To give £5 instead of gift?

[Ebisu]

DS has another classmates party at the weekend, birthday child will be turning 7. Instead of my usual kids gifts of lego/books etc, I’m planning on getting a big chocolate bar and putting £5 in the card. Then the child can choose their own gift, or put it towards something. My almost 7yo would love to get this but DH doesn’t like the idea. Any other thoughts please?!

And just can’t afford to spend £10 on every kid from school

We've never had money in a card (DC1 is 6) but we have had vouchers for book / toy shops.

The vouchers have been massive hits - DC have loved the experience of going to the shop and picking out their own presents.

As for arguments about lack of thought or parents not being bothered - if the parents in question don't know the birthday child, then actual presents can be very hit and miss anyway. We've certainly received presents from class birthday parties that DC have been completely disinterested in. With cash / vouchers then you know the birthday child will be able to definitely get themselves a gift they want.

Donning my hard hat here but I think it shows lack of thought. DD had a fiver off a friend in her last birthday party (similar age to your DC). She was underwhelmed and her and her friend still talk about it. I couldn't help but think that the parents just couldn't be bothered

Shows a lack of imagination if she couldn't think of anything to do with it!

Diazepam DD is a big spender and the money dissappeared quickly. Neither her nor her friend could understand why the friend's parents were completely unable to find a present. Perhaps they are too young and immature: or perhaps like a pp says they just see like it is - that adults just can't be bothered with the whole birthday party faff.

I always ask the party giver if they’d prefer cash or a gift. Cash is usually the preferred answer and I’m fine with that. Much easier and the child can buy what they want. DS loves getting cash - he received over £90 from his last party so we got him a bicycle with it.

Great plan.

I think it's good if you don't know the kid well, my dd had a class party and 2 or 3 gave money, she was excited to get "paper" money if close friends a gift is

I have been giving money to class mates since reception. I have zero enthusiasm for finding a present that they will like/not be duplicated/comes in on budget/is actually worth giving. I’d much rather give money and let them pick something they want. Ds was only given money from his friends this year-he was able to buy a new scooter with the money (I hadn’t asked for that to happen, they all chose to give cash instead of a boxed gift) which was far more worthwhile than lots of books/craft/stationary sets etc that would clutter up his room before being discarded (as in previous years).
I’d give a 7 year old a fiver, but probably by 8 or 9 would up it to £10.
Also, if dh doesn’t think it’s acceptable, I’d put his in charge of present buying from now on. That might help him to have a change of heart.

It's a good present. £5 and chocs is perfect for this age group.

Perfect. Not many kids need 'more stuff' randomly bought from poundland. £5 can be spent on experiences instead. :)

Ohto I often do this and it might be partially because I can't be bothered/don't have time to pick up some plastic crap for the birthday child. Shoot me now

£5 for a whole class party or if under 10. No wee kid needs £300 from their classmates

£10 and no choc if its a much smaller party/tweens/lots fewer parties by this age

FWIW I think we should all stop the insanity and cap it at a fiver