birthday parties

[mal1234]

my boys started primary school this year. So far this year he has been to 8 birthday parties and im sure there are more to come.
We end up going to the local toy store every time to get a present to bring to the party. I usually spend in the region of £15 a party, plus a card. I am not bothered about the money it just that I am pretty sure that what we are buying is not what the kids wants.
Just want to know does anyone just give money to kids at birthdays. I was thinking of doing this in future: 1. it means the kid can put all its money together and the parent/s can go shopping and get what the kid really wants. 2. I dont have to go to toy shopping every week.

However I dont know the bad form on may part.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Sounds like a lot to spend. We used to spend between £5 and £10. My DD is now 11 and often gets money instead. But when they are younger, surely you can think of some toy that they would love?

I tend to spend £7 or £8 per party if that helps at all?

A couple of mums give £10 in an envelope and no-one raises eyebrows at that, seems to go down well. By the time I have shopped for and wrapped by £8.00 it will have cost about £10 anyway.

I put a maximum of £10 per present - now ds2 is in y6 we do money, but for dd (y3) we do things like art stuff/lego/construction toys/pretty accessories etc - and don't forget books - they don't have the 'wow' factor some other presents have when unwrapped, but they tend to last a lot longer and don't need batteries

I usually spend £5 to £10 on presents, too - there's some good bargains out there if you look carefully!

If in doubt about what to buy, I often just ask the parents what their children are into - they're usually more than happy to oblige!

I spend £5 and that seems quite usual round here. I have taken to buying book tokens which my children don't like me buying but they always love getting them!

Buy in bulk something that your ds / dd would like and share that around the parties. Our current thing for parties ( age 6 or 7 boys) is nerf guns. Nerf.com. Normally spend £8 ish.