childrens birthday presents at parties

[janewest33]

The cost of a present for a child to take to a party is often prohibitive to many parents,particularily large families , the result - the invitation is declined. So your best freind can't come to your party or you can't go to theirs. Recently as a grandma helping out at my grandchild's sixth birthday party I was shocked by the pile of presents she received, over 35 from her class, each costing over £10 up to £30. Truthfully she doesnt need them she was over whelmed, but three of her class declined , the ones on free lunches. This crazy one upmanship should stop. There should be a new regime , nothing over £3 or make something yourself, then all could enjoy the fun and parents shouldn't be embarrassed.

At all children's parties I've been to (probably over a hundred!) the presents have remained wrapped and only opened in private later. There's no pressure on people to give an expensive present. I give a gift of whatever value is affordable for me at the time- that varies of course. It's the thought that counts, and I'm not embarrassed to send something cheaper if need be. We've had gifts of a whole range of values, from poundshop toys to Lego and playmobil sets etc. All were appreciated by my children, most of them were adored. Children love presents.

I spend on average £5 per gift, but usually it is something that cost more, but was bought on sale or in bulk. I have had times when the party bag clearly cost more than that, but I do not worry about it. I have never had a gift acknowledged, and my experience of kids opening gifts is that they rarely remember who got what.

The three children who did not attend the party my have had other reasons for not attending - perhaps transport was an issue, or a multitude of other reasons.

I give what I can afford, and do not keep track on what others give. It is about the kids having fun.

My DD has had presents ranging from a colouring book to a sylvanian families set / Lego... And I couldn't tell you who bought what. If anyone ever asks me what she wants I always say 'oh you don't have to get anything!' And if they press I say 'a colouring book' because you can often get one for a pound and it will always be used!