To wrap up one of DD's books for school friend?

[ellargh]

DD has been invited to her reception friends birthday this week but I am broke. I completely forgot about it and can just about afford to get there and back on the bus. Would I be unreasonable to wrap up one of DD's assorted fairy tale books? It's barely been read, is in good condition and DD has lots so wouldn't miss it at all. I obviously feel awful about this but not as awful as if I turn up with nothing.

WWYD?

YANBU, so long as it doesn't look used I think it is fine. The birthday child will have heaps of presies she probably won't even notice if you gave her something that did look a little used.

Not at all, I'm sure if your DD knew she had a choice of not going or giving away her book she'd choose to go to the party anyway. And the birthday girl won't know that it's not brand new and books are a lovely present

I would do it in your situation. I'd have no problem with either giving or receiving a book from a charity shop. This is the same- as long as you're sure your dd won't mind.

Agree with the others - as long as it looks new, and your DD isn't going to miss it, go for it. She shouldn't have been invited to the party just for a present, but understand you want to give something.

We'll watch out for the "someone gave my DD a second hand book" thread and pile in to support you

YANBU at all.
at lil

Yanbu. Or just explain to the mum :) if it was my dd's party I'd hate to think there was anyone worrying about what to give. Having frinds there and sharing the special
Day with them is what matters. :)

(oh, and re bus... isn't there anyone going from near you who could give you a lift? Nothing wrong with asking IMO.... save the bus fare for something else )

Still trying to find a lift. Not giving up hope yet but there's still a day to find one.

We haven't read the book in at least 7 months so I don't see how she would miss it. She's moved on to The Bunged Up Trunk

If she does miss it you could always get a new one for her Christmas stocking :)

I would do it.

Someone once gave dd1 a packet of fruit pastilles, apologising profusely.

I felt guilty that they'd felt they had to bring a present as I knew money was a huge issue, not through their fault. It wouldn't have bothered me if they hadn't brought a present. Dd1 later proclaimed it to be her favourite present.

Oh god yes, do it! Another good option is charity shops for childrens books - I've picked up many a new and mint condition book for £1 or less for presents and always keep an eye out for nice ones to put in my presents pile!

Not a problem at all, I would do the same in your situation.

You've all made me feel better about this. I'm going to pick up a card with the bus money later as DD is refusing to make one and wants to choose one to buy as my grandfather who lives nearby has very kindly offered us a lift there and back. I'll wrap it up tonight

YANBU - I have done this many times - but only with books that do look new.

YANBU

Do you have a card factory shop nearby? They often do 4 cards for £1 which would give you a few in stock.

Also if you want to PM me I've got a couple of things I'll happily post you that you can either use for your DD's stocking or keep in stock against further invitations. They're nothing brilliant- just a little stationary kit and some play jewellery type stuff but they may come in handy for next time. My DD is 7 now and too old for them as are her friends

Thank you so much for your kind offer storm but I'm sure we'll manage. Maybe post them on a thread here and we could all do a bit to help those in need.

A friend at the school gates gave me a cigarette to stop me stressing out about it! I felt like I was at school and I enjoyed it but now I'm feeling odd because I have no money to buy more and I was supposed to be quitting!

I know it's now too late and I'm sorry to be a wet blanket but my opinion is that it's not your book to give away, is it?