If your DC is in a London private primary, how much do you spend on schoolmates' birthday presents? (light-hearted and superficial)

[Primafacie]

Title says it all. DD is in reception and we have a gazillion class birthdays between now and Christmas. What's the normal spend on presents? I am aiming to be firmly in the zone between 'cheapskate' and 'show off' :o

Thanks

£10 (reduced from £20, in sale). But £20 + for a good friend.

£10-£15 here. I had to smile on my DD's last birthday though when her friend who had just moved from state school gave her a £5 voucher (which of course she was delighted with) Her other school friends that gave money/vouchers all gave £10. We're in the North.

State school in the North... I usually find a lump of lard or coal goes down well.

Why did you 'have to smile', Nowhere?

The thing that throws me is that birthday parties are so expensive to organise around here, that £10-15 (which is what I would normally spend on a present) barely covers the parents' costs. Entertainers cost £150-200, a venue will set you back easily £150-250, and that is before cake, party bags, food and what not. Does this mean I should up my spend to closer to (or more than) £20?

Hmm, I think I've got my answer actually! Turns out I AM a cheapskate :o

I dont see the present as paying for my childs place. Everyone ends up hosting a party after all.

Based on the presents we have received over the years i would guess them to be worth 5-30 quid.

It's more about how much the present is worth than how much you spent. I try to buy presents in sales but the full price shouldn't be higher than a typical present in your child's social circle. Unless his/her birthday is on 1 September you have time to suss out from your conversation with parents and your child's conversations with other kids what that price might be.

London prep. £15 ish. But if I can find it with discount, wh smith £5 off or bulk buy, amazon disc I do!!