"Class" presents for the birthday child - what do you think?

[3HotCrossBuns]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this but I'm interested in your opinions - our class rep has recently asked the class mums' opinions on having a collection for each birthday child in the class (say £5 each) and getting a "big" present of the relevant child's mum's choosing rather than lots of individual presents from each of the children in the class. The gift is then presented to the birthday child at school or at the party. The majority thought this was a good idea. I didn't! I am happy for 2 people to club together for a present or if 2 children share a party for the presents to be split between them to lessen the "mountain".

BTW - the children concerned are in Y1, I can see how it might work for older children who actually might just want the money (like the birthday money you get in cards from grandma!) to put towards something particular.

Anyway I am a lone voice - just wondered what anyone else thinks? Hope I'm not being unreasonable to the rest of the class!!

Thanks for your thoughts

we used to do something at school where everyone went out and bought a 5 pound present, wrapped it up and put it in a big box. On your birthday you got to take one present out of the box. A bit like secret santa. As kids we loved the 'lucky dip' element of it.

Maybe you could suggest that as a cheaper alternative??

in dds class of 30, when the whole class is invited to a party, we put a pound coin into the card. birthday boy or girl gets 30 quid to spend on one nice gift and parents going have an easy life..

if it is a smaller party, then gifts are given, usually around the value of £5 or £6.

if its a joint party for say 4 children, it usually says on the invitation to buy one gift for the party, and they share out the pile then.

complicated stuff!!