To feel embarrassed by birthday gift?

[DeerestMartha]

I feel so embarrassed ...

It was DDs 8th birthday on Friday and two of her friends have birthdays the same week so yesterday we arranged to meet a couple of her friends and their parents at a local attraction (within the rule of 6).

The girls exchanged cards and each of them had money inside. I had given both other girls £5 each along with some sweeties.

My DD received £10 from both of her friends 😳 .

My DD thanked them and nothing was said by either children or parents but I feel very guilty.

For context , one child’s parents are in high flying jobs, the other is mid income and I am very low income.

Would you be bothered if this was your child? I can’t shake the shame !

£5 and sweets is more than enough!

I had to read that twice becomes I thought you meant you hadn’t brought presents (which would have been okay too).

This is absolutely fine. It was lively if you to bring gifts - the amount doesn’t matter at all. No one worth their salt would bat an eyelid. I was in charge of gathering presents at my nephews party - there was a wide range of values, both In terms of cash and actual gifts. He was just grateful for every one of them. The sweets were more appreciated that the cash to be honest 😂

Everyone should know the guidance by now so that they can make appropriate decisions.

Absolutely, if you are particularly concerned you should know rather than chirruping around in the background of other peoples threads. It's not like it's just come in to force.

Nobody will think anything, op, honestly. I promise you!

£5 and some sweets with a card was absolutely fine.

"I get plenty of fresh air. I have a nice garden and go out for plenty of walks. I'm not comfortable in crowded places as people get too close regardless of the rules.

I may meet up with some friends outdoors one on one now that the weather is improving."

Right. That's not shielding!!! You said you were "shielding", hence my comment that you don't need to now and should get outside in the fresh air.

A fiver and a box of maltesers was my go-to and it’s some years since my kids were of “parties” age. It’s an acceptable present OP.

It's absolute fine OP . I wouldn't bat an eyelid if you'd given my child £5 and not £10. Plus you gave sweets!! Really not a problem.

Your present was fine. Don’t worry.

@ElderMillennial

I'm being very careful and if you knew my circumstances you would probably understand why.

By jumping on the sodding Covid thing you’ve (hopefully inadvertently) made this whole thread about you.

@ElderMillennial

FGS 🙄 No the rule is up to 6 people or only two households if there are more than 6.

I only asked and only because OP mentioned it. Why are people so hostile about covid rules??

OP only mentioned it to show she was within the rules, to try and stop the covid police feeling the need to post.

And are even drip-feeding awful things.

[quote ElderMillennial]@HolesInTheGrass Why don't you mind your own business? Respond to OP's thread. If you don't agree with my comment, just jog on. You're the one "chirruping" 3 pages in...[/quote]
I don't have pages. It's not 2006.

No, OP, this wouldn't bother me in the slightest. £5 and some sweeties is a lovely gift.

OP don't feel in any way bad or embarrassed. As PP have said, I'd hate to think of anyone stretching themselves financially just to give my kid a present. £5 is absolutely fine, especially with sweets!! I bet the kids were delighted

[quote ElderMillennial]@Canoenewbie I get plenty of fresh air. I have a nice garden and go out for plenty of walks. I'm not comfortable in crowded places as people get too close regardless of the rules.

I may meet up with some friends outdoors one on one now that the weather is improving.

Unfortunately it is difficult to avoid the anxiety.[/quote]
Fuck me how to derail a thread.....

Jesus, the Me-railing 🙄

Anyway Op I bet the girls were delighted to get sweets and money, mine would be . Also, even if in some circles £10/£15 is the norm so to speak, it doesn’t mean you have to go with that.

I have a limit on what I’m prepared to spend on dc friends and I stick to it. I could afford to spend more but I just feel like it can get out of hand. One person randomly decides to give £20 or buy a more expensive gift, others then feel like they need to match it and suddenly they’re spending ridiculous amounts or putting time and effort into choosing something for children they barely know, because they feel obliged to! Better to decide what you’re happy/can afford to give and stick to that without second guessing yourself.

Reported for pointing out that rules differ in the devolved nations and that not every thread needs to be covid policed
This place is an utter joy these days

Back to the actual thread
OP please don't worry
Your gift is fine
Hope your little one had a cracking day

@ElderMillennial you clearly weren't just curious, you hoped the catch OP out so you could have a little superior moment. Perhaps time to come out of shielding and broaden your horizons.

People need to lay off @ElderMillennial now. Yes, she was wrong and it wasn't really relevant to the OP's question, but she has explained why she is anxious and there is no need for the pile-on.

All of the people complaining about "me-railing" would do better to focus on answering the OP's question.