Reception class - birthday parties

[ellenrose]

ds has just started reception and has received his first party invite.

Is there an average amount to spend on pressies? Thinking we are going to be doing a lot of these but also don't want to seem tight

ellenrose, I would say £5-£10 but usually for us nearer the £5 mark! If you shop wisely you can get a lot for that amount.

£5 .. you can loads around this price point

up to £10 if you know them really well

£5 maximum. I used to buy things on special offer and keep a 'present box' handy for such events.

Thanks - despite having sons of my own, wasn't sure what type of thing to get and I always end up overspending when I am not sure. As this is one of the first parties we barely know the boy so a little tricky. Must start trawling shops . .

Power Rangers figures
Lego knights (they're for 6+ but most 5 year olds love 'em)
a Good Book

£5 - £8 for me. Last year we bought Lego helicoptors for the boys (around £7-8 each) and Usbourne Sparkly Things to Make and Do / Princess / Mermaid books plus glitter, pens, etc for the girls. I have to confess I bulk bought the books from The Book People to get a great price, but then DS1 went to around 15 parties last year. I was very relieved when he had his own 5th birthday party a few months ago that what I had been buying was in the right range.

I just bulk bought a whole load of remote control cars from Woolies for £5 each, as DD (also just started reception) is of to her first party this weekend. So that is the boys sorted, just need to find a girly equivalent bargain.

I tend to buy craft sets for girls - M&S have a nice range out now, and ELC always have good ones. Bead sets, and card making sets seem very popular too. My DD loves anything crafty - ELC do a fab set of a teaset to paint, and she also had an umbrella to paint, and a mug.

Boys I never have a clue about !

Fantastic - thanks for the suggestions. Off to see what bargains I can get now, it is clearly going to pay to stock up.