Kids parties and present value should be about the same as party cost?

[ElatedMauveFox]

I was told rule of thumb is that a present for a party should be generally what the party cost - eg soft play at £10 than £10 present?

Aibu

I didn’t think there was a ‘rule’. I give what I can afford at that time, and expect the same in return. If that’s nothing/bag of sweets then no problem.

An invite is a request of company, not gifts.

Yep, anyone giving a party should use reliable accounting software to ensure cost of gifts vs cost of party balances and they don't end up in deficit.

I've never heard that rule. I'll give what I can afford. When my youngest had their birthday a few months back I did not expect to have the value of the activity back in a gift, I just wanted my child to have a fun day with their friends. The smiles on their faces was worth the cost.

Never heard of that one. I just get what I think the recipient would like

Nope, not a thing. I always spend £10-15, whether it's a picnic in the park or an expensive party venue

How mercenary. I dont expect to recoup the cost of a party I’ve chosen to spend money on for my child. And I don’t choose value of gifts for others based on what I think their party cost.

I fully disagree. We give DS big parties, but our soft play is £24/ head when you add decorations, pizza etc. £5 gift or a book regardless of party type is perfect, up to £15 for a best mate, more only for a cousin. Band together 5-10 parents to get something more expensive if you can be bothered, but a party is already great for the birthday kid, they really don't need a house-full of presents too.

Absolutely not, my children have enjoyed birthday parties in a friend’s garden, running around free playing as much as a party that would be more expensive to hold. I always spent the same amount, a present round £10 or the equivalent cash in a card.

Not a thing here. Present is a £2 coin or £5 note in a piggy bank (brilliant idea started years ago by a local mum) so the birthday kid can buy something of their choosing (seemingly always lego!) regardless of the party type.

Have ten piggy banks?

In a friend's garden they arent giving money to a venue so yes turning up with £2 is apt

You are probably rich to spend £300 plus on a party for your kids school mates

Nope, not at all a thing. Nor is it a thing for weddings either.

Have ten piggy banks?

Eh?

You don't bring the coin or note in a piggy bank, you put it in a piggy bank at the party.

So no one actually knows who puts what in.

There's not kids getting 30 piggy banks at class parties

So just paying cash. Nothing new there

Parties in the garden require far more effort from parents, should that not be rewarded?

i think this is bonkers though. If you choose to have an expensive party that’s your choice. We spend the same £10-15 per child and £20 for special friends.

No people should only ever pay what they can afford.
If that's £1 then it's £1.

My children's parties never had an entrance fee. The family who bought a £1 Easter egg was as welcome as the one who bought a £20 science set.
Its up to the host family to spend what they can afford

Er … gift something you think the child would like and is in YOUR budget. If I spend £300 on a birthday party that’s on me. If you can’t afford anything atm and bring a smile and a home made card that’s perfect.

No never heard of this for a kids party.
Mine have had many parties over the years, party prices have ranged from £300-£500 and usually have limited numbers so not the full class are invited. Can easily work out £40 to invite a child I would never expect a gift to be given for £40 to cover the cost.
I pay for the parties to celebrate their birthdays, and am always just thankful that their friends accept the invite so they can enjoy the party with them.

People should pay for the party that they can afford and guests should buy gifts according to their budget too. Personally cost of gift is relative to how close my child is to the birthday boy/girl and the cost of party to the parents is immaterial. One of my kids has allergies so I would bring his food separately so the only cost has been squash at some parties but I’m not going to spend a quid to make that point.

Never heard of this. Sounds absurd.

Choice of party venue and how much they spend is up to the host.

Choice of present is up to the guest, and shouldn’t relate to cost of party venue in any way.

I would say (regardless of guest’s income) that a small token gift is always absolutely fine.

Expensive or lavish gifts are more likely to make your hosts feel uncomfortable imo.

That's ridiculous. Gifts should be given and received with joy, not to balance the balance the books.