Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Quick replies needed! Birthday present for 5yr old today

45 replies

Hermano · 29/12/2018 09:10

We've got a birthday party this afternoon. In ask the Christmas mayhem haven't got little girl a present yet.
Plenty of shops open so can nip or today.
But... Given she's just had Xmas and now bday, I wondered if she really needs yet another present. I thought maybe tenner in a card and a note saying buy yourself something later in the year.
OH isn't keen on this and thinks it better to put a present IOU and actually get her something later in the year. He'll ensure we don't forget, he's good at stuff like that so no concerns he's trying to avoid giving a present.

If you were the mother of a Christmas bday girl would you prefer a gift, money, or an IOU for your DD?

OP posts:
Romanmonkey · 29/12/2018 09:12

If she’s little I would do a present. An IOU will mean nothing to a little girl and mine would not have appreciated money at that age. I wouldn’t want her birthday to feel flat just because it’s near Christmas.

TillyMint81 · 29/12/2018 09:12

I think an iou won't work for a 5 year old.
We always get nice pjs for young children which I know isn't exciting but everyone needs pyjamas Grin

Romanmonkey · 29/12/2018 09:12

But then I don’t have a dc with a Christmas birthday so others may disagree!

FlibbertyGiblets · 29/12/2018 09:13

Please get her a present. December birthdays suck.

Get her a pack of nice felt tips, easy to source.

Xmastinseltown · 29/12/2018 09:13

An IOU would sound to me like my DC wouldn't really be getting the money/gift, a tenner in a card for birthday girl to save is better

Believeitornot · 29/12/2018 09:13

A present.

Just treat it likes it’s a summer birthday. You’d get her a gift! She’s 5!

Weepingwillows12 · 29/12/2018 09:14

I think I would be a bit annoyed at both if I was the mum. Seems like you can't be bothered (even if not actually true) and it's a last minute thing.

As a 5 year old, probably prefer the tenner but would more likely want a toy.

Romanmonkey · 29/12/2018 09:14

Audio book, pretty hair stuff, arts and craft stuff that can be used and thrown away!! Doesn’t have to be toys.

MrsDeanWinchester75 · 29/12/2018 09:15

My 5yo dd would be disappointed with money, it's all about presents and opening them at her age.

rainbowstardrops · 29/12/2018 09:15

Definitely buy her a present. Maybe something arty for her to do now Christmas is over?

Vanillaradio · 29/12/2018 09:16

Definitely present. It's not her fault she has a December birthday and an IOU or money doesn't mean a lot to 5 year olds, they're all about the presents.

babysharkah · 29/12/2018 09:16

An iou for a present is an awful idea!!

Something like nice pens and a colouring book would be fine and something she can actually 'do'.

egginacup · 29/12/2018 09:16

I’d get a present- with a birthday so close to Xmas she probably hates joint presents / less presents because it’s just been Xmas!

Maybe a book or something?

scalleywag · 29/12/2018 09:16

Not an IOU. It looks lazy. A gift voucher is good and can be spent after the birthday frenzy. Or buy a craft kit. Colouring, glitter glue, craft will all be enjoyed at 5yrs.

Jezzifishie · 29/12/2018 09:17

Craft stuff - DD got felt tips, crayons, stickers etc for her birthday. Doesn't take up a lot of space and will get used!

Mamapuddlefluff · 29/12/2018 09:18

It's my daughters birthday today and so many people give money or say they'll get her something later in the year as it's so close to Christmas. She's always disappointed to not receive presents, not because she's a grabby child, but because she sees her brother, sister and friends get gifts throughout the year on their birthday. Even a tube of sweeties is a nice gift, just something to unwrap, especialy aged 5.

Namechangedzzz · 29/12/2018 09:18

As someone with a child around this time please but a present. When they are older money would be great. An IOU at any time screams an afterthought (whether it is or not).

We have always made a big deal if making sure their birthday was a special day. You wouldn't give an IOU at any other time so please don't treat this child differently.

Ideas...sticker books, craft activities or story cd. dressing up clothes are usually a hit

Fatted · 29/12/2018 09:18

Just buy a present. Doesn't have to be toys. Books or clothes.

Namechangedzzz · 29/12/2018 09:19

*buy (not but)

Sewrainbow · 29/12/2018 09:19

I wouldn't do either of those options, a 5 year old wouldn't understand. Definitely a present, maybe craft stuff or a jigsaw or an out door toy that could be put away for later in the year or sweets with a long shelf life. Sure shouldn't miss out just because it's Christmas. You read so much on here about December borns being treated differently to everyone else and how it upsets them.

Dumbledoresgirl · 29/12/2018 09:20

I have a Christmas birthday as does my son. At the age of 5 absolutely categorically buy a present now!

CosySnuggles · 29/12/2018 09:21

Please get her a present. birthdays at this time of year are horrible! Please treat it like you would a birthday at any other time of year.

And birthday wrapping paper too :)

Can you guess I have a birthday shortly after Christmas? 😉

woodwaj · 29/12/2018 09:26

Another vote for a present. An IOU would go over my son's head. I think LOL dolls are popular and swappable if they get duplicates?

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 29/12/2018 09:26

Just pop to a supermarket on the way there, they’ll have everything you need. (This is my approach to every birthday party!)

clippityclop · 29/12/2018 09:30

Find a pretty top in the sales she can wear in the spring, buy size up, and a new book or stickers. Treat it like any other birthday.

Swipe left for the next trending thread