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Do you keep a stash of gifts for DC’s friends having parties?

63 replies

Homeiswherethedogsare · 30/01/2026 13:29

Tempted to buy a few I have found on offer, it’s nice arts & crafta types of gifts suitable for both genders. We have 5 bday parties to attend over the coming months and I suspext there will be more to come.
I don’t know these kids but DD does as they are frienda at reception. Do you usually buy ad hoc gifts for each child or keep a stash at home whenever you see offers?

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Icecreamandcoffee · 01/02/2026 09:42

My DD is in reception and I have a gift stash (crafting sets, activity books, small LEGO or building brick sets, playdough/ clay sets, bracelet making sets) that I pick up from places like the works when they are on 2 for £12 and 10 books for £10. I also have a card stash from card factory from the card deals like 4 for 3 and 10 for £1.

Her close friends (where I know the parents as we have done playdates) I do buy something more personalised.

Sam858 · 02/02/2026 16:45

I buy things when on offer too and have them stored for when a party comes up. It just makes things so much easier and i also buy kids birthday cards when i see some sort of multibuy offer. Kids can then easily pick a card and gift from the stash! In the early years there's so many parties, it just makes sense to do that

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 02/02/2026 17:34

I did back in the mists of time. Would stock up in Woolies, ELC and ToysRUs sales. So that tells you my kids are middle aged. Things like crafts, lego, action man, even character t shirts and jamas.

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abbynabby23 · 04/02/2026 05:52

Homeiswherethedogsare · 30/01/2026 13:29

Tempted to buy a few I have found on offer, it’s nice arts & crafta types of gifts suitable for both genders. We have 5 bday parties to attend over the coming months and I suspext there will be more to come.
I don’t know these kids but DD does as they are frienda at reception. Do you usually buy ad hoc gifts for each child or keep a stash at home whenever you see offers?

Yes, if I find Lego’s on sale I buy many to have them ready for birthday parties!

CeciliaMars · 04/02/2026 06:21

If I see good value ones, I buy a few.

Iocanepowder · 04/02/2026 06:29

No, though we so far haven’t had too many parties for it to be a hassle. I always ask the parents what the child is into.

Gifts are always appreciated, but as an example, my 5 year old isn’t into crafts or lego.

Oriunda · 04/02/2026 06:32

Homeiswherethedogsare · 30/01/2026 14:09

You mean gifting cash? I see this a lot on MN but I have never witnessed that in real life, I don’t think it’s a thing in my area (London).

Once kids got to 10, and thus too old for toys, in our area of London we always gifted cash. Starting with a tenner, and now up to £20 in their mid-teens.

Slightyamusedandsilly · 04/02/2026 06:44

Homeiswherethedogsare · 30/01/2026 14:09

You mean gifting cash? I see this a lot on MN but I have never witnessed that in real life, I don’t think it’s a thing in my area (London).

It is also a thing in the NE. Especially as they get older. I think it's nice for kids to have a mix of cash and gifts. Although obviously, cash is nice because they can use it for their own choice of gift and have the pleasure of shopping themselves.

Sohelpmegod25 · 04/02/2026 06:54

I buy multipacks of cards and have some generic unisex birthday wrap on the go at all times, and yes if I see things I get them in sales etc…..
My youngest is 7 now and so the whole class parties have stopped and it’s usually smaller numbers of people.
I think most people have a little stash of bits and bobs, it’s just a bit more cost effective especially when they go through the phase of having tonnes of parties and it becomes a nearly weekly event.

As people have said when kids are older the presents tend to be more of a personal gift, something the child likes but I buy a lot in sales.

pinkcow123 · 04/02/2026 07:03

My DC got 5 friendship braclet making sets from their recent party, so they went in a bag to regift! Along with other duplicates and generic gifts I had bought for parties!

MrsM2025 · 04/02/2026 07:30

Yes I did this when DD was at primary school age. I had a birthday drawer with cards / paper / presents in.
I’d stock up after Christmas in Boots !!

KitchenQuestion · 04/02/2026 08:13

For special friends, I tend to buy something specifically for them based on their interests. For other classmates, I have a generic stash of nice age appropriate presents. If DS is given something he already has, those items go into the gift stash.

When he’s older and the parties become smaller with closer friends, I don’t plan to keep a stash and will just buy what his friends would like.

onceagainforrose · 04/02/2026 10:45

Yes, when there’s a sale on.

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