Would you think this was a crap gift?

[yellowrose11]

My DC (2 years old) was invited to 3 parties this weekend. All from friends which I wouldn't consider super close.

We are struggling financially at the moment and 2/3 parties also involve buying food / drinks when there.

I really had to budget when buying the gifts.

Today I gave the first present to the 1 year old boy at his party which was a mini windmill for the garden ( similar to attached pic) and I immediately I felt embarassed for how small and rubbish it seemed.

Other people had bought proper presents like clothes and toys which must have cost a lot more.

Just wondering if you would be offended/ judgemental/ think this was a crap gift if your child received this as a gift?

My dc would have enjoyed that much more than clothes tbh.

Its fine!

I wouldn't be offended at all. My son would love that. Perfect for a one year old 🥰

I wouldn’t care about the present OP, if I invited you to the party its because I wanted you there especially with such young children who don’t actually have friends yet!

You shouldn’t have to buy food or drink at a party though? Seems odd!

No, I think it was super cute and something a bit different.
I always find the giant bubble wands are a good deal, they are usually only a pound and most kids are delighted with them and a bag of Haribo!

Another good one is a nice book from a charity shop (very often find ones which look unread) and write a personal birthday message in it

I would have thought it was a great gift. My son would love something like this more than clothes to be honest. I’m sure the parents didn’t care. And if they’re celebrating their child’s birthday just to get expensive gifts there’s something wrong with them.

Not at all, and often it is these kind of gifts that are the liked best by the child. Most birthday party gifts are tat anyway that is forgotten within the week, don't sweat it! Hope your little one enjoyed it and it was bareable for you.

Perfect gift.

We used to get inundated with toys at their parties so anything like that is perfect for parents and the child!

Oh guys.... THANKYOU so much for taking the time to reply. You've honestly made me feel so much better.

Hugs to all xx

When my DC were small, I set a price limit of £10 for birthday presents. Often we gave a fancy pad of paper/notebook or a pencil case and some really nice pens, chosen to address the birthday child's interests - footballs, animals, pirates, mermaids, etc.
I once asked a friend what her child's favourite birthday present had been. She contemplated and answered, 'a wooden watch bracelet' !!! it wasn't even a watch !!

That’s a brilliant gift. Please don’t overthink it.

if people are the type to judge over how much you’ve spent they’re not worth the worry anyway

Cute!

It's a great present.

Oh, and I think someone gave my DC one of those and we still have it.

I think that's a lovely gift for a little one. Gifts are about the giving, not the amount.

The Works sell bundles of books. I buy a bundle and then give one book and a packet of chocolate buttons to a child on their birthdays.

When I invite kids to my children’s parties, it’s so they have their friends there, couldn’t care less about the presents. Fwiw, at one years old, I can imagine what you gifted would probably be my kids favourite present!

I think it’s ok not amazing. As pp said you can get good book bundles at The Works, I just got 3 toddler books for £5.

@yellowrose11 That's a lovely present . I do remember taking DS to a birthday party & I had bought something modest & the going home party bags were worth more than the present but no-one cared.

That’s a great present, very original too.

Lol at that age clothes are very dull. But that windmill is perfect

It's a lovely present OP, mt DC LOVED these

If I was the parent I would be grateful for the thought and effort from another struggling parent.

Perfect for a one year old’s birthday. Both of mine would have loved that at that age.

@WhatWouldYouDo25 - I do understand about the book bundles but when v young DS used to get multiple copies of books from similar ( which call me mean ) I used to take the duplicates and put them in a present pile to pass on as presents when I didn't have one. ( Which is not to say those book bundles aren't a good idea at all )