How much ££ in birthday card for 13yo party?

[ecuse]

DD12 has been invited to the 13th birthday party of a kid she used to go to nursery with. They were great buddies, went to different primary schools, had a few playdates over the years and it petered out. Randomly invited to his 13th birthday party which is a disco in a community centre.

I thought she'd be too shy to go - she won't know anyone except him probably - but I'm quite proud she sees it as a nice chance to catch up with an old friend. She knows she can call to get picked up early if she feels awkward.

She wants to give cash in a card rather than a gift, given she is not sure what he'd like. Fine by me, saves the hassle of shopping but no idea what's the right amount.

I suggested £10 and husband told me I was mad and old and out of touch and it should be £30. I think this is mad and embarrassingly too much. He said £20 is the bare minimum. I agree if it was a nephew or something but a random kid at a huge birthday party?

What does the hive mind think is the going rate?We're in zone 3 London if that makes any difference and the kids are in Y8.

Ds got 50/50 £10 notes and amazon gift cards on his birthday from friends. I think one was £15 but nothing bigger.

£20 is too much.

I also vote for £10!

£30 is definitely too much. I reckon £15 os about right.

Definitely no.more than £10. All DD's friends get £10 cash or an Amazon gift card these days and that's what she tends to get in return

£10
£20 or £30 and it'd look very generous but absolutely ridiculous plus if they keep in contact and DD invites her mate to a Birthday party they'll feel obligated to match your generosity. Awkward.

Minority here as it’s £20 i do (and in line with what my kids get back)

Only do £10 up to primary age unless close friends and would do £20. I’d do £25 now if its a close friend of my daughter (she’s £13)

given your daughter isn’t close friends i’d do £13 if you think £20 is too much

This.

Love this idea💡

I'd go for £5.

I mean, I understand in this case, why she is a bit stuck for a present, but, in truth I wasn't getting birthday presents for my dcs' friends once they got to secondary anyway.
It's when they learn to organise things themselves.
1 dc didn't do presents with friends.
1 dc used to put a couple of pounds in and they would get birthday person something between them.
1 dc set a limit (like £2 or £3) and they would each get friends something for that.

£15-£20 here. Ideally £15 and sweets.

I’d give £15 and a pack of candy kittens

I’d probably go with £15

10 or plus 5

£10. You'd look a bit bonkers/ try hard putting £30 in to be honest.

£10 would be lovely.
I think even £15 would be embarrassingly too much tbh.

£20 is the norm for tween/teens where I am

£20, I don't do parties every year but did one last year for 11yo the majority seemed to give £15 or 20.

Personally I think £10 is enough. £30 is what I'd give to a relative.

£13 pound coins, get your daughter to stick inside card in shape of 13. Also I would kindly say to her that the birthday party might not be best place to 'catch up' with friend as it's a disco and everyone will want his attention. I think she will likely make some new friends there too

Another vote for £10 and a bag of sweets/chocolate bar. £30 is far too much.

Cool idea

We tend to do £15 voucher and a bag of sweets. £20 for friends kids in a card and sweets. I would be embarrassed to receive £30.

Definetly £10.

All your dhs suggestions does is make me think he is the one out of touch with kids party gifts. Let me guess, he has never been the one to sort out the party gifts?

I budget £15 for birthday gifts