To put money in a DC's birthday card instead of buying a present?

[Eggrules]

£10 is a classmates card? DC are 5 and 6. AIBU?

I am in the middle of a massive clearout. Decluttering toys is my least favourite job ever. I just can't add to someone else's toy mountain.

sounds fine. I have even just put a £5 if we dont know the child very well

Sounds fine, it's what we usually do.

I know my DS would prefer a present.

I've been doing that for years, and so have the mums of the DC's friends. Once the DC get to about 8 or 9, it's definitely the preferred present

Sorry, just seen that they are 5 and 6. I would, unless I knew there was something in particular they really wanted. What about a funky Tshirt? DS was always mad keen for sports stuff at that age. Still is, but the brand matters now

I've started putting a fiver in kid's cards even though I know their parents will probably put it towards that night's takeaway.

Although I am taking the DCs to a birthday party shared by 3 boys this Saturday. Buggered if I'm putting £15 in cards. I sense a visit to Poundland may happen this week...

Kids love birthday money!

Its not really up to your child what they prefer- a gift is a gift, its not up to kids to be fussy they should have gratitude for a gift in any shape or form.

Or if children/their familiy cannot give them anything for whatever reason they should be grateful for that child's presence, that is the main gift at a kids party.

Do vouchers instead? Book tokens or vouchers to a local shopping centre?

Nothing wrong with money though, parents will probably be pleased they don't have another toy/game etc to store.

I would love it if people gave DD money rather than gifts (she's almost 4yo). I'm really scared at the prospect of all-class parties once she starts school. That's 29 other kids to buy for!

I liked the idea on a previous birthday present thread of the Canadian idea where kids have to bring 2 dollars (IIRC), one for the birthday child and one for a charity box. It had a special name. (anyone?)

The birthday child then has some money to choose a birthday toy, the charity gets money too, and no one has spent any money on pointless plastic tat.

My grandparents always gave £10 in a card! I loved it!
DC have had £ and vouchers in B'day cards from friend's. They love it!

My dcs would love to get £5 in a card - it means they can spend time deciding what they'd really like (anticipation and all that), then get a shopping trip to purchase whatever they've chosen.

Absolutely fine! We do a collection for school parties - contribution is £5. If someone can't put in the collection (not on school run for example) it is put in the card. Sooo much better than more toys they don't need. The kid then gets lots to spend on one big present they actually want.

But I tend to buy clothes for DD's preschool/nursery friends - much easier than toys to work out what they like and the mums tend to appreciate a nice t-shirt more than plastic rubbish. M&S particularly do nice ones for under a tenner.

I don't ask for/expect presents when hosting a birthday party; I always take one. I think at 5, DC are more like to prefer a present and be a bit baffled at money. £10 is about right for the parties DS has been invited to - Build a Bear and Animal Man/Entertainer.

Clothes/ a tee shirt is a good idea. The invitation normally gives a clue as to what the birthday child may like. The only thing is the size . I know people can take stuff back but it may be easier if they get what they want.

We used to make a production of going to town and DS picking a toy for his friend. We tend not to have as much notice and I will not have a chance to go to the shops.

I absolutely hate sorting through toys and I only have one; one little boys has 5 siblings. Feel >>> at the thought.

My fave idea is the £1 or child and £1 charity. Something to think about if we have a party for DS next year.