How many gifts do you buy your child for their birthday?

[cruelladevill]

Just out of curiosity.

My child's birthday is coming up. They have had one big gift. Child is only young, under 5. I feel guilty they won't have more than one present to open. Sure they will get gifts from family too later on in the day

What's the norm? I know it varies from families. Just wondering everyone's views

Really depends on what’s happening that year! In a year when DD was having a big class party (and this ending up with lots of presents from friends), we did fewer presents or one big item.

Some years the reverse! This year 9 y o DD was having a trip to HP studios as a birthday treat, so she got maybe 25-30 small gifts from us - and by small I mean wrapped up little bits and knick knacks, so keyring, notepad, sparkly pen, sweets, mini bracelet kit, Harry Potter scrunchie, mini squishmallow etc. - all bought cheaply in sales and so on, so despite the number the cost was pretty low.

It all depends on the age, too - a 4 y o wants a Big Toy and is unlikely to be impressed by lots of little bits of stationery and keyrings and knick knacks and glow in the dark pens and bits of fiddly stuff etc.; but for a 9 y o that’s heaven!

I imagine when she’s a teen it will switch again, and then it will be one or two small but more expensive gifts and clothes. Right now DD can’t think of anything worse than getting clothes as a present - “squashy presents”, she calls them with disdain 🤣 - but when she’s 14 she’ll probably take more interest in clothes!

My daughter is shortly after Xmas and I really don’t want more rubbish toys in the house in January. This year I spent £30 on three small gifts, plus both grandparents sent a gift. As she gets older and doesn’t want toys I’ll probably spend more.

Yes usually 1 big or 3-4 small things.

I think a handful of nice gifts is fine at a younger age

Too many

Usually one big, 2-3 medium and then a bunch of small things.

It really does depend on what they’ve asked for though!

Eg DD asked for a new iPad so I wrapped up a couple of cases, screen protector etc. so there was bits to open. My kids are into the unwrapping part

I usually buy them one bigger thing and then a few smaller things like books / make up / fidget toys / clothes. Etc. The smaller gifts don't cost all that much. The bigger present isn't always big either sometimes if a £10 thing but just the thing they really want.

I have never counted the amount of gifts I've ever got my DS. I think it's a really strange thing to do!

One new outfit and one toy.

Both DDs had 18 for their most recent birthday. One main present (DD1 got a Simply Piano subscription this year), 3/4 medium sized presents (smaller Lego sets or something) and some small things (books, clothes, pencils).

A bike is a good gift, maybe I'd get a couple things more that you know will be a hit.

We don’t have a budget which I appreciate is very lucky but I just get what I know they would like.

DD was 8 in January and she got various things relating to her interests; a new keyboard, microphone, proper art supplies & easel and then things I knew she’d like; roller blades, games, dolls etc

I get stressing about the amount and worried they won't think it's much. If you wanted more thing to unwrap, do a few smaller things they would have anyway - character bubble bath, pens/crayons, chocolates/sweets, charity shop book - a few £1s in poundshop goes along way for little ones. Or assemble a craft activity/box, or a baking activity to do on the day? Could you hide the bike and make a treasure hunt to find it?

For an under 5 I would probably get them a couple of small bits and pieces to go with the bike. You could get a couple of cheap bits and pieces - B&M have books (stories, sticker books, activity books) for 99p, a bag of chocolate buttons, a tun of slime or playdoh, some character socks or a cuddly toy.
You could get quite a few bits totalling under £10 but might make you feel better :)