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Original poster

How much money to give to a friend's 7 year old for his birthday?

41 replies

poppaea · 19/09/2018 00:00

Hi, my best friend's sister's child is 7 this weekend and I see him about once every 6-8 weeks. He is very spoiled and has masses of toys etc. It has been made clear that giving money is the way to go and what is preferred but I wanted to ask how much would be appropriate. I am feeling a bit under pressure about this as this child gets £10 tooth fairy money for each tooth and money left right and centre. Last Eid, he was going around clutching at least 200 quid and constantly talks about money and how much of it he has. TBH, I have never met such a money orientated child in my life! I don't want to appear mean but I don't want to give loads either especially as I am not working right now. Can anyone come up with any ideas or let me know what they think is an appropriate amount for a friend's child? Thank you xx

OP posts:
nokidshere · 19/09/2018 00:02

I give all friends children £10

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 19/09/2018 00:03

I'd personally have given him a tenner.

EnglishRose1320 · 19/09/2018 00:04

I'd say £5-£10 would be plenty. Also only give money if you feel comfortable giving it.

Hellywelly10 · 19/09/2018 00:07

Ive never got a present for my best friends sisters child.

Katedotness1963 · 19/09/2018 00:07

Ten from me. But £10 per tooth?!? Lucky child!

NT53NJT · 19/09/2018 00:08

£5

Blameanamechange · 19/09/2018 00:09

Well it's not your actual best friend's child and he doesn't appreciate the value of anything. I would put a fiver in a card. He'll probably tear open the card just to find the money and move onto the next. Tough if the mum doesn't like it. A tenner for a tooth? That's ridiculous. Most teens I know are getting £10 in their cards at the moment so £5 to me is acceptable. Usually you'd buy a small gift about this price for a 7 yr old. Money only when older.

Thankewe · 19/09/2018 00:09

How about £10 and a bag of sweets/birthday badge to bulk it up a tiny bit?

Original poster
poppaea · 19/09/2018 00:10

helly I have known the family for 25 years otherwise I wouldn't normally. I have also had my cousin's twins who are roughly the same age to buy for this month plus 2 cousins and 3 friends so September is very heavy financially for me. I am just worried about appearing 'mean' if I give a tenner. I know it is stupid as he is a small child but you know how it is x

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Original poster
poppaea · 19/09/2018 00:12

I am totally with you all on the £10 per tooth being ridiculous but he is the only child in the family and a late baby/only child to boot and is spoiled rotten financially and though I think it OTT, they don't seem to but I don't think it teaches him gratitude or to appreciate anything

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Original poster
poppaea · 19/09/2018 00:12

Great idea Thankewe but this child is obese and sweeties wouldn't be appreciated by the mother x

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ButtonMoonLoon · 19/09/2018 00:14

I’d stick 7 shiny pound coins in a card in the shape of a 7 :)

Sparklyfee · 19/09/2018 00:17

7 shiny pounds is a good idea!

Xmasbaby11 · 19/09/2018 00:19

A tenner if it has to be money.

stayathomer · 19/09/2018 00:24

We've always gotten €15 . Tbh Id go against the grain and get a present-a lego set or the like instead if everyone's giving money it's not great for him!!

JingsMahBucket · 19/09/2018 00:54

I'd say £5 is enough. Yo have a lot of other celebrations to pay for this month as you said. I like @ButtonMoonLoon's idea of shaping coins into a number 7 but I would probably do 50p coins. :)

Blameanamechange · 19/09/2018 07:36

jings curve idea on the £7 is good. Looks like you have put a bit of thought into it then. You could put it onto a piece of card and decorate around the seven with felt tips etc.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 19/09/2018 07:39

If I'm giving money I always put £20 in a card.

Hellywelly10 · 19/09/2018 07:41

I still think as your not working, see this child occasionally and you say hes spoilt then you can give it a miss.

noenergy · 19/09/2018 07:42

I wouldn't give less than £20 to a family friends child. Esp in my culture, as u get talked about.

But why not just buy him a toy, you can get something under £10 from the entertainer or homebargains.

AwkwardSquad · 19/09/2018 07:45

Best friend’s sister’s child? Zero. Not helpful, sorry.

dobbythedoggy · 19/09/2018 07:50

If you feel like you have to give what about a little wallet with a single coin in it, then he has somewhere to keep his mountains lf cashm

Charley50 · 19/09/2018 07:51

A tenner.

SaucyJack · 19/09/2018 07:52

A fiver. Tenner is plenty if you feel like it.

It doesn’t really matter what sort of money this kid is used to TBH. He’s not a relative- or even a close friend’s child.

It’s lovely that you’re giving him anything at all. If he hasn’t been taught gratitude by his parents for nice, normal gifts- then that’s their problem. It’s not up to you to bankrupt yourself for a small, spoilt child with unrealistic expectations.

Original poster
poppaea · 19/09/2018 07:53

Thanks everyone. A tenner it is! You have been so helpful xx

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