Another mum in my NCT group has invited us to her 1yo's birthday party. We are sort of friendly but not close, and I've not seen her much since we went back to work. She's nice though.
How much of a gift is expected? She was given lots of secondhand stuff so doesn't buy clothes at all - I get the impression that she isn't too bothered about having new things.
Last time I saw her she had bought something new, and I thought I could give her a £5 gift voucher from that store for when that new item wore out. I thought I was being thoughtful but DH thinks I'm being cheap and vouchers are thoughtless.
I could add to the voucher a book of children's poems that I bought secondhand and was saving as a potential gift for someone else (out of print but there are lots of second hand copies floating about) - it's a beautiful book I used since newborn and a child can grow into. Is that enough? Or am I overthinking?
Or I could just buy a cute t-shirt or something. I wouldn't be keen on this kind of gift myself as I find clothes given to my lo aren't very practical so aren't worn for long.
Finally I'll add that my lo isn't having a birthday party, so there is no expectation from us to receive a gift back!