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Parties/celebrations

Present budget

45 replies

Nicpem1982 · 31/01/2017 21:29

Hiya

My dd is starting to get invited to lots of birthday parties as she's just started pre school/nursery we average about 2 parties a month at the moment, and I know that this will likely increase as she gets older and class size increase.

For close friends/families children we budget around 15-20 pounds but if I'm honest I think this is quite high for a nursery friends whom we barely know - what do you normally spend? I don't want to be seen as tight

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RainbowGlowCandyFloss · 03/03/2017 22:23

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GotPanache · 27/02/2017 14:31

£5-10 here too, aiming closer to £5 when possible but I like to get something decent so try for bargains rather than any old tat! Prob spend more like £10-15 if the family are close friends. Quality Save can be good for cheap toys.

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rfLego · 27/02/2017 14:20

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SquitMcJit · 02/02/2017 16:49

Sorry, I didn't answer your original question...

I'd say people spend £5-£7 for a classmate's party. Maybe £10 for a good friend.

Lots of people pick up things on 3 for 2 offers or Book People deals. Books and games are always popular ( especially with parents!) Stationery and (decent) craft kits/ sticker books are good too.

It really doesn't need to be a big expensive thing at all.

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Nicpem1982 · 02/02/2017 16:18

001- i don't think I'd be comfortable buying gifts imported from eBay because I don't know if these items would meet British safety standards and that would worry me as some of the children are young.

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Nicpem1982 · 02/02/2017 16:16

Leelulu - I'm really sorry to hear that people can be vile 😢💐

Squit - that's a very valid point equal budget for all I think

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00100001 · 02/02/2017 12:03

all above with free delivery :)

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feduplonelymum · 02/02/2017 10:32

leelulu that's so sad. My heart goes out to you and your ds Flowers

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MrsKoala · 02/02/2017 10:18

i spend about £15-20 on a present, then £3 on a card and wrapping.

There are 2 reasons for this. 1 - we have 2 dc going to the parties. 2 - i am totally disorganised and have no time, so i rush out to the nearest shop and do a smash and grab on the first things i see. I am going to try to shop better tho in future.

Thanks for all the tips :)

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LEELULUMPKIN · 02/02/2017 10:14

Thanks guys (sorry don't know how to do links for names) It is rubbish but I feel pathetic now for blurting that out. It is what it is and I have to suck it up. I am, however an eternal optimist and hope he will one day.

When that day eventually comes the invitee is going to be one lucky kid as I have 11 years to make up for! :)

So OP in response to your original question - I have no budget. I'd probably be so happy that I would buy the kid a pony!

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KitKat1985 · 02/02/2017 09:57

LeeLulu Sad That's so sad.

In answer to your original question OP, I'm also in the £5-10 camp.

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SquitMcJit · 02/02/2017 09:16

Sorry, posted too soon... but it is lovely of you to keep hosting them for him. That's what he will remember

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SquitMcJit · 02/02/2017 09:15

That is really rubbish Leelulumpkin I'm sorry for your DS

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LEELULUMPKIN · 02/02/2017 08:59

Never had one. My gorgeous DS has severe learning difficulties and has not once in his 11 years ever been invited to a party, in spite of my DH & I giving him one every year and inviting his SN classmates. Oh they all come along (and bring siblings uninvited) but not once has any of them ever reciprocated. He's never been on a sleep over or playdate either. Cunts. Sorry, had to get that out.

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SquitMcJit · 02/02/2017 07:36

I think that's really weird if people specifically spend less on a present for a child doing a home party. What if that is all that the parents can afford - does that mean their child deserves less of a present just because your child isn't getting to go rollerblading or to soft play?

Having done both home and event- type parties I can honestly say a home party can cost a lot. Plus it is lovely if people go to the effort of a home party ( if they have the space and the inclination!) In our case it took lots of effort - cleaning house, hosting and organising games, decorating, choosing prizes and party bags and buying and making all the food. Not necessarily a cheap option - but even if it was, kids seem to love the contrast of a home party sometimes.

Both types of party are good and it is lovely if my child is asked to either - I would not be costing out how much to spend on a present based on what I perceived she getting out of it!

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SimplyNigella · 02/02/2017 07:32

DS had his first big party recently (he was 3) and I would say people spent £5-10 with some post Christmas bargains in the mix.

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WhirlwindHugs · 02/02/2017 07:24

We spend £3-5 for nursery age gradually the budget increases as they get older and invited to much fewer parties!

A present/paper/cards stash is an excellent idea, I really recommend it. It also saves those 'ah balls, the party is this afternoon and we've no time to buy anything' moments!

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Nicpem1982 · 02/02/2017 07:24

I think I'm going to budget 5-10 and try and pick up the odd bargain where I can.

I've stocked up on paper, tags and I'll pick some cards up this week.

Xmas - I know it's the present not the cost that's important but I'd like to give something decent (ish) that doesn't cost the earth that the children will like.

My dd loves games and books and I think that's a pretty safe bet with most children??

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Nicpem1982 · 02/02/2017 07:19

Sheldon - I see what you mean now I didn't think of that makes sense.

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Xmasbaby11 · 01/02/2017 22:46

DD turned 5 recently and the presents received probably ranged from £3 to £10. I suspect a few were regifted. She loved most of them, apart from a book on bugs which doesn't really interest her. It's really the choice of present that's important, not the price.

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Xmasbaby11 · 01/02/2017 22:43

DD has just started reception and is going to a few parties. I spend around £5 per present, more if it's a close friend and I know what they like.

I buy mostly from supermarkets and Home Bargains, which is happily just down the road.

I keep wrapping paper in and a stash of cards from the Book People.

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SheldonCRules · 01/02/2017 21:39

If a venue, the host has paid to have my child do the activity whereas there are little costs with a home party. Seems only fair to spend more on a gift for that reason.

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Nicpem1982 · 01/02/2017 21:05

Sheldon- why does it matter if it's a venue? How does that effect the budget I'm curious

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SheldonCRules · 01/02/2017 20:49

Upto £12 depending on whether it's a home party or venue.

£15-£20 if a close friend.

I bulk buy cheap cards and paper as it only ends up in recycling anyway.

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