Joint kids birthday party - buying the other a present?

[SunshineAndFizz]

My DD has been invited to a party for her friend's birthday, but the party is being shared with another child. We don't know the other child at all - would you buy them a present too?

I would not, no

I'd get them a box of maltesers or a book, or some sort of token gift if finances allow.

I definitely wouldn’t buy them a proper gift but I might bring a pack of smarties or some sweets or something small, but I wouldn’t worry if you don’t .

No, I wouldn’t.
My daughter had a shared party when she was little and we only got presents from children she knew. I wouldn’t have expected anything from the other half of the guests.

Personally I wouldn’t/didn’t - you buy a present for the child who the invite was from. If the invite is worded x and y invite you I would bring a token gift.

A present for the friend and a token gift for the other child (host) of the party. Nothing more than a few pounds, if even that. Along the lines of box of Malteasers or something. It’s about acknowledgment really isn’t it. You recognise this is another child’s birthday party too, so a small gesture is all that’s needed. Of course it’s not expected of you but it’s good manners.

I am going to a joint party of my son's two classmates next week. We know both of them but their parents told us to only bring 1 present as the two boys will each bring half the presents home, (like if there's 10 presents, each will get 5). They said they planned this joint party is to save cost for both organisers and guests.