party balances and they don't end up in deficit.

Pippa12 · 06/04/2025 12:06

I didn’t think there was a ‘rule’. I give what I can afford at that time, and expect the same in return. If that’s nothing/bag of sweets then no problem.

An invite is a request of company, not gifts.