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

[poppaea]

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

I wouldn't give anything to my best friend's neice/nephew, unless my children were attending a party or something. Sounds like he gets plenty and won't notice.

A tenner if money but would prefer to buy a toy

You mention 'what is preferred' OP.... Was the amount stipulated?

Best friend's sister's child? Fiver.

My 7yo DD gets €2 pocket money per week, €2 per tooth and she was given €10 for a birthday from a friend which she was ecstatic about. £7 sounds perfect.

Hi Missus, No they didn't stipulate an amount but made it clear that money was preferable. I am supposing because they themselves buy him so many toys, gadgets and clothes. He quite literally has a bedroom piled high with hundreds if not thousands of pounds of toys that he has never or barely played with.

Buy him a big box of shit and watch him run around the garden looking for his horse

€10 is plenty - i'd actually stick to the 7 x £1 coins in a card.

In that case, I'd make a charity donation to Guide dogs, sponsor a zoo animal or similar.

A card and a box of celebrations or other chocolate would be fine.

Hi everyone and thank you so much for all your comments and suggestions which have been so helpful. I thought about it and bought a toy. A remote-controlled car for around the £10 mark plus a pound for batteries from the poundshop. I think the boy will be pleased as it is his fave type of car and show me a little boy who doesn't like toys they can race! It also stayed within budget and sends the message to the parents that I won't be judged on the amount of money I can afford to spend - besides, I think a toy is more thoughtful and he will play with this. I disagree with the parents' outlook and believe children should be allowed to be children and enjoy their childhood instead of being small but rampant consumers who sneer at gifts so your advice to spend a tenner and a toy was really well received. Thank you so much xx

Glad it worked out op x

AKA as her niece/nephew or rather nibling BeSt friends sister child sounds a bit monkeys uncley.
Mind you saying that the leAst I ever put in a card is £10 regardless of who the child is
I do however like Buttonloonmoons idea.
That's fab.

sorry didn't see your update

I don't give money usually but if I asked or was asked for money I think I'd go with the £7 for seven idea.

Sorry OP didn't see your update. Toy sounds great.

If you're not working I'd just give a fiver. By the sounds of it whatever you give won't make much difference to him so you may as well stick with a fiver and save the other five for yourself!

Sorry missed update good plan OP!