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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

Rogueone · 29/12/2018 09:31

My DS birthday is today and definitely get a present. It is important not to dismiss it simply because she had xmas a few days ago. Its her birthday not just another day

LittleOwl153 · 29/12/2018 09:32

As the parent of a - to be 5 next week - if this is a class party then I would go with the cash. They can then add to something they had for Christmas in a non wasteful way.

30 bits of plastic etc just after Christmas is hard work! Alternately something consumable - pens, pencils, colouring paper or very age appropriate books (reading level) but not if they have older siblings - or bookcase is full!

If it's a smaller party - few friends at home type - I'd go with a present as it's more likely to be opened at the party.

Wouldn't go with the iou though.

Artesia · 29/12/2018 09:36

Another with a Christmas child here, who has just turned 5. Definitely get a gift. Based on the 5yr old girls I know, I would go for a unicorn/mermaid back pack/lunch box/ money box/ purse or similar.

EdtheBear · 29/12/2018 09:37

I'd go with cash, exactly what Little Owl says.

Nobody needs a bundle of generic gifts straight after Christmas. Let the kid pick something or maybe even club their money for something bigger.

HettieBettie · 29/12/2018 09:37

Get her a magazine today and a subscription for it. Kids love post. And fucking magazines!

CottonSock · 29/12/2018 09:39

I have a 5 yo and I can assure you she was very happy to get cash. A little thing like pens to open if you are worried. Tbh she was quite overwhelmed by amount of gifts, but loved a special trip to shops later to spend her dosh. Able to help her understand value of cash too.

curlii103 · 29/12/2018 09:39

Present because December birthdays are rubbish. Equally too many toys ate rubbish. Can you get princess clothes or dress up stuff? Randomly we love princess aprons!

Original poster

Hermano · 29/12/2018 09:43

Thanks for answers!
I'm slightly smug you all hate IOU, I do too. OH is surprised at responses

Present seems the overwhelming favourite. If it were my child I'd prefer cash, as they'll have just got a million presents at Xmas, so a million and one feels needless extra. But I wanted opinions from mums and you've spoken so we'll pop out and get something consumable /useful which won't take up too much extra space at this time of year.

Thanks for answers

OP posts:

EdtheBear · 29/12/2018 09:51

I'm surprised so many would want gifts too. I'd definitely prefer cash and i think its good for kids to get to choose some things for themselves.

Elphaba17 · 29/12/2018 10:04

I would buy craft sets, character pyjamas or a voucher for somewhere like smyths.

UserName31456789 · 29/12/2018 10:06

I would go for a book or craft stuff.

BunnyTeapot · 29/12/2018 10:13

Do not iou. My birthday is near to Christmas you'll just upset the girl and annoy the parents. Either give money or buy her some books or toys.

monty09 · 29/12/2018 10:13

Get her a voucher so she can still buy herself something but doesn't have to be straight away.

Stompythedinosaur · 29/12/2018 10:15

I would say a present would be best. I think kids with December birthdays often feel their birthdays are overlooked.

bridgetreilly · 29/12/2018 10:19

I'm not surprised parents prefer cash, but I think the children always prefer presents to open. And it is the child's birthday, so....

JudasPrudy · 29/12/2018 10:23

IOU for a birthday present

MidniteScribbler · 29/12/2018 11:12

If their birthday is close to Christmas, that shouldn't matter. Buy them whatever you would if their birthday is in June/July.

CheeseAndBeans · 29/12/2018 11:26

Definitely go with a present, glad you have decided to op!
We have 2 class parties coming up for 5 year old girls. Went into the works and got some lovely unicorn notepads and pens. Will always get used!

adagio · 29/12/2018 11:29

Deco a pressie, and Pikmi pop or LOL doll - kids seem to adore them (or any other blind bag toys!) round here 😁

RebelWitchFace · 29/12/2018 13:15

Either text the parent, go with a craze(pikmi pop,pomsies,sequin changing things,LOL,slime etc) or do the money. DD loves getting money just as much as getting toys. She has a jan bday and saves the money from then plus what we give her to buy herself something "big" in the summer.

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