Budget for children’s birthday presents

[cherkl]

Hi everyone!

I’m sure I’m not the only one, but all the reception (5 yo) birthday parties are coming up and I was wondering how much people generally spend on gifts?

I’ve spoken to people and have been told around £20 which is what I had been spending for nursery friends, I don’t mind upping the amount (particularly if it’s a close friend or a gift which we think the friend would love) however don’t want the gift to look excessive either.

I’ve looked at lots of old threads and have seen a huge variance so would appreciate any tips - and gift ideas.

Not sure if it’s relevant, but my DC attends an inner London prep school and whilst most of the parents are very comfortable, everyone is lovely and down to earth!

thank you x

Honestly, I’d say not more than £10. A book, some art supplies, a hot wheels car all totally acceptable. Keep in mind that in a normal sized class, a child might be getting 30 of these gifts - and you might be spending £20+ several times a month for years - so it does get excessive. I’d only spend £20 on maybe a best friend if one of the dc wanted to get them something extra special.

Im doing presents I can get on 3 for 2, BOGOF or 3 for £15 from the Works etc to keep costs down, especially if it's a child in DD's reception class that we didn't know before - if they all had a whole class party even a tenner per present would add up to £300 which seems mad. I'm spending around £20 on presents for children she's actually friends with and we're having a whole class party for her, party bags etc so I'm comfortable with that this year. If I wasn't reciprocating with a party I might increase the budget for presents.

£10 is fine! Cute stationery, something small like stickers or pocket coloring calendars, maybe sweets, etc. mindutopia is right about it getting excessive as you might get those gifts multiple times per year.

The standard seems to be between £10-15. DS is in a public school but we have lots of friends in private due to extra curriculars etc and honestly there doesn't seem to be a difference. I'll normally spend the same but wouldn't think twice at spending a bit more on something a friend wants, or receiving something worth a bit more.

I aim for £10-13. My son is 4