All the parents who put a fiver in a card as a birthday present for ds: lazy swine or perfectly sensible to allow him to buy what he wants?

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I'm not sure what I think on this one.
Ds had a 10th birthday party today and LOTS of his guests put money in the cards rather than turning up with a present.

It's never crossed my mind to do this, I usually buy something for ds to take to parties. My sisters, who were here, both thought the parents giving cash were lazy bastards, I'm not sure what I think really.

What do you reckon?

But don't they like a big pile of presents to open even when they're 11? I give money to all my neices and nephews but I always put it in a book so there's a present as well (I keep a stock of books bought cheaply for the purpose).I don't think I'd give money to dc's friends, though. I usually give crafty stuff - surely everybody likes that whatever the age?

I'm not sure I'd let my dcs ask fo rmoney either - but I'm impossibly old fashioned!

I've been known to resort to cash (but prefer to get a voucher) due to the lack of hours in the day/days in the week. The guilt makes me give ten pounds though, rather than a cheaper present. I've also given a small gift and five pounds to a child whose mother requested "only money" in the invite as I didn't like the thought of him not having any pressies to open on his birthday.

good idea to give money instead of a gift they don't always want.

and very good idea to put it into an account for him

I think it's fine. By the time they reach this age, it's difficult to find an 'original' gift for them. I've got 3 kids and our house is definitely full of tat. They like the idea of being able to choose their gift and it's a good opportunity for them to learn about saving and spending wisely.

I asked my DNephew what his favourite present was, and he said "money in a card"