Sister in law asked for money for her sons birthday instead of a present?!

[CleanFreak123]

Hi there,
Call me old fashioned but I think giving a 4 year old a present for their birthday is much more suitable than money. My partners sister is throwing a party for her son tomorrow. I asked what he would like and she said money! Hmm got me thinking that she would prefer the money more like.
How much should I put in a card?

I ave given money to children that young and younger so they can get something they would like as I hate it when people just assume my DD would like something because it is popular.

He's only 4, a voucher from your nearest toy shop for a tenner will be great!

Kids get loads these days!

DS asked for money as he wanted a TV in his room to play his games on

Give him some money and don't think about it

When they were younger any money given was spent on days out - farm or something - parents are capable of using the money wisely

I've always found vouchers a real pain.
You'll never get something for the exact amount. You then end up having to add your own money to it, or end up with bits and pieces of vouchers / gift cards with tiny amounts on them. You have to make a specific trip to that shop with your child (no fun for me, or them). You then end up paying OTT prices for things you know you could get for a much better price elsewhere (re the Waterstones vouchers or WH Smiths vouchers my dc used to get sometimes).
Cash however you can either save, spend some of, save long term or save up for something later that month or year, or put together with other money towards something bigger you might want.

Why not give money? At 4 he'll be getting plenty of toys. I had an account for my son for grandparents etc to pay into (at their own discretion on birthdays etc), although I never asked for money. Knowing he is going to need tuition fees for university would possibly have affected that decision!