Is it acceptable to give a 6 yr old cash for their birthday?

[Idonthavemytoolsmycloak]

Nephew is turning 6 tomorrow and there's a party we're going to. I have absolutely no idea what six year olds like and even if I did I would imagine his friends will all give the popular things. I thought about an Amazon voucher but then thought that he might like to go to a toy shop or wherever and pick something out with his own money.

Is that acceptable do you think? Or will I just be seen as lazy?

If you don't know what he likes then ask his parents? Or do you not have an idea from when you see him?
If you're doing money or vouchers I think kids that age are better with somewhere they can shop and choose in person rather than on Amazon. Or a voucher for an experience (but might be hard if you don't know what he's into).

My daughter really loved it if friends gave her cash for her birthday and I always much preferred it when friends gave cash rather than make up, which went straight into the charity box, or yet another colouring or craft set.

I think when it’s your 6 year old it’s lazy. As a friend/relative it’s a good option. They will have presents to open from their parents and then can go and pick out something with your voucher/cash. Best of both worlds!

Cash is much more preferable here. They get to choose their own items. Rather than loads of £10 tat they can put the cash to get a decent something. Dd had enough gifts off us. Then with her cash she got 3 switch games, a new scooter , swingball and rollerboots. Alternatively could have been 10 /20 random items of craft and 'paint your own ' items which never get used

I've known adults that decide what to spend their kids' birthday money on (extracurricular clubs, family day out etc). I'd get a book token or toy shop voucher if that's what you want the child to pick a toy or book or write a cheque if you want it to go in their account.

Cash is much better than something they won’t like that’s just going to clutter up the house.

Thanks everyone! I think I will go for the cash option. But will also run it by my brother and SIL first in case they have a massive objection. Can't imagine they will but you never know.

I think it's fine, we do this sometimes for children if we don't know what to get them or haven't had a chance to buy something. My 6yo loves being given cash!

I do this but make it look good by being pound coins in a drawstring purse or notes in a small wallet.

My 6yo would have always preferred a present to open at that age, I think cash is better for older kids who are used to spending it. She has received gifts from birthday parties that she didn't really play with but she still enjoyed opening them!

I guess this depends on the child. My 6yo loves money. She has her own little purse and keeps small cash amounts in there. She loves picking things in the shop to spend it on and either paying in her cash, or I pay on my card and she gives me the cash, she understands how this works. She gets visibly disappointed if she opens a present that she isn't keen on. Obviously I'm trying to teach her to be grateful and polite in those cases, but nevertheless she'd rather choose something she actually likes.

As a parent I'd also rather have money than rubbish that takes up space in the house that is only opened once or whatever too. Then she can buy something she will use a lot, or we can put money together and spend it on experiences like theatre or cinema tickets and whatnot.

I'll update with the response after the party tomorrow!