Parties and present buying etiquette - How much?

[Ponka]

DS is 3 and has his first invite to a party at a play place from a girl who goes to his nursery. I'm used to buying presents for his friends where I know the mothers really well but this feels different.

I don't want to seem stingy and I don't want to over do it and embarrass anyone.

How much is the norm to spend on a present for this type of thing?

[islandofsodor]

I spend between £2-£5 depending on how close the friend is.

I usually look out for the offers though and get stuff when I see it in sales etc.

[bozza]

I think £5-7 is an OK amount. A lot of the craft stuff in ELC is £6.

[purpleturtle]

I usually aim for a fiver.

[ChippyMinton]

We sort of agreed at the school gate that a fiver was about right (although i do buy stuff in sales and keep them until needed)

[WanderingTrolley]

£5 per present and stock up on 3 for 2s.

[Gobbledigook]

I usually spend £7-10. Depending how close ds is to the child.

[Ponka]

Thank you. I was thinking £10 but DH was telling me that was too much. I wasn't sure I could find anything good for a fiver but actually there's quite a lot around that would be great.

[ChasingSquirrels]

£5 here aswell, around the £7 mark for friends we see alot of.

[pinkisthatme]

I normally spend about £5 cos once they start getting invited to lots of birthdays it soon adds up!