to be embarrassed by the tat we give as birthday presents when dd gets some nice gifts for her birthday?

[PatFig]

DD had her 5th birthday party today and she got some nice presents
All the partys she has been to this year we gave cheap rubbish (wilkos crap,3 for the price of 2 rubbish etc)

I was taken aback by the range of nice gifts she got. Should we spend a little bit more on presents for her friends the next time?

I like to spend £30 on prezzies for friends, Because the children's party's cost the mum and dad so much, it is my way i think of chipping in. IYKWIM?

£10???

Kids love tat. Go to the Pound Shop.

I must admit i used to find it insulting if my children recieved 'tat' for a present. I always put so much thought into their friends' presents including quality wrapping paper (yes, I know its going to get ripped up)and a good quality birthday card. It's true, 'good' presents don't have to cost a lot, it really is the thought that has gone into the choice that matters. If my dc recieved something random/innapropriate for their age etc then I felt it was a reflection of the mothers' attitude towards my dc iyswim.

I couldn't care less about what sort of presents DD gets. (Mind you, she is only two, so is very indiscriminating about this sort of thing, often preferring the tat to the nice tasteful expensive presents.)

I always assume that other parents are like me - rushed off their feet and madly disorganised - and I'm amazed that they can get it together to buy a present, wrap it, AND organise a card.

But why would you give something you know is 'tat'? Of course you should feel embarrassed.

Give what you would like to receive is a fair way of looking at things.

YANBU - I think they should be happy to receive any gifts. You spend what is right for you and others will do the same (it is up to them if they want to spend more). I am a present hoarder and often buy things I see on offer but I usually don't go over about £6 (usually a book!). TK Maxx can be great especially books. But really don't worry about it - I love things in Wilkinson especially all their crafty things.

Going to look at the book people now for Charlie and Lola books - thanks for the tip.

Oh for goodness sake..... a party present should be small and appropriate.
Relatives aside, you are inviting kids around to have a good time.... not totting up the cost of pressies.
The invited kids will have a ball running riot in your house, vomiting (yes we had that), tormenting the dog/cat, denying they like anything on the menu and generally being a PITA... but they and your DCs will have had a magic time.

Well, that was the way it was 20 plus years ago.

I used to buy pants/socks as birthday presents when my two were invited to parties...... and so did many other parents.

Why all the stress about this? Things have gotten way out of hand if you ask me!!